THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW

The Graham Norton Show poster

The Graham Norton Show

Year: 2007 First Air: 2007-02-22
Overview

Hosted by Irish comedian Graham Norton, this late-night comedy chat show brings together a rotating mix of actors, musicians, and notable personalities for sharp conversation and playful chaos. Each episode blends a punchy opening monologue with interviews that riff on current events, pop culture, and personal stories. Guests often share the couch, sparking unexpected interactions, while a musical performance frequently closes out the night.

Synopsis

The Graham Norton Show is a British talk-comedy series built around the quick wit and flamboyant charm of its host, Graham Norton. Airing weekly, it features a lively mix of film, television, music, and sports stars who appear together rather than in separate segments, creating spontaneous banter and surprising cross-talk. Norton typically opens with a comedic monologue that nods to the week’s headlines before moving into interviews packed with teasing, innuendo, and rapid-fire questions. The format encourages guests to react to each other’s stories, leading to memorable tangents, friendly roasting, and occasional audience participation. Recurring elements include playful games, humorous clips, and Norton’s knack for steering conversations toward funny, revealing anecdotes without losing pace. Many episodes also spotlight a band or solo artist for a closing performance, balancing the laughs with a live musical finish.

Cast
Trivia
This UK chat show is known for its fast wit, celebrity chaos, and a very distinctive sofa setup.
Q1: What is the name of the red chair segment on The Graham Norton Show where audience members tell a story that can be abruptly ended by the host pulling a lever?
Answer: Big Red Chair
It’s one of the show’s most recognizable recurring bits, creating high-stakes, rapid-fire storytelling and memorable moments when a tale doesn’t land.
Q2: Before it was replaced, which actor was the long-running voiceover narrator introducing guests on The Graham Norton Show?
Answer: Andrew Sachs
The narrator’s introductions became part of the show’s signature sound, and the original voice is a notable piece of its early identity.