During his April 28 show, The Late Late Show host James Corden announced that his contract with CBS will end in 2023. This announcement was met with sadness from fans of his Emmy Award-winning segment Carpool Karaoke. However, many comedy lovers were relieved to learn of his departure. Corden is rumored in Hollywood to be mean to fellow celebrities and employees and is said to have advocated for lower pay for writers at a Writers Guild Association meeting in 2019.
Now, with a spot wide open for a late-night television host, it’s time that someone besides a straight cis man runs the show. In fact, the only current late-night shows you can see whose hosts do not fit this description include Full Frontal with Samantha Bee on TBS and The Amber Ruffin Show on Peacock. Don’t get me wrong — I am a religious Stephen Colbert watcher. (Just check my Her Campus bio.) However, late-night comedy watchers deserve to hear their topical jokes from a wide array of perspectives, not just multiple dudes named Jimmy. If I had it my way, one of these fabulous women comedians would take over for Corden and make the show even better.
Quinta Brunson
Have you been seeing Abbott Elementary trending on Twitter? If you haven’t, you simply must not use the app. This ABC mockumentary sitcom created by and starring Quinta Brunson has taken off with nearly perfect reviews. Brunson is not only a fabulous writer, stand-up comedian, actress and producer, she is also a meme. With Brunson’s ability to write and perform her own work and effortlessly collaborate with and lead a team, she would be a well-loved audience favorite. She already has people dying to see what’s next for Abbott Elementary. It’s clear that she is just getting started and I can’t wait to see all she accomplishes. Creator of the best sitcom today, host of the best late-night show in 2023?
Patti Harrison
If you don’t know the name Patti Harrison yet, you certainly will. The stand-up comedian and actress can be seen in the recent Sandra Bullock rom-com The Lost City and Tim Robinson’s hit Netflix show I Think You Should Leave, among many other comedy works. Her humor has no boundaries and is truly in a league of its own. You may have also experienced her wildly entertaining albeit unhinged writing in Netflix’s Big Mouth. Harrison is certainly skyrocketing to the top with her performance and writing work and if she ends up as a host, I would be there to watch her and her oddball jokes daily.
Riki Lindhome & Kate Micucci
Why have one host when you can have two? Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci may be better known for their musical comedy duo act Garfunkel & Oates with such hits as “The Loophole,” “Pregnant Women are Smug,” and many more. Their undeniable chemistry and comedy creation skills would allow them to craft a new mainstream co-host talk show. Plus — if one person needs a night off, there will always be someone who can fly solo. Personally, I think their music chops would bode well for unique sketches and segments with guests. They would be able to crank out viral musical comedy content for those viewers who love the vibes from Carpool Karaoke and want to keep the singing aspect alive in the show. I mean, after all, who doesn’t love a good ukulele-fueled bit?
Dulcé Sloan
Current Daily Show correspondent Dulcé Sloan has the perfect comedy style and experience to take over the CBS show. Sloan has conducted both educational and hysterical pieces for the legacy Comedy Central show such as desk bits about New York Fashion Week, the Met Gala, and even romantic relationship studies (see above). She has great banter and improv skills alongside host Trevor Noah and I would love to see her quick-thinking and smart storytelling on her own show.
Emmy Blotnick
Stand-up comedian and Late Show Stephen Colbert writer Emmy Blotnick always has something witty to share. Her comedy album Party Nights is flawless, a mix of hilarious observations and personal stories that many women are sure to relate with. She has performed across the renowned stages including for Conan O’Brien’s audience and even at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY. Her most recent set on the Ed Sullivan Theater stage is perfect for anyone who has anxiety, which is many of us. Relatable, easy to talk to, and experienced beyond her years, Blotnick would be my first choice for a new host.
Tig Notaro
If you’re familiar with Tig Notaro’s work, you may know that she has a whole digital Funny Or Die show called Under A Rock with Tig Notaro where she interviews well-known celebrities without knowing them at all. In fact, she is well-known for not being engaged in pop culture. I think this is precisely how she could make a great host. Every guest would be treated the same, with no preconceived notions or odd personal celebrity beefs in the mix. She is both humble and relaxed, plus her signature sense of dry humor makes everyone feel at home.
Additionally, her style of comedy is very honest. (You should check out her stand-up performance after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.) Monologues, bits and conversations would have a different vibe with Notaro than with other over-the-top hosts, and that’s the refreshing change of pace that some viewers and comedy fans are looking for.
Regina Hall
Did you see Regina Hall’s host bits at this year’s Oscars? She absolutely killed every bit. In fact, I remember her jokes much more clearly than other events that came out of the evening (yes, even the slap). With work in timeless comedy flicks such as the Scary Movie film franchise and Girls Trip, she has the lively personality, Hollywood connections, and lived experience to host a show with ease.
Aparna Nancherla
Aparna Nancherla is a seasoned stand-up comedian who has appeared on Netflix’s The Standups and myriad Comedy Central shows. Her combination of stunning comedy, dry delivery, writing and experience on late night stages makes her the perfect candidate for taking over. Plus, she has performed on James Corden’s stage (see above), meaning she already knows the lay of the land. No need to give her a tour before she takes over.
Kate Berlant
Kate Berlant is high-energy and ready to party on late night. I cannot stress how positively wild Berlant is across her various performances. As the “party house” character in I Think You Should Leave, among other voices in Bob’s Burgers and BoJack Horseman, her absurd work is a comedy spectacle to behold. The New York Times described her as a “magnetic improvisational comic” in 2013, well before she was on her way to becoming a household name. These traits are ideal for breathing new life into the late night show format. Plus, her work with comedians such as Tim Robinson and her comedy partner John Early would make for some great guest appearances once they inevitably appear on the show.
Without a shred of doubt, these comedians are ones who should be on your radar, whether they end up hosting or not. Step aside, Jimmys of the world — it’s time for more women in late-night comedy.