I don’t watch late night talk shows as much as I used to. I grew up with Late Night with David Letterman and was loyal to Late Night with Conan O’Brien the first few years of its existence. Truthfully, I can’t keep track who’s hosting what these days. So, Jay Leno is leaving, but not really. Conan has left, but he’ll be back. Jimmy Fallon now has a show? What the hell is going on here?
When it comes to British chat shows it pretty much begins and ends with The Graham Norton Show. Season 5 premiered on BBC America this past Saturday night at 10pm. Sarah, the Duchess of York, and comedian Ed Byrne graced the couch. I’ve caught a few episodes over the last couple seasons. The style and format is slightly altered from American incarnations, which is refreshing. It’s still a comedy talk show, but Graham puts his own spin on the proceedings.
Rather than marching out guests one at a time, Graham brings out his two main celebs together. This forces two people from diverse walks of fame to interact with not just Graham, but each other. It adds a little extra zip and makes for some awkward moments as well. There is an opening monologue and normally a musical guest, but the jokes are brief and the musicians, for the most part, are Brit bands or singers. However, US entertainers like The Backstreet Boys, One Republic and Rihanna have also made appearances.
Norton’s hosting abilities are quite good. He doesn’t coddle the stars and often does his best to embarrass them, but not in a mean-spirited way. For example, he had loads of fun critiquing Sarah Ferguson’s wardrobe through the years as well as her questionable advice on etiquette. It helps that the Duchess is a good sport and possesses a sense of humor. Laughs were had by all when Graham pointed out the flower girl was picking her nose in Sarah’s wedding photographs.
A staple of late night talkers is audience participation and Graham Norton is no different. One lucky audience member was pegged to dress up as Prince Albert and be inserted into a scene from Sarah’s movie about Queen Victoria. Then a single girl was asked to endure awful pick-up lines from single male volunteers. The best line: “Could you touch my shirt for a moment.” She touches it. “Does that feel like boyfriend material to you?” It’s hackney, but harmless.
Graham creates a very relaxed atmosphere for his guests. The celebs don’t take themselves as serious thanks to the absurd antics surrounding them. This is not a show I would watch regularly, but in small doses it is very entertaining. You could do a lot worse if you’re searching for a few laughs. The Graham Norton Show airs Saturdays at 10pm on BBC America.
Clacked by Scott Tunstall 
on Mar 18, 2009 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
“When it comes to British chat shows it pretty much begins and ends with The Graham Norton Show.”
That is utter nonsense, I’m sorry. Didn’t care for any research, did you? What about ‘Parkinson’ or ‘Friday Night with Jonathan Ross’, to name but two very successful and longrunning British chat shows. And there are a few more, Norton’s isn’t anything special… If you meant, that it’s the only one available to US viewers on BBC America, then write that. And not the utter bollocks you wrote above. Sheesh!
Parkinson? What is this, 1980?
Jonathan Ross is great when he’s not getting suspended.
As far as worldwide popularity, nobody beats Graham Norton, like him or not.
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I like Norton’s show! I just didn’t like the picture you painted of the British talk show scene, i.e. neglecting to even mention just one other UK talk show (you mentioned 4 different chat shows when talking about the US)and making ‘The Graham Norton Show’ out to be the only British talk show worth mentioning… That’s simply not true.
PS: After rereading my first post, please excuse the somewhat harsh tone of it, I had a bad day and took it out on you & your column, which I normally really enjoy reading… :-)
Looking forward to your take on the Vietnam episode of Top Gear, that one is EPIC! :-)
ChrisG beat me to it.
Norton is pants