Here’s a bit of news that’s holds a heck of a lot of promise: the estimably wacky and fantastically talented Reggie Watts is set to be the on-set sidekick and bandleader for James Corden’s Late Late Show following his takeover from longtime host Craig Ferguson. Which means that, starting March 23rd, things in late night are about to get super-fun and funky.
CBS announced the news on Friday morning, and while we’re all about — and will do so shortly — celebrating Watts’ upgrade, we do have a bit of mourning to do first. Shortly after Watts’ new gig was announced, his Comedy Bang! Bang! compatriot, Scott Aukerman brought us the sad news that the musician/comedian will leave the show midway through 2015. Sniff.
Reggie is sticking around thru the first half of 2015, during which he have planned a very fitting goodbye for him.
— Scott Aukerman (@ScottAukerman) December 12, 2014
It’s a big jump for Watts — to leave the land of cable comedy cuteness for ye ole network nincompoopery — but one that’s well deserved. Watts’ brand of oddball comedy and musical stylings is inventive and, at times, downright zany. Couple that with Corden’s own musical (and comedic) chops, and — well! — we’re fairly certain these two are going to be quite the match. Prepare for the sing-offs, people, for they will be epic.
Now, what all of this really means is we’re going to need to have a battle between Seth Meyers’ Fred Armisen and Corden’s Watts. Late Night Wars, Schmate Lite Wars — let’s bringing on the battle of the bandleaders!
What do you think of Watts’ appointment? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Forever in competition with the memories of not-a-real-horse and a gay robot skeleton. Reggie got this.
I’m happy for Reggie’s success but sad that he is leaving Comedy Bang Bang. It would be pretty cool if Don’t Stop or We’ll Die become Scott’s new band.