Apple Music picks up Carpool Karaoke as a standalone series

So, here’s something I wasn’t expecting: Those Carpool Karaoke segments on James Corden’s Late Late Show are being turned into a standalone show — a show that’s been picked up by Apple Music.

According to a number of stories in the Hollywood press, Apple will be airing 16 episodes, one each week, and they’ll be available worldwide through its subscription music service. Neither the premiere date nor the host (it probably won’t be Corden) have been announced.

This doesn’t seem quite as weird when you remember that Apple has been ramping up its investments into original video content, including a new reality show called Planet of the Apps. At the same time, the Lip Sync Battle segments from Jimmy Fallon’sTonight Show have also been spun out into a show of their own on Spike.

And Carpool Karaoke is definitely Corden’s breakout hit, particularly online. For example, a segment with Michelle Obama (with a surprise guest) already has 32 million views on YouTube after less than a week.