Patrick Kielty is set to continue as the esteemed presenter of RTÉ’s flagship talk show, The Late Late Show, until 2028, following a significant three-year contract extension granted by the national broadcaster. This new agreement solidifies Kielty’s position at the helm of one of the world’s longest-running chat shows, allowing for up to 30 episodes per season. The announcement reaffirms RTÉ’s confidence in the Co Down comedian and presenter, who took over the prestigious role in 2023 and is preparing to lead the programme into its 66th season this September.
The Enduring Legacy of The Late Late Show and Kielty’s Succession
The Late Late Show holds an unparalleled place in Irish television and cultural history. Launched in 1962, it is globally recognized as the longest-running live television chat show. Over six decades, it has served as a vital forum for national discourse, entertainment, and social commentary, reflecting and shaping the evolving landscape of modern Ireland. Its presenters have become household names, embodying a unique blend of gravitas, wit, and charisma essential for connecting with a diverse national audience.
For 37 years, the legendary Gay Byrne steered the ship, establishing the show’s iconic status and setting an almost impossibly high bar for his successors. Pat Kenny took the reins in 1999, bringing a more journalistic edge to the programme for ten years. Ryan Tubridy then helmed the show from 2009 until 2023, navigating it through significant national events and evolving media trends. The transition from Tubridy to Kielty in 2023 was particularly charged, coming amidst a period of unprecedented scrutiny and controversy for RTÉ regarding undisclosed payments to Tubridy and broader governance issues. Kielty’s appointment was seen as an opportunity for a fresh start, injecting new energy and a distinctive comedic voice into the beloved institution.
Kielty’s Debut and Initial Impact
Patrick Kielty, known for his sharp wit, observational humour, and an innate ability to balance lighthearted banter with serious topics, embarked on his tenure as the fourth permanent presenter of The Late Late Show in September 2023. His arrival was met with considerable anticipation, as audiences and critics alike wondered how he would adapt the show to his style while honouring its rich heritage. From his very first broadcast, Kielty demonstrated a clear vision, aiming to retain the show’s core appeal while introducing a more contemporary, often self-deprecating, tone. He quickly distinguished himself by engaging guests with genuine curiosity and empathy, often weaving in his personal experiences and perspectives, particularly on matters pertaining to Northern Ireland.
His inaugural season saw him tackle a range of subjects, from the deeply emotional, such as discussions around mental health and social justice, to the purely entertaining, featuring a mix of international and homegrown celebrities, musicians, and everyday heroes. Kielty’s approach brought a noticeable shift in dynamic, fostering a more intimate and often spontaneous atmosphere. This blend of familiarity and novelty appears to have resonated positively with the Irish viewing public, setting the stage for his continued leadership.
Details of the Renewed Mandate and Production Scale
The new three-year deal, extending Kielty’s tenure through to the 2027/2028 television season, underscores RTÉ’s strategic commitment to stability and continuity for its most valuable entertainment property. The provision for "up to 30 shows per season" indicates a sustained level of production, ensuring a consistent presence on Friday nights for a significant portion of the broadcasting year. This structure provides both the presenter and the production team with a clear framework, allowing for long-term planning regarding guest bookings, thematic specials, and audience engagement initiatives.
In his statement released through RTÉ, Kielty expressed profound satisfaction with his role, stating, "Hosting The Late Late Show is one of the greatest gigs in the world and the past three years have been a joy and a privilege." He further emphasized the central role of the audience, adding, "The heart of the show will always be our amazing audience and I can’t wait to be part of their Friday nights again from this September." This sentiment highlights his appreciation for the interactive and communal aspect of live television, a hallmark of The Late Late Show’s enduring appeal.
Robust Audience Engagement and Performance Metrics
The decision to extend Kielty’s contract is strongly supported by impressive viewership figures and digital engagement metrics from his initial seasons. RTÉ reported that the 2025/2026 season achieved an average of 385,000 viewers per episode. This robust average viewership translates into a substantial 38.2% share of the available audience, indicating that a significant proportion of viewers tuned into The Late Late Show during its broadcast slot.
Beyond traditional television viewing, the programme has demonstrated remarkable success in the digital realm. RTÉ’s streaming player recorded more than 1.46 million streams for the season, marking a significant increase over the previous year. This surge in digital consumption is particularly vital in a media landscape increasingly dominated by on-demand content, signifying the show’s relevance across different viewing platforms and demographics. The ability to attract and retain viewers across both linear television and digital streaming services is a critical indicator of a programme’s health and its future viability.
Steve Carson, RTÉ’s Director of Video, articulated the broadcaster’s positive assessment of Kielty’s impact. He stated, "Patrick has made The Late Late truly his own and the figures, not least the incredible engagement on social media, demonstrate his star power and easy connection with audiences young and old." This observation points not only to the quantitative success in viewership but also to the qualitative success in fostering a vibrant, interactive community around the show, particularly among younger demographics who are highly active on social media platforms. The ability to generate online buzz and discussion is a powerful modern metric for a show’s cultural resonance and reach.
Financial Transparency and Presenter Remuneration in a New Era for RTÉ
The financial terms of Patrick Kielty’s new contract have naturally drawn considerable public interest, especially given the recent controversies surrounding RTÉ’s past payment practices. In line with its commitment to enhanced transparency, RTÉ has confirmed that details of Kielty’s new salary will be published in its annual report, a practice that reflects a new era of accountability within the organization.
For his initial contract, Kielty’s declared annual salary was €250,000. However, public records indicate additional payments for his work on programmes beyond the standard Late Late Show commitments. Specifically, he was paid an extra €23,980 across 2024 and 2025 for presenting these additional shows. This resulted in total payments of €266,323 in 2025 and €257,657 in 2024.
Director-general Kevin Bakhurst clarified that these supplementary payments were for "exceptional" episodes, citing a Christmas special as an example. This explanation is crucial for RTÉ as it seeks to rebuild public trust and demonstrate rigorous adherence to financial protocols. The distinction between a standard contract fee and additional payments for extra work is an important one, ensuring that all remuneration is clearly accounted for and publicly disclosed. This level of transparency is a direct response to the public outcry and internal investigations that followed the revelations of undeclared payments to former presenters.
The decision to publish the new salary in the annual report, rather than immediately disclose it, aligns with standard corporate reporting cycles but also allows for a comprehensive overview of all executive and presenter remuneration at a designated point. This approach aims to provide clarity and context, demonstrating a systemic commitment to openness rather than ad-hoc disclosures.
Chronology of Kielty’s Tenure and RTÉ’s Path to Reform
- May 2023: Patrick Kielty is officially announced as the new host of The Late Late Show, succeeding Ryan Tubridy. The announcement signals a fresh direction for the programme.
- June 2023: The RTÉ payments scandal erupts, revealing undisclosed payments to Ryan Tubridy and sparking a major crisis of trust and governance within the broadcaster. This event places immense pressure on RTÉ to reform its financial practices.
- September 2023: Patrick Kielty makes his highly anticipated debut as host of The Late Late Show. His first season begins under the shadow of the ongoing RTÉ controversies but is also an opportunity for the show to re-establish its connection with the audience.
- Throughout 2023-2024: Kielty completes his first full season, navigating the programme through a challenging period for RTÉ while establishing his unique presenting style and engaging with a variety of guests and national topics. RTÉ implements new financial transparency measures.
- Current Announcement (July 2026): RTÉ confirms a three-year contract extension for Patrick Kielty, securing his role until 2028. This decision is based on strong performance metrics and a desire for continuity. The commitment to transparent salary disclosure for the new contract is reiterated.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The extension of Patrick Kielty’s contract for The Late Late Show carries significant implications for both RTÉ and the wider Irish media landscape. For RTÉ, it signals a period of stability for its most prominent entertainment offering, a crucial element in its strategy to rebuild audience confidence and financial health following recent turbulence. By locking in a popular and effective host, RTÉ can focus on refining its content strategy, exploring new audience engagement models, and continuing its internal reforms. The show’s robust performance, particularly in streaming, demonstrates its adaptability to modern consumption habits, positioning it as a key driver for RTÉ Player usage.
For Patrick Kielty, this extended mandate solidifies his status as a central figure in Irish broadcasting. His ability to connect with audiences and maintain strong viewership figures amidst a challenging environment underscores his professional acumen and genuine appeal. The role of The Late Late Show presenter is not merely that of a host; it is a cultural stewardship, and Kielty’s renewed contract indicates he is seen as a fitting custodian of this legacy. His personal background, including his separation from British TV presenter Cat Deeley (as noted in the original information), while a private matter, has sometimes been part of the broader public narrative around his life, but it has not detracted from his professional focus and success in this high-profile role.
The Late Late Show, under Kielty’s continued leadership, is poised to remain a vital platform for national conversation, entertainment, and social reflection. Its future success will depend on its ability to continue evolving, addressing contemporary issues with sensitivity and insight, and providing the unique blend of warmth and gravitas that Irish audiences expect. The commitment to financial transparency surrounding Kielty’s new contract is also a critical step for RTÉ, as it strives to reinforce public trust and demonstrate a clear departure from past controversies. This transparency will be key to the long-term credibility of both the broadcaster and its leading programmes.
