“It was simply not sustainable”: James Corden’s Massive Salary Allegedly Forced CBS to Shut Down ‘The Late Late Show’ After Failing Viewership
James Corden, the British actor, comedian, and singer, rose to fame with his hosting career. When he was roped in on late-night television by CBS, it felt like a stranger has entered America. With the possible exception of a small group of theatre enthusiasts who had seen him perform in a few Broadway plays, no one knew who he was. After succeeding Craig Ferguson as host of The Late Late Show in 2015, Corden soon became a popular TV personality.
The show was running for 28 years and had a special fan base. With its last episode airing on 27th April, the show bid adieu to the audience. The falling viewership was the reason for the end of the show. Recent reports have stated that CBS was not able to afford the 44-year-old comedian.
James Corden’s massive salary was a reason for the end of The Late Late Show
James Corden is undoubtedly one of the well-known individuals, despite his tardiness in entering the field of hosting late-night shows. The British actor made his presence known in 2015 and began his 8-year adventure after signing a contract with The Late Late Show.
The actor announced his leave from the show last year but extended his stay due to emotional attachment. A source told Los Angeles Magzine that the show hosted by Corden since 2015, cost $60 million to $65 million a year to produce but made less than $45 million.
With his time on the show, the 44-year comedian earned a salary of $4 million to $5 million when he first signed onto the show. Later the pay increased to an undisclosed amount with the show’s success.
An anonymous executive told the source, “It was simply not sustainable. CBS could not afford him anymore.”
The host of The Late Late Show announced his exit as a host in April 2022. During the time it was unclear whether the franchise will continue the show with another host. Rather they cut off the show by airing its last episode on April 28, 2023.
The success of The Late Late Show with James Corden
Goodbyes are always difficult, but they are necessary. Corden started his journey with The Late Late Show in 2015. He was part of the show for eight years. Although he decided to leave in 2022, he extended his stay till April 2023.
The show gave him the name and fame for which he came to America. The British star started his adventure after Craig Ferguson handed over management of the show to him in 2015. The CBS show got 12 Emmy nominations under Corden’s direction, and in 2019, it won the prize for the best interactive program.
Carpool Karaoke and Spill Your Guts, where celebrities had to answer questions honestly or eat strange meals, were two of the show’s most well-liked segments.
Source: Los Angeles Magzine
