Hollywood Breakdown
James Corden Charms Late Night; So Long to Downton Abbey
American television abounds with British stars both coming and going. After six seasons, PBS will say farewell to Downton Abbey, and James Corden wraps up a successful first week as the new host of The Late Late Show on CBS.
By Kim Masters • • 3m ListenThe drama that changed the game for PBS, historical soap opera Downton Abbey, will end the series after an upcoming sixth and final season, but the impact of the show will be felt long after the Crawley family says goodbye. With its shorter contracts for actors and limited seasons, Downton Abbey changed the way television is produced, and opened the door for more international productions to find a place on American TV screens. And as Downton sees its final days, another Brit, James Corden is just getting acquainted with Americans as the new host of The Late Late Show on CBS. His debut week has seen strong ratings and brings a more British style of talk show to US shores. The show also introduces the musical and comedic stylings of Reggie Watts to a more mainstream audience.
