James Corden opens up about leaving 'The Late Late Show'

On Thursday afternoon it was announced that James Corden will be leaving The Late Late Show in 2023. Corden has decided to extend his contract with CBS for just one more year, and will have hosted the show for eight years when he says goodbye before next summer.

On Thursday night's episode, the host opened up about his decision, stating, "I am happy to announce today that I have signed a new contract to carry on hosting The Late Late Show." As the audience broke out into applause, Corden interrupted, saying, "But wait. I appreciate it. That's really only half the story on this one. The other half is, the sadder news, is I have decided to sign for one more year on the show. And that this will be my last year hosting The Late Late Show."

"I never want this show to overstay its welcome in any way. I always want to love making it. And I really think that a year from now, that will be a good time to move on and see what else might be out there." While some fans were saddened over the news Thursday, Corden reminded everyone there is still plenty of time, and surprises, ahead.

"But I gotta tell you, we're not leaving today. We still have a year to go and we are all determined to make this the best year we have ever had making this show. We're going to go out with a bang, there are going to be carpools and crosswalks and sketches and other surprises. And there will be tears, there will be so many tears," said Corden as he himself began to get a little emotional.

Corden also stated, "This has been the hardest decision I've ever had to make. It really has. I have never taken this job for granted, ever, not once. The fact that you watch us at home, or you watch us online, wherever you are all around the world. The fact that we get to try and entertain you, and spend time with you, is an absolute privilege for me and every single person who makes this show. Here's to the next 12 months. It's going to be a blast, I promise you that."

Video Transcript

JAMES CORDEN: I've decided to sign for one more year on the show and that this will be-- this will be my last year hosting "The Late Late Show," don't you dare.

KYLIE MAR: On Thursday afternoon, it was revealed that James Corden will be leaving "The Late Late Show" in 2023. After seven years, Corden has decided to extend his late-night contract with CBS for just one more year and will say goodbye to the show before next summer.

JAMES CORDEN: When I started this journey, it was always going to be just that. It was going to be a journey and adventure. I never saw it as my final destination, you know. And I-- I never want this show to overstay its welcome.

KYLIE MAR: Corden went on to say that he believes a year from now will be a good time for him to move on and see what else is out there. And while some fans of the show were heartbroken over the news, Corden reminded them that there is still plenty of time and surprises ahead.

JAMES CORDEN: We are going to go out with a bang. There's going to be carpools, and crosswalks, and sketches, and other surprises. And-- and there'll be this-- there'll be tears, there'll be so many tears.

KYLIE MAR: Corden also said that leaving "The Late Late Show" has been the hardest decision he's ever had to make but is so thankful for all the fans around the world.

JAMES CORDEN: The fact that we get to try and entertain you and spend time with you is an absolute privilege for me and every single person who makes this show. Here's to the next 12 months. It is going to be a blast.