In a world teeming with late shows, late-night shows, and late-late shows, the reference made between my flatmates when something pivotal occurs in our lives remains steadfast: “Graham Norton will LOVE this in a few years.” I think the sentiment of this running joke (while unlikely to land us a spot on his iconic red sofa for our comedic exellence) indicates something distinct about the Irish talk show host that sets him apart from the masses.
It goes without saying that Graham Norton is likeable, but it’s MORE than that. While other presenters, keenly aware of their own wit and charm, may be tempted to dominate the conversational floor during their interviews, Norton is content with taking a tactful backseat. He takes on the role of a skilled mediator, subtly steering the conversation, while ensuring each guest gets their moment in the spotlight. By effortlessly teasing out anecdotes in a register of genuine interest, Norton cultivates a relaxed environment where humour and conversation can spontaneously unfold between his guests.
This brings me to my second point: The Graham Norton Show’s unique ‘panel’ format. It allows Hollywood A-listers and lesser-known (but equally entertaining) UK-based celebrities to interact on equal footing, resulting in amusing and unforeseen dynamics playing out. Where else would you witness Oscar-nominated Ryan Gosling in stitches over one of Greg Davies’ accounts of his teaching days, or Selena Gomez being moved to tears by a heartfelt moment shared with Miranda Hart? The eclectic mix of personalities handpicked for the show sparks memorable interactions that simply wouldn’t occur in any other context.
Above all, Norton’s ability to balance promotional content with lighthearted stories that often venture beyond the celebrities’ professional lives makes him stands out against other industry greats. The same level of enthusiasm is evident when discussing a new film or album as it is when sharing a home video, or encouraging a guest to showcase a party trick. The show sets out to humanise public figures, offering audiences a more intimate glimpse into their personal lives. This trend is also evident in Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date, a Youtube interview series ever-growing in popularity.
If you’re not yet convinced of why Graham Norton is in a league of his own, I strongly urge you to watch a “Best Bits” montage of his show- preferably featuring Olivia Coleman or Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Let the laughter speak for itself.
“Graham Norton 2021 (cropped)” by Raph_PH is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.