Who Succeeded Craig Ferguson? The Story Of Late Night's Next Host

Maci Dare

02 Aug, 2025

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For quite some time, Craig Ferguson held a special spot in the hearts of late-night television viewers. His unique approach to hosting "The Late Late Show" truly made it stand out, offering something a bit different, you know, from the usual talk show format. People often wonder what happened after he stepped away, and, as a matter of fact, a big question that comes up quite a bit is exactly who took over that much-loved spot.

The idea of one person following another in a significant role, especially in the world of television, is always a topic of conversation. It's a natural progression, you see, where one personality completes their run, and then someone new comes along to carry on the tradition, or perhaps even start a completely fresh one. This transition can really shape the feel of a show, and, in a way, it’s a moment that many viewers watch with great interest.

So, when Craig Ferguson decided to move on from his role, the entertainment world, and fans too, were certainly curious about who would be the next person to grace that late-night stage. It was a significant moment for the show, and, honestly, the person who came next would have a big task ahead of them, stepping into shoes that were, in some respects, quite distinct and memorable.

The End of an Era: Craig Ferguson's Time on Late Night
A New Face Takes the Stage: James Corden's Arrival
Understanding "Succeeded": What It Means in Show Business
Frequently Asked Questions About The Late Late Show Transition

The End of an Era: Craig Ferguson's Time on Late Night

Craig Ferguson, a truly international television personality, known for his comedic timing, his writing, and his acting, was, you know, best recognized for being the host of CBS's "The Late Late Show." He actually took over this particular show in January of 2005, having followed Craig Kilborn in that very role. For nearly a decade, he brought his distinct style and quick wit to the program, making it a favorite for many night owls.

His run on the show was, in a way, quite a journey. He hosted "The Late Late Show" all the way up until 2014, when his contract with CBS simply came to an end. It was, as a matter of fact, at the close of that year that he officially left the show, marking the end of a significant chapter in late-night television history. He had, you know, made a real mark during his time there, earning a Peabody Award in 2009 for a very thoughtful interview he conducted with the South African archbishop Desmond Tutu, which was, quite frankly, a powerful moment.

Beyond his hosting duties, Craig Ferguson had, you know, some rather interesting personal milestones. In 2008, for instance, he managed to become a citizen of the United States. His very first official gig as a new American was, arguably, quite a big deal: he hosted the White House Correspondence Dinner, sharing the stage with President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. That's, like, a pretty high-profile debut for a new citizen, wouldn't you say?

After leaving "The Late Late Show" in December 2014, Craig Ferguson didn't just disappear from television, not at all. He went on to host "Celebrity Name Game," a show that, as it turns out, earned him some impressive accolades. He received Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host in both 2015 and 2016, which, you know, just goes to show his talent extended beyond the late-night talk format. He has also, apparently, shared his life experiences in a memoir titled "Riding the Elephant, A Memoir of Altercations, Humiliations, Hallucinations, and Observations," which sounds, you know, like quite a read.

Craig Ferguson: Personal Details & Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Craig Ferguson
Known For	Hosting 'The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson'
Birth Date	May 17, 1962
Birthplace	Springburn, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Nationality	Scottish, US Citizen (since 2008)
Occupation	Television Personality, Comedian, Author, Actor
Notable Achievements	Peabody Award (2009), Daytime Emmy Awards (2015, 2016)

A New Face Takes the Stage: James Corden's Arrival

So, with Craig Ferguson's departure at the close of 2014, the big question remained: who would be the next person to take the helm of "The Late Late Show"? It was, in fact, in 2015 that the answer became clear, with a new personality stepping into that very prominent role. This individual was James Corden, who, as it happens, officially took over as the host of the program.

When Corden first arrived on the American television scene, he was, quite frankly, a virtual unknown to many people on this side of the Atlantic. His fame, however, really went through the roof, so to speak, in 2015, the very year he took over the show. It was a rapid rise to prominence for him, and, in a way, his unique style quickly captured the attention of a wide audience.

Who Is James Corden?

James Corden, when he first became the host of "The Late Late Show," was, as mentioned, a virtual unknown to many viewers in the United States. He brought his own distinct approach to the late-night format, which included, you know, his humorous opening monologues, various sketches, and even musical numbers. This blend of entertainment quickly became a signature part of his show, making it quite different from what came before.

His show, in some respects, became a new fixture in the late-night landscape, introducing fresh segments and a different energy. He was, as a matter of fact, the person who brought a particular kind of energy to the show, and that, arguably, helped him connect with a new set of viewers.

The Rise of Carpool Karaoke

One of the most recognizable and, quite honestly, popular segments that came out of James Corden's tenure on "The Late Late Show" was something called "Carpool Karaoke." This segment, where Corden would drive around with famous singers and they would sing along to their hits, became an absolute sensation. The first official version of this segment arrived, as it happens, when Corden officially took over the host role in 2015.

He did numerous editions of "Carpool Karaoke," featuring some incredibly well-known musical artists. For instance, he sang with Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Styles, and Katy Perry, just to name a few. These segments, honestly, became viral hits and really helped to boost the show's profile and, you know, Corden's own fame across the globe. It was, in a way, a very clever and engaging idea that really caught on with people.

Corden's Departure from Late Night

Just as Craig Ferguson eventually decided to step down from his role, James Corden also, in time, made a similar decision. Corden, who had, as we know, succeeded Craig Ferguson as the host of "The Late Late Show" in 2015, announced in April of 2022 that he would be stepping down from his position. He indicated that he planned to pursue other projects, signaling another big change for the show.

This announcement, you know, marked the upcoming end of another era for "The Late Late Show." It meant that after a significant period with Corden at the helm, the show would once again be looking for a new host, continuing the cycle of change that is, apparently, quite common in the world of late-night television.

Understanding "Succeeded": What It Means in Show Business

The word "succeed" is, you know, quite important when we talk about one person taking over from another, especially in a prominent role like a television host. In its simplest form, "succeed" means to come after something or someone. So, in this context, James Corden quite literally came after Craig Ferguson in the role of host for "The Late Late Show." It's, as a matter of fact, a straightforward way to describe the change.

The term also implies, as the definition suggests, a coming after immediately in a sequence. This sequence might be determined by a natural order, or perhaps by inheritance, election, or even laws of rank. In the case of a talk show host, it's typically by appointment or, you know, a choice made by the network, which fits this description rather well. Corden didn't just follow Ferguson at some random point; he followed him immediately in that specific position.

Beyond just coming after, "succeed" also carries the meaning of achieving something, or, you know, accomplishing an aim. When we say someone "succeeded" in getting tickets to a show, it means they managed to achieve that desired result. Similarly, when James Corden "succeeded" Craig Ferguson, he didn't just take the job; he also, in a way, managed to take on the challenge of hosting the show and, arguably, make it his own, which is a form of accomplishment in itself.

It can also mean to attain success in some popularly recognized form, like gaining wealth or standing. For Corden, taking over "The Late Late Show" certainly led to his American fame going "through the roof," which, you know, indicates a significant increase in his public standing and, likely, his professional success. This sense of "succeed" is about achieving a positive outcome or recognition.

Another way to look at "succeeded" is having followed or replaced another person by descent, election, or appointment. In the world of television, this is very much about appointment. A network appoints a new host to replace the previous one. So, James Corden was, in fact, appointed to the role, effectively replacing Craig Ferguson in that specific position. It's a very direct form of succession, you see.