When it comes to the legendary *Late Late Show*, two of its most prominent former hosts,
Ryan Tubridy and Pat Kenny, have each opened up about their experiences and the challenges they faced during their respective tenures.
While the show remains one of the most iconic fixtures in Irish television history, serving as a powerful cultural touchstone for decades,
both Tubridy and Kenny have recently revealed that there was one particular aspect of hosting the *Late Late Show* that they truly disliked.
This revelation has sparked curiosity among fans and viewers, as the show is often viewed as a dream job in the entertainment world,
but behind the scenes, there was clearly a less glamorous side that even its most experienced hosts found frustrating.
For Ryan Tubridy, who served as the host of the *Late Late Show* for an impressive 14 years, there was no shortage of high points in his career. Tubridy developed a reputation for his ability to connect with audiences, whether through lighthearted celebrity interviews, deeply personal conversations, or meaningful segments that tackled societal issues. However, in a recent candid conversation, Tubridy admitted that one of the most challenging and unenjoyable parts of the job was the immense pressure and public scrutiny that came with being at the helm of such a beloved program.
Tubridy explained that the expectations surrounding the *Late Late Show* often created an overwhelming sense of responsibility. He described how every decision—from guest selections to the tone of particular episodes—was heavily analyzed, not only by producers but also by the viewers at home. “You’re carrying this show that’s been around for decades. It’s more than just a talk show—it’s an institution, and with that comes pressure. You feel like you’re carrying the weight of history on your shoulders,” Tubridy remarked. He added that the constant fear of backlash or criticism made certain weeks far more stressful than others. “If something didn’t work, you’d hear about it. If a guest wasn’t to the audience’s liking, you’d hear about that too. There was very little room for error.”
While Tubridy has always been quick to express his gratitude for the opportunities the *Late Late Show* gave him, he admitted that the unrelenting pressure eventually wore him down over time. Hosting the show required not only his full creative energy but also his emotional stamina, which could be draining. “I don’t think people always realize how much goes into one night of television,” he noted. “By the time you step onto the stage, you’re already carrying the stress of everything that led up to that moment.”
Similarly, Pat Kenny, who hosted the *Late Late Show* from 1999 to 2009, shared his own insights about the role, echoing some of Tubridy’s frustrations while adding his unique perspective. Kenny, an experienced broadcaster and journalist, revealed that the sheer unpredictability of the *Late Late Show* was one of the aspects he disliked most. Known for being a live, unscripted format that could go in any direction, the *Late Late Show* occasionally presented moments that were chaotic, uncomfortable, or completely unexpected, leaving hosts with the responsibility of managing the situation in real time.
Kenny explained, “One minute you’re laughing with a comedian, and the next minute you’re talking to someone about a deeply personal tragedy. The gear shifts could be jarring, and as the host, you were expected to navigate those transitions seamlessly. Sometimes it felt like walking a tightrope.” Kenny also spoke about the difficulty of keeping control of the room during heated debates or controversial topics. “It’s live television, and things can go sideways very quickly. You have to be ready for anything because, frankly, you don’t know what’s going to happen next. That unpredictability was exciting at times, but it was also the part I dreaded the most.”
In addition to these challenges, both Tubridy and Kenny touched on how hosting the *Late Late Show* affected their personal lives. For Tubridy, the intense public attention that came with the job sometimes made it difficult to maintain privacy. “People felt like they knew me because they saw me every week, but it could be a bit much at times,” he admitted. Kenny, meanwhile, discussed the demanding schedule of the show and how it required him to sacrifice time with family and friends. “The commitment is immense,” he said. “When you’re the host of the *Late Late Show*, it becomes your entire life.”
Despite these challenges, both Tubridy and Kenny were quick to acknowledge the pride they felt in their roles. They recognized the *Late Late Show* as a platform that brought important conversations to Irish households and as a cultural cornerstone that defined generations. Tubridy reflected on the moments of magic that made the pressures worthwhile, saying, “There were nights when everything clicked—the guests, the audience, the energy—and those were the moments that reminded you why you loved the job.”
In revealing the less glamorous side of hosting one of television’s most storied programs, Ryan Tubridy and Pat Kenny offered a rare glimpse into the realities of live broadcasting. While the role came with its rewards, it also carried immense challenges, from public scrutiny to the emotional toll of live, unpredictable television. Their candid admissions serve as a reminder that even the most iconic jobs in entertainment are not without their struggles. For fans of the *Late Late Show*, it adds a new layer of appreciation for the hosts who have carried on its legacy with poise, skill, and dedication.
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