In the ever-changing landscape of late-night television lies a particularly new supernova — and it has a British accent. James Corden was inaugurated into the homes of millions Monday night as he stepped out from behind the curtain to officially begin his tenure as the host for “The Late Late Show.” With the first week now in the books, Corden has proved that he has the potential to fill the cavity that Craig Ferguson has left in his wake.
The self-effacing demeanor, endearing presence and only a faint air of nervousness could immediately be sensed as Corden graced the stage for the first time.
Relatively unknown to American audiences, the English host wasted no time in introducing himself before transitioning into the opening monologue. If the question of how one becomes the host of a show that holds such a legacy still loomed large within the audience’s conscience, Corden did not hesitate to reveal such information.
A series of daunting auditions for network executives? Establish lasting relationships with peers and other hosts in the industry? According to Corden, it was as simple as stumbling upon a golden ticket and attending a comedy boot camp led by who else but Jay Leno.
From badgering Mila Kunis into nearly admitting her marriage to breezing through Tom Hank’s entire filmography in an eight-minute medley, Corden made sure to hit the ground running in his debut that had over one million people watching.
It was the following night where audiences began to truly get a taste of Corden’s quirky approach to comedy. As seen in much of late-night television throughout the years, the conventional monologue consists of current event jokes by means of the paradigmatic set-up and punchline structure.
Instead of adhering to this mold, Corden’s technique is to incorporate less current event jokes in his monologue for the sake of lingering on a single matter for an extended period of time.
With a Hollywood backdrop, no desk and an on-set bar, the design of the set seems to strive for a relaxed aura to make guests to feel comfortable. Corden’s interviewing style is also very conversational and makes it seem as if the show is being held in a living room that bears a resemblance to Graham Norton’s set.
However, do not succumb to this facade because as we have seen before, Corden is not reluctant to ask the unsparing questions to guests.
Expectations of the first week were met with all of the late-night talk show essentials; the musical number, the remote segment and the ridiculous yet somehow hilarious game-show. There is little doubt that Corden has all the necessary ingredients to be a contender in the fierce late-night race. The question is, how and when will he find his unique identity?
Reach the reporter at zmoranno@asu.edu or follow @thezackarymoran on Twitter.
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