There is a standard and a tradition when it comes tolate night talk showsthese days. The host will present an opening monologue. Perhaps have a skit thrown in there. Then, it’s off to the races with a block or three with the evening’s celebrity guests. In the United States, the format is consistent. When it comes to the UK, they do things a tad differently. Rather than a one-on-one chat with their guest,the host invites all of the evening’s stars to sit united on a couch for a gab fest.And the results are often hilarious. It’s why many actors and singers LOVE appearing onThe Graham Norton Show, one of the longest-running chat shows in the UK.
Being a quick-witted and smart host,Graham Nortonhas mastered the chat show. Even if he has some of the world’s biggest celebrities in front of him, he doesn’t get star-struck. He simply treats them like any average person to help lower their guard. With his cards on his lap, Norton pulls out some of the best and unique stories for each guest, and trends effortlessly unite all the guests into the chat to let loose. And then, when it’s time to do the necessary promotional elements, he’s back in the driver’s seat.No one quite does it like Graham Norton.
A-Listers Love Graham Norton
When it comes to booking a lineup forThe Graham Norton Show, expect a mix and match of A-list Hollywood actors, major label singers, and the best of the best from Britain. With the publicity certain, in America, you can expect the stars to appear on ABC, NBC, and CBS at 11:35pm. In the UK, a trip to the big red coach is crucial. In the states, stars usually appear on their own to promote their project. But onThe Graham Norton Show, it’s a grand occasion where the stars may appear together. Oftentimes, the results are brilliant. With a familiarity already present,Graham Norton is there to help guide the conversationand ensure that the most important bits are said because these celebs have the gift of gab.
Big-name stars love appearing with Graham because of the relaxed atmosphere and the lightheartedness of the evening. Plus, having some colleagues by their side makes the conversation easier. Oh, and the beverages thatThe Graham Norton Showprovides. It’s a celebrity cocktail party. Many American actors, likeMatt Damon,have expressed the joy they’ve had while they’re on the show.Where else can you listen toJudi Denchdiscuss clubbing orMiriam Margolyes' drug house? No other chat show brings out those conversations.Only Graham Norton can get away with it.It’s that effortless charm Norton naturally has.
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As a television presenter, Graham Norton can and has done it all. He’s hosted game and reality shows ranging from the theater-based BBC audition series to the revival of ITV’sWheel of Fortune. He’s the face and voice ofEurovision Song Contestfor Great Britain. Even if he’s just a judge onRuPaul’s Drag Race UKor presenting an award show, you’re in capable hands with Graham Norton on your stage. Whether pre-taped or live,with Graham as your guide, you’re in for an entertaining time.His vast experience has allowed him to handle any surprise an A-lister might throw at him while sitting on his couch. With decades of experience across a variety of mediums, Graham Norton has truly become the go-to name in British entertainment.
There’s a Recipe for the Mixed Couch
There is a reason whyThe Graham Norton Showhas continued to be appointment viewing since 2007. Graham Norton has the ability to pull the best out of anyone on his show. He gets those viral clicks because he knows what the audience wants. For those stars who continue to return to the BBC studio, they seem to look forward to the interview because they know that the next experience will be like none they’ve had before. With the group couch set up,the dynamic and chemistry will forever be different.
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Sure, the stars are present to promote a project. But we don’t watch for those film clips.We watchThe Graham Norton Showfor the tea that is spilled and is bound to go viral the next day.The brilliance of a mix-and-match couch of A-list celebrities among British standards also leads to hilarious interactions. The show is inherently British, and thus, geared toward that audience. So, when the British stars drop certain words, towns, and references, Graham is there to translate. For example, nothing can beatKevin Hart,who admitted he understood nothingthat came out ofJodie Whittaker’s mouth. Only on this chat show can that happen and garner a rip-roaring reaction.
Graham Norton Is the New Gold Standard of Talk Show Host
The multi-guest format is not something you see often on American chat shows. WhenJames Cordencame in with his CBS series, he adopted this British format, but it never quite took off likeThe Graham Norton Show. There’s a different sensibility and charisma that Graham Norton has that James Corden didn’t bring. James Corden was an actor “playing” a chat show host.Graham Norton is a chat show host through and through.Watch What Happens Liveis perhaps one of the only remaining talk shows in the States that adopts the multi-guest format. Yes,Andy Cohencan pull in a megastar here and there, but they’re not coming in droves like they do to sit down with Graham. Graham Norton is a comedian and has the ability to banter and joke. Andy Cohen has his own strengths, but if there’s a trainwreck about to occur, it’s Graham Norton who can prevent a complete derailment. Dead air? Graham Norton will make a joke out of it. Andy Cohen will try to pretend the awkward moment never happened and move right along.
AsThe Graham Norton Showproves, the best results come when there is an ease about it. Sure, the booze is flowing, but it’s easily one of the most exciting viewer experiences, especially if you’ve been in the live studio audience. As someone who has been to a handful of late-night tapings, includingThe Graham Norton Show,the experience inside the studio just explodes through the screen.I may not have known every guest present, but after that experience, I was eager to learn about their body of work because of the fun they brought to the show. The one-on-one interview format is fun, but the group chat is special. Attending that taping is one that will forever be a top experience.
Graham Norton does what no other chat show host can do. And he does it well. He is a tried and true entertainer. He’s got a charm reminiscent ofJohnny Carson, who, to many, is the gold standard inspiration as the pinnacle of talk show host of yore.Graham Norton bridges the gap between yesteryear and today.If we had a time machine and the ability to go back in time to 2004 when Comedy Central had their hands on Graham Norton, perhaps if they knew then what we know now,The Graham Norton Effectmight not have been canceled after a single 13-episode season. At the rateThe Graham Norton Showis going now, the only way it will end is when Graham gets tired of one of the best gigs on the planet.
The Graham Norton Show
The Graham Norton Showairs Fridays at 11:00pm on BBC America. The Graham Norton Show is available to stream on Netflix.
