Sad news for late-night television fans - the much loved The Late Late Show has been given its last call. After 28 years of providing entertainment, James Corden will be officially signing off in mid-2023 - and unfortunately, the show will not go on this time. However, reports say that CBS is bringing back an old favorite to shake up the late-night landscape...
After Corden clears out his desk for good this spring, many fans may be surprised by what's taking the time slot: a reboot of @midnight! Based off the original Comedy Central series that ran for 600 episodes between 2013-17, it looks like late night TV show formats are getting some much appreciated makeovers. Unlike The Late Late Show viewers, fans of Stephen Colbert will have a reason to rejoice: the TV host is expanding his late-night empire with an exciting new exec producer role on Funny or Die's upcoming incarnation of @midnight. This addition to comedian's resume adds yet another hour dedicated to comedy television, alongside the wildly successful Tooning Out the News and Hell of a Week with Charlamagne Tha God shows.
After the announcement of The Late Late Show's exit, CBS President and CEO George Cheeks began an extensive search for the perfect replacement. Looking to cut costs in their 12:30 a.m hour from $60 million per year down to roughly $35 million, many potential contenders were considered before finally picking @midnight as Corden's successor. As reported by Deadline last year, Cheeks hoped that this new candidate could offer something fresh and experimental when it came time for him or her to step into the role of talk show host on CBS late night series. Chris Hardwick, the beloved host of original @midnight won't be part of its newly announced reboot. Reports suggest he will not have direct involvement in the show's return.
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CBS is paying homage to the past with its recent decision to appoint Stephen Colbert as an executive producer of the show, reminiscent of David Letterman's legendary contract that granted him and his production company control over 11:30 PM programming. Even though today looks a lot different with CBS retaining ownership rights for their late night block, this move celebrates a time honored TV tradition.