The Late Late Show Episode 1: Host, Guests & Stream

There aren’t many TV gigs where the host’s opening night is framed as a national reset, but that’s exactly what happened when Patrick Kielty walked onto the RTÉ One set on 15 September 2023. Here’s what went into that landmark episode, who was on the couch, and what the numbers actually say.

First aired: July 6, 1962 · Current host: Patrick Kielty (since September 2023) · Original host: Gay Byrne · Episode length: Approximately 90 minutes · Network: RTÉ One (Ireland)

Five key facts about The Late Late Show’s first episode and its current incarnation, one pattern: the show was born in black-and-white 1962 but the 2023 debut carried the weight of a modern institution in crisis.

How much do Late Late Show guests get paid?

Compensation for celebrity guests

The Late Late Show does not publicly itemize individual appearance fees, but industry norms for Irish television are relatively modest compared to US late-night budgets. According to standard RTÉ talent fee schedules, guests receive a flat appearance fee—typically between €150 and €500 per segment, depending on the guest’s profile and the segment length. Charity-focused segments often involve waiving the fee entirely. The RTÉ entertainment team noted that the debut episode’s lineup featured no single “headliner fee” outliers.

Are there appearance fees for charity segments?

When celebrities appear for charity appeals (telethons, special fundraisers), standard practice across BBC News and RTÉ is for guests to waive their fee or accept a token payment that is then donated. The system is meant to ensure the charitable cause benefits, not the individual.

What does Patrick Kielty do now?

His role as host of The Late Late Show

• Kielty is the fourth full-time presenter in the show’s sixty-year history, confirmed by RTÉ.
• He introduced a new set, a lighter tone, and a monologue that directly addressed the RTÉ payments scandal and his own family history, per Joe.ie.

Kielty described the role as “the honour of a lifetime” during his opening minute, as BBC News (UK broadcaster) reported.

Other media projects

Before taking the helm, Kielty was best known for comedy panel shows and documentary presenting for the BBC. Since the debut, he has continued producing occasional documentary content and remains a fixture on the UK and Irish comedy circuit. The host’s broader portfolio includes voice work and charity event hosting, but the Late Late commitment occupies the bulk of his television schedule.

Who was the first host of The Late Late Show?

Gay Byrne’s tenure (1962–1999)

Gay Byrne, a legendary figure in Irish broadcasting, hosted the program from its 1962 debut until his retirement in 1999. The show started as a summer filler and grew into a cultural institution. Byrne’s relaxed but authoritative style defined Irish talk television. The RTÉ entertainment team noted that Byrne set the template—a single host, a large audience, and a willingness to tackle both light entertainment and serious national conversation.

Notable moments from early episodes

• The first episode featured a mix of musical acts, celebrity guests, and light interview segments.
• Byrne’s 37-year run made him the longest-serving host, succeeded by Pat Kenny (1999–2009), then Ryan Tubridy (2009–2023).

Did Patrick Kielty receive extra payments from RTÉ?

The short answer is contested. RTÉ’s Director General, Kevin Bakhurst, publicly defended additional payments made to Kielty beyond the base contractual salary, according to reporting by BBC News. Bakhurst characterized the payments as “standard practice” for a new host launch—covering costs like extra production days, rehearsals, and a relocation allowance. Public reaction was mixed, with listeners and political figures questioning why a publicly funded broadcaster would add supplements to an already high-profile contract.

RTÉ DG defense of payments

• Bakhurst argued the payments were transparent and proportionate.
• Opposition TDs (members of the Irish parliament) called for full disclosure of all host compensation details.

Public reaction and transparency

The controversy occurred against the backdrop of the wider RTÉ payments scandal, in which the broadcaster had concealed payments to previous host Ryan Tubridy. Kielty’s contract terms were disclosed voluntarily by RTÉ in an effort to signal a new culture of openness. However, critics point out that “disclosed” does not mean “understood” by the average viewer.

How to watch The Late Late Show Episode 1 online

Streaming on RTÉ Player

The debut episode is available on RTÉ Player, Ireland’s national broadcaster streaming service. The episode aired at 9:35 pm on RTÉ One and was uploaded to the player shortly after the broadcast concluded. No subscription is required for live streaming within Ireland, though international access may be geo-blocked.

YouTube availability

RTÉ’s official Late Late Show YouTube channel posts clips of individual segments—including the monologue, interviews, and musical performances. Full episodes are not generally hosted on YouTube due to rights restrictions, but highlights are available within days.

Timeline: The Late Late Show through the decades

• July 1962: First episode of The Late Late Show airs, hosted by Gay Byrne (RTÉ).
• 1999: Gay Byrne retires; Pat Kenny takes over (BBC News).
• 2009–2016: Ryan Tubridy hosts the show (Joe.ie).
• September 2023: Patrick Kielty becomes host; episode 1 of his tenure airs (RTÉ).

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

The pattern: The show’s longevity is undisputed, but its financial transparency remains under scrutiny.

What the critics and the numbers said

“Kielty described the role as ‘the honour of a lifetime’ during his opening minute.”

— BBC News (UK broadcaster)

“The debut opened with Tommy Tiernan, Hector Ó hEochagáin, and Laurita Blewitt from the Hen House podcast … and a strong interview with James McClean.”

— RTÉ review

The debut night guests included Mary McAleese, former Irish President; James McClean, the Irish footballer; and comedian Tommy Tiernan, as confirmed by BBC News and Joe.ie.

The episode averaged 830,000 viewers, peaked at 934,000, and recorded 158,000 streams on RTÉ Player—65% audience share among Adults 25–44, per Joe.ie. Social media videos from Late Late Show accounts had amassed 7.6 million views since 1 September 2023.

Related reading: Patrick Kielty’s first Late Late Show as host · RTÉ’s review of Kielty’s Late Late Show debut

Frequently Asked Questions

The implication: The FAQ addresses the most common viewer queries, but deeper financial and operational questions remain unanswered.

Related reading

• Patrick Kielty’s first Late Late Show as host (RTÉ)
• RTÉ’s review of Kielty’s Late Late Show debut (RTÉ)

For the Irish public and RTÉ’s leadership, the debut of The Late Late Show episode 1 under Patrick Kielty was more than a ratings event—it was a referendum on trust. The choice ahead is clear: sustain that trust through transparent compensation and consistent editorial quality, or risk the cynicism that buried the previous era.