Subscriber OnlyLetters

Time to put The Late Late Show out of its misery

In contrast, Tommy Tiernan’s talk show is currently the best of its kind on Irish television

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Mon May 04 2026 - 05:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – I am writing with regard to the discussion about who will or will not be presenting The Late Late Show when it returns ("Last night’s Late Late Show could have been Patrick Kielty’s last. Who needs the other more?“, Radio, May 2nd).

Is it time to think the unthinkable and consider if The Late Late Show has run its course?

It is an Irish television institution forever linked to the era of Gay Byrne. Ireland has changed much since that time.

The best talk show on Irish television now is probably Tommy Tiernan’s gem, where the host does not know who his guests will be. The results can be revealing and often emotional. The guests all have one thing in common: they are not flogging something. The Late Late Show is a dead horse. Let it be. – Yours, etc,

READ MORE

Dave Hannigan: Long before US soccer became a cash cow, it was kept alive by a devoted Irishman

Look inside: Home of Year finalist features colour drenching and striking design in Terenure

Stephen Rochford: If it’s a red card in the 66th minute, it’s a red card in the sixth minute

This eight-point plan to make electricity cheap again could also help cut emissions

ANTHONY MOONEY,

East Sussex,

UK.