The British presenter previously extended his contract for the CBS late-night series for one year and would depart ahead of summer 2023.
James Corden began hosting The Late Late Show in March 2015, succeeding Craig Ferguson. Since then, the British host has became a worldwide sensation with his signature Carpool Karaoke segments. Despite his success, Corden has decided to say goodbye to the show, at least for now.
In April 2022, Corden initially revealed his intention to step down as the host of The Late Late Show. However, he continued to serve as the show's host for one last season before his final departure this week.
James Corden's reason for leaving The Late Late Show
Although James Corden doesn't feel 'entirely ready' to depart from The Late Late Show, he is convinced that it's the correct choice. Prior to his final episode on Thursday, the comedian spoke to ET and clarified why he was 'compelled' to arrange his exit at this point. He said:
'You don't want to be making a mistake but I just feel compelled to do it. I feel like I've got to, I feel like if I don't leave now, I never will...or it will be me just being pushed out the door.'
According to Stylecaster, Corden revealed that he and his wife, Lisa, are moving back to London with their three children after living some of their life in the United States.
Another factor behind his decision is that Corden wanted to end things on his own terms and leave on a high note. He explained:
'I think that it matters, and I think I've done 1200 shows by the time we finish -- that is a lot of TV. We have done things on the show that far exceeded anything I thought we were capable of.'
Corden was especially proud of his team for managing the pandemic restrictions well and adapting to the changing times, which allowed the show to survive:
'Through COVID, and we've watched people get married, we've seen babies born, we've supported each other as people lost loved ones, we've gone through shooting the show remotely in my garage. We have been through an absolute roller coaster and that's what I will miss. I will miss the camaraderie, the environment, the spirit.'
Corden added that his most treasured memories will always be the people:
'It's a magical environment, there's been so much growth. In the truest sense it feels like a found family, and we've been through a lot as a team.'
Reflecting on his time on the show, Corden said:
'I'm excited and scared in equal measure. I don't know it's been a crazy eight years. In one sense it feels like it's gone like that and in the other I can't really remember what life was like before being here.'
Carpool Karaoke: A Legacy
One of the defining aspects of Corden's tenure on The Late Late Show was his popular Carpool Karaoke segment. Corden would 'drive to work' with various musical stars, singing songs from their back catalogues and having conversations.
Throughout his tenure on The Late Late Show, James Corden's Carpool Karaoke segment showcased many prominent musicians such as Adele, Sir Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, and One Direction. The segment has become a cultural phenomenon, with some episodes amassing hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
On Thursday, Adele, a frequent guest on the show, joined Corden for a final Carpool Karaoke session ahead of his departure. The Hello hitmaker shared that Corden and his wife were her closest confidants during her split from Simon Konecki, and that their conversation inspired her song I Drink Wine, which she considers some of her best writing. Playing the track, Adele told him 'every time I listen to this I think of you', as Corden sat reduced to tears.
According to Deadline, Adele's debut appearance on the segment, filmed in London in 2016, spawned numerous viral moments, such as Adele guzzling down an entire cup of tea and demonstrating her rap abilities. It became the most viral Carpool Karaoke clip of the show with 67.5 million views on YouTube, and it has now surpassed 260 million.
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