Queue-T: James Corden Has Been in the Driver’s Seat For Years

It’s been 15 months since James Corden landed on American television and in that time he’s made his mark as, “Oh yeah, that guy that drives around singing with celebrities!” A little more time, plus his gig hosting the Tony Awards this weekend, will prove to Americans what Brits already know: this dude is the real deal.
Corden has been a British TV staple since the turn of the century. Roles in shows like Boyz Unlimited and Teachers led him to parts in movies such as The History Boys (which he also appeared in the Broadway production of) and Starter for 10, as well as the show Fat Friends, which served as both a big break for his career, as well as a serendipitous meeting of his future writing partner, Ruth Jones. The two wrote and created Gavin & Stacey, which is essentially the British version of Friends. It was HUGE, and Corden also starred as Gavin’s (Matthew Horne) best bud Smithy, responsible for bringing a ton of laughs to each episode.

From there, he and Horne wrote, created and performed in the sketch show Horne & Corden. It wasn’t quite the hit that Gavin & Stacey had become, but Corden charged on with parts in Gulliver’s Travels and The Three Musketeers, and made a name for himself as a brilliant host, especially for the BRIT Awards. He hopped back over the pond in 2011 to star in the Broadway show, One Man, Two Guvnors, for which he won the Tony award. So, his job as host for the show celebrating all things Broadway this weekend makes complete and total sense.

Before being declared “the most exciting new host in late night” by me, right now (and probably some other people too), Corden appeared in the films Begin Again and Into The Woods, showing off both his vocal and comedic skills. He also, wrote, created and starred with Mathew Baynton in the show The Wrong Mans, a silly action thriller sitcom that is beyond worth of a watch, and the full 10 episodes are available on Hulu now.
Corden brings the same enthusiasm to hosting that your childhood friend would have if they, too, found themselves sitting next to Mariah Carey. After so many years in this business, Corden has managed to keep that sparkle in his eye as bright as ever. And he remains quite underrated as an actor! He can command all your attention when he’s on stage, and when he’s on screen, hold on to your feelings. In an instant, you can catch his contagious smile, but with one sad frown, you’ll feel like he just punched you in the heart.
All of this is to say, Corden has had a lot of creativity and control when it comes to his career, so delivering something as wonderful as Carpool Karaoke or hosting the Tony Awards are a no-brainer for him, and for audiences alike. He’s got the Tony, arguably the hardest to achieve, and it’s only a matter of time before this man lands the full EGOT.
Until then, we’ll enjoy him leading the festivities at the Tonys on Sunday, as well as these 5 streaming selections:
Gavin & Stacey
While he does bring the laughs to G&S, Corden also brings a ton of heart, emotion and fun surprises to the show. He remains ride-or-die for Gavin, and you’ll find yourself smiling anytime he pops up on screen.
[Watch Gavin & Stacey on Hulu]
The Wrong Mans

What kind of genre are you in the mood for: comedy? Action? Mystery? This show has got a little bit of everything. Corden proves once again he’s the best bud a guy could ask for, and certainly one you’d want to have around when you’re on the run.
[Watch The Wrong Mans on Hulu]
Into The Woods
Corden duets with Anna Kendrick and Emily Blunt (who plays his wife) in this Disney movie musical which is basically fairytales on steroids.
[Where to watch Into the Woods]
Begin Again
You know that pal that helps you get through a breakup, but also knows just the right song to play at a party? Corden is exactly that for Keira Knightly in this delightful film.
[Where to watch Begin Again]
The Late Late Show

We’ve seen him get teary next to Stevie Wonder and go shopping with Biebs, but The Late Late Show is bigger than just Carpool Karaoke. While those segments are undeniably great, Corden brings an energy to the guest interviews unlike anyone else on TV. It never feels stale when he’s bringing random celebrities together on a couch, and when one happens to be a close friend of his (and many are!)? Buckle in for a good time. Take this moment to re-watch his Lemonade parody because it slays.
[Watch The Late Late Show on CBS All Access]