James Corden's Late-Night Return: A Mixed Bag for FOX
The return of James Corden to late-night television on FOX has been a modest success, according to Nielsen ratings data. While it didn't set the ratings world on fire, it also didn't result in a complete failure. Corden's 'FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden' premiere attracted 418,000 total viewers and 110,000 adults aged 18-49 during its midnight hour on FOX.
In a competitive landscape, this performance is a mixed bag. The show aired six hours after the tournament's opening match, with minimal promotion, which likely contributed to its lower viewership compared to established late-night programs on ABC, NBC, and CBS. ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' and 'Nightline' dominated the hour, attracting 1.564 million viewers, while NBC's 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' and 'Late Night with Seth Meyers' drew 930,000 and 119,000 viewers, respectively.
However, Corden's show managed to outperform CBS's 'Comics Unleashed' and 'Funny You Should Ask', which is a positive sign. The demo picture, focusing on the 18-49 age group, was more encouraging for FOX. 'After Hours' averaged 110,000 adults in this demographic, surpassing CBS's 64,000 and coming close to NBC's 119,000.
The premiere featured Mila Kunis, who made her first appearance on Corden's CBS 'Late Late Show', and a pre-taped segment with the U.S. men's national team. The show will air several nights a week on FOX until July 15, live at midnight ET and on tape delay in other time zones.
While this debut may not have been a ratings blockbuster, it's a respectable start for a sports-adjacent pop-up show. Corden's ability to engage audiences, even in a challenging time slot, is a testament to his talent. As the show continues, it will be interesting to see if FOX can build on this foundation and create a sustainable late-night offering.
In my opinion, Corden's return to late-night TV is a strategic move that could pay off in the long run. His popularity and ability to connect with audiences, especially those who enjoy sports-related content, could help FOX establish a strong presence in the late-night arena. However, the competition is fierce, and sustained success will require careful planning and execution.
