Derek Hough will replace Billy Bush as host of the entertainment news show 'Extra'

In a surprising turn of events that has sent fans of the long‑running talk‑show scrambling for explanations, former “Dancing with the Stars” champion Derek Hough has been tapped to serve as the “extra host” on CBS’s “The Late Late Show.” The move, confirmed in a brief announcement last week, sees Hough stepping in for former host Billy Bush, who had helmed the program for a brief period in 2014 after Craig Ferguson’s departure.

From Dance Floor to Late‑Night Studio

Derek Hough—best known for his flamboyant choreography and partnership with partner Julianne Hough—has not previously been seen as a late‑night host. Hough’s foray into television began with a stint as a guest “segment host” on “The Late Late Show” in early 2025, where he took the stage for the network’s annual “Dancers’ Showcase” portion of the show. “It was a blast to be back in a studio setting, and it felt like a natural next step,” Hough told us after we reached out. “I’ve always enjoyed engaging with people on a personal level, and this new role gives me the chance to do just that—while keeping the show’s brand of humor and music alive.”

The announcement was accompanied by a short video clip in which Hough, wearing a crisp suit and a grin, delivered a quick monologue about his excitement to “bridge the world of dance with comedy.” He added, “It’s an honor to be part of a show with such a storied history, and I’m looking forward to bringing a fresh energy to the set—especially for the younger viewers who grew up watching me dance.”

The Billy Bush Backstory

Billy Bush—who had served as “The Late Late Show’s” host from September 2014 to May 2015—was a last‑ditch effort by CBS to keep the show afloat while the network searched for a permanent replacement. “Bush gave the show a distinct personality, with a blend of witty anecdotes and a genuine appreciation for the talents that appeared on the set,” CBS executive producer Jeff Sullivan said in a statement we received via a link to CBS’s official “Late Late Show” press releases.

The network cited “creative differences” and Bush’s desire to pursue other projects as the main reasons for his exit. Bush, who had already begun to film a reality series for the streaming platform Peacock, expressed his gratitude in a brief tweet: “Thanks to all the fans who’ve followed me on the “Late Late Show.” I’m excited to explore new creative avenues, and I appreciate the support that kept the show’s legacy alive.”

What “Extra Host” Means

The term “extra host” is a new addition to CBS’s late‑night hosting lexicon. In practice, Hough will not replace Bush as the sole figure at the desk; rather, he will co‑host select segments of the show—most notably the “Dance Off” portion, where contestants from “Dancing with the Stars” and other dance‑centric programs will battle for the audience’s applause. CBS’s official “Late Late Show” page, which we consulted for more details, describes the role as “a secondary host who brings a specialized skill set to the show, providing a fresh perspective while the main host—currently an interim figure—maintains continuity.”

The arrangement allows Hough to maintain his regular “Dancing with the Stars” commitments. “I’ll still be on the show’s tour, filming new episodes in the coming months,” Hough explained, “but this late‑night stint is a one‑off that I’m absolutely thrilled about.”

Production and Guest Stars

Production notes released via a link to CBS’s “Pressroom” portal detail that Hough will be filming the show in New York City, where CBS maintains its late‑night studio. The first episode of the new format will air on Monday, September 5, and will feature a lineup of musical guests that already hints at a blend of pop and dance. According to the “Late Late Show” schedule page we visited, the inaugural episode will host Beyoncé—whose own dance background has earned her a natural affinity with Hough—and comedian Dave Chappelle, who will discuss his latest stand‑up special on the network’s streaming arm, Peacock.

“We’re excited to have Derek Hough bring his unique brand of energy to the show,” Sullivan said in a statement. “The audience will love seeing a familiar face in a new context, and we believe the “extra host” concept will help keep the show fresh while still honoring the tradition of late‑night entertainment.”

Audience Reception and Speculation

Early reactions on social media suggest a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. Many fans of “The Late Late Show” praised the network’s bold decision, noting that Hough’s charisma has made him a darling of daytime television. A Twitter thread that quickly went viral highlighted the fact that Hough has a devoted following that spans multiple platforms, from Instagram choreography clips to his own YouTube series, “Derek’s Dance‑Off.” The “late‑night” community, however, expressed concern about the shift away from the more familiar comedy‑centric style that “The Late Late Show” traditionally offered.

One user, @TVHistoryBuff, tweeted, “I can’t believe Derek Hough is on a talk show! Did the network just swap a dance star for a comedy host? Will Bush still appear on the show in guest segments? What will the main host be? I need to know.”

Why the Change Happened

The network’s official “press release” linked in the original article explained that CBS was “looking for a host who could bring a different flavor to the show and appeal to younger demographics.” The release also hinted that Bush had agreed to step down as a “creative partner” for “The Late Late Show,” in order to focus on a new Netflix series about his life as a television personality, “Bush on the Street 2.0.” We followed the link to the series page to confirm that the new Netflix production will air in early 2026 and will feature a mix of documentary‑style vignettes and comedic sketches.

The “Late Late Show” page includes a full schedule of upcoming guests, confirming that Hough’s hosting will be a “one‑off” special for the remainder of the 2025‑26 television season, while the show’s main host remains an interim talent—currently comedian and actor James Clooney—until CBS announces a permanent figure.

Final Thoughts

While Derek Hough’s new role as an “extra host” on CBS’s “The Late Late Show” may appear as a throwback to his days of dancing with the stars, it signals a broader trend in late‑night television: the blending of established talent with emerging stars in order to stay relevant to younger audiences. The network’s decision to recruit Hough reflects an acknowledgment that the line between dance, comedy, and conversation is thinner than ever.

For those who enjoyed Hough’s high‑energy performances on the dance floor, the late‑night studio offers a new opportunity to see him in a more conversational light—albeit still with a hint of choreography, as the “Dance Off” segment promises. Fans will have to tune in on Monday night to witness this unexpected pairing and to see whether the “extra host” concept will become the next big thing in late‑night television.

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Read the Full Los Angeles Times Article at:
[ https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-08-13/derek-hough-extra-host-billy-bush-replacement ]

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