Monday, September 4, 2017

M-Net replacing Ellen with James Corden; Ellen moving to VUZU on DStv as the British talk show host takes the 5pm slot.


M-Net is replacing Ellen DeGeneres in the pay-TV broadcaster's late afternoon timeslot with James Corden.

After several years on M-Net (DStv 101), Ellen will start on VUZU (DStv 116) on Monday 11 September, with The Late Late Show with James Corden that will start in Ellen's place on the M-Net channel on 18 September in the 17:00 timeslot.

M-Net gave no reason for moving Ellen away, although the channel did the same with fellow talk show The Talk a few years ago that was shipped from M-Net to Mzansi Magic (DStv 161).

The Late Late Show with James Corden was previously exclusively available on Naspers' subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service Showmax, but since his pop culture success with his "carpool karaoke" James Corden has seen a dramatic rise in his showbiz profile worldwide.

"Don't be misled by the words 'Late Late' in the show's title," says Lani Lombard, M-Net head of publicity.

"Even though the programme is broadcast late in the evening in the United States, it's the perfect entertainment to put you in a good mood for the bumper prime-time offering each night."

"M-Net continues to bring you the very best entertainment from around the globe and we're thrilled to add this trendy programme to our schedule."

Like Ellen, the British James Corden's couch is filled with American entertainers, performers, singers, film stars and artists, and like Ellen he often sings along with them.

M-Net has been showing reruns of the 14th season of Ellen, with the 15th season of Ellen that will start in America on Tuesday 5 September and is the season that will show on VUZU.

It's not clear what season of The Late Late Show with James Corden will be on M-Net, although it will likely be the new third season starting in America on Tuesday 5 September.