Kerley was a co-host on the Nickelodeon kids’ show Sarvo[1] between 2004 and February 2007, alongside Tony Brockman and in his first year won the Sarvote kids’ choice award for favourite new host.
During his time with Nickelodeon, Kerley co-hosted the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards alongside Tony Brockman, Dave Lawson, Jesse McCartney and Sophie Monk.
Kerley moved to Australian subscription TV music channel, Channel [V] in 2007 where he co-hosted the video request show whatUwant and hosted music trivia show Cash Cab for two seasons.
Kerley was a Dawes Point presenter on Network Ten's live 2008–09, Sydney New Year's Eve coverage alongside Fuzzy.
[6][7] In 2014 James became host of One HD's Maxim TV with Lana Kington based on the popular men's magazine.