‘The Late Late Show with James Corden’ brings on Reggie Watts as bandleader

For the first time in the history of “The Late Late Show,” the series is going to have something that pretty much every other late-night show in existence already has: A house band.

CBS confirmed today that the James Corden-hosted series has brought on board Reggie Watts as its bandleader, and since this show does not start until March, they’re going to have some time to work on ideas. Watts will also be his onscreen sidekick, which basically means that he is a replacement for Geoff, Craig Ferguson’s robot skeleton who has been a tremendous part of the show over the past several years.

Watts has some experience on late-night already, having appeared on “Conan” and also having a frequent presence on IFC’s “Comedy Bang! Bang!” over the course of its run. He brings at least that much American TV experience, which could be valuable given that he is not someone that familiar to audiences here.

Of course, right now to us Questlove is the best bandleader on TV by a wide margin, mostly because he is the perfect counterpoint to Jimmy Fallon. Paul Shaffer is probably underrated, since his most defining characteristic to many beyond his signature look as that cackle any time Dave tells an obnoxious joke.

In case you missed the announcement earlier this week, David Letterman is going to be hosting his final edition of “The Late Show” on Wednesday, May 20. Meanwhile, “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” is going to sign off come Thursday night. Get ready to be emotional.

What do you think about this show hiring Watts for this role? Share some of your thoughts and reactions to this right now with a comment.