James Corden made one of the biggest moves of his career as he debuted as the host of a major American talk show.
The Gavin And Stacey star was joined by guests Tom Hanks and Mila Kunis for his eagerly-anticipated first episode of The Late Late Show, which also featured pre-recorded cameos from Oscar winner Meryl Streep, former late night talk show host Jay Leno and The West Wing actress Allison Janney.
Within minutes of the show airing at 12.35am ET (4.35am GMT) on US network CBS, viewers took to Twitter to lavish praise on the British star.
Our apartment is watching #LateLateShow and swooning over the amazing James Corden. Brilliant.
— Danielle (@sunnydeedoherty) March 24, 2015
Fantastic…no one knows James Corden and he got Jay Leno & a bunch of A-listers to do this video bit. Shows got possibilities #LateLateShow
— Clinton Corley (@clintonINC) March 24, 2015
it seems that so far the late late show with james corden has pulled more celebrity cameos than the entire run of other talk shows
— sonia saraiya (@soniasaraiya) March 24, 2015
James Corden is killing it on the late late show. He's such a charming guy.
— John (@JohnneyTsunami) March 24, 2015
James Corden's a natural! Welcome to the late night circuit, sir! You'll fit right in. #LateLateShow #JamesCorden
— Emily (@_spacegandalf) March 24, 2015
Not all viewers were immediately convinced though.
I don't think it's going to take 3 months for America to be over James Corden on the #Late Late Show #CBS Only person laughing is him.
— Ron Wells (@LasVegasRounder) March 24, 2015
The all new #LateLateShow with James Corden is… interesting so far. Good? The jury is still out.
— Jack Obora (@JackObora) March 24, 2015
The 36-year-old, who takes over from Scottish-born Craig Ferguson, taped the show the day before the broadcast in front of a live audience at CBS Studios in Los Angeles.
Later in the week James will be joined by US actors Chris Pine and Will Ferrell.
The show’s producers along with James have already said they intend to use a British technique that does not happen as often on US chat shows – bringing all the guests on together.
Hoping it will spark some spontaneity, James said: “Seeing people interact in a way that is a bit more interesting.”
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