James Corden said goodbye to “The Late Late Show” Thursday after eight years and nearly 1,200 episodes. As the curtain fell on this chapter of Corden’s career, he concluded his last show on a serious note, making an emotional call for unity in the US before leaving for his homeland of England.
“I implore you to remember what America means to the rest of the world. My entire life has always been a place of optimism and joy,” she said. “Look for the light. Look for the joy, because if you do, it’s out there. And that’s what this show is about.”
For eight years, Corden’s audience was captivated nightly as he seamlessly transitioned between iconic segments like “Carpool Karaoke” and candid conversations that often felt like a fan meeting their hero.
Corden’s farewell episode showed his characteristic Mood, with jokes ranging from a glue spill on a Michigan highway to heartfelt goodbyes. Even President Biden joined in expressing gratitude for him.
In a video message, the president thanked Corden for the joy he brought to homes across the United States. He jokingly acknowledged Corden’s famous Carpool Karaoke segments, saying, “Special thanks for never asking me to sing in a car. I can’t sing worth my while.”
His fellow overnight hosts couldn’t help but question his decision to leave. In a light-hearted exchange, Stephen Colbert jokingly asked Corden if he had thought it through. Colbert quipped, “What other job will allow you to start singing every night?” Corden responded by saying that he doesn’t sing or dance every night, but colleagues of his, like Jimmy Kimmel, jokingly chimed in and insisted that he did.
Corden still seems taken aback by the show’s success, saying, “If you looked at my yearbook picture and [said] Like, ‘That guy’s going to have a late-night talk show,’ you’re like, ‘No, he won’t.
“I’m very proud of the show,” he said. “I’m very proud of what we’ve done and it definitely feels like the right time to say, ‘I think we did everything we came here to do.'”
Ben Tracy
