According to an exclusive Variety report, pop-rock magnate John Mayer is reportedly in talks with CBS streaming outlet Paramount+ to develop a performance and interview show modeled after BBC‘s Later… with Jools Holland.
Sources told Variety that Later with John Mayer has been pitched to prospective broadcast networks as a hybrid talk show and performance program. The still-official show would see the Dead & Company guitarist chatting with fellow artists and other cultural figures in a setting reportedly designed to look like an after-hours club for musicians.
The series will reportedly run in weekly installments on CBS’ newly-relaunched Paramount+ streaming platform. Additionally, there are plans in the works to develop network specials comprised of the show’s musical performances which would later air on CBS. Also on the table is a tie-in deal with the Grammy Awards, which air on CBS.
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This isn’t Mayer’s first trip to the negotiating table with CBS, as the network pushed to develop a talk show series with the musician in 2009. At the time, network President Nina Tassler stated that the two parties were close to a deal, but nothing ever materialized. Mayer has somewhat of a history with CBS, appearing on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in 2006 where he performed several songs in addition to subbing in as guest host of The Late Late Show in 2015 following Craig Ferguson‘s departure.
This latest buzz around Later with John Mayer is no surprise to anyone who has recently followed the crossover star’s digital footprint. Since 2018, Mayer has hosted Current Mood on Instagram Live, which sees him interact with a multitude of guests on a platform that appeals to the younger viewers that network television pines after. Additionally, Mayer has become a master of TikTok, where his videos have garnered as many as 140 million views.
Both Paramount+ and a representative for Mayer declined Variety‘s request for comment.
[H/TÂ Variety]