Who the Heck is James Corden?

I will miss Craig Ferguson when he leaves the CBS's Late Late Show later this year.  We are unlikely to see dancing horses, the "awkward pause," and his sidekick skeleton friend Geoff on the television screen ever again.  And it seems CBS is keen to replace Scottish-American Ferguson with another UK talent, this one being James Corden.  But I have to admit that I cannot remember having seen Corden in any program, unlike Ferguson who was the much loved boss in The Drew Carey Show. 

CBS claims Corden is "the ultimate multi-hyphenate – a writer, creator and performer who is loved and respected in every medium he touches, including theater, comedy, music, film and television. James is already a big star in the UK and he’s wowed American audiences on Broadway; we’re very excited to introduce his considerable and very unique talents to our network television audience on a daily basis.”

But I am not familiar with his television credits, from the British sitcom Gavin & Stacey to the The Wrong Mans.  Here is a clip with him from a trailer for The Wrong Mans.  In the clip he does not know what HULU is, which works well since we do not know who he is.  A good match.  All I can say is that CBS probably did well avoiding another SNL alum and keeping the show different.  The variety on these evening variety shows has been sketchy, with Arsenio Hall trying to break into the slot but not being able to do so.  And why is it women hosts control the afternoon and men the evenings?  Very odd.  Anyway, I hope we get a good show with Mr. Cordon.  He has very big (and odd) shoes to fill.