The Graham Norton Effect

What's with the intensely homophobic review from the person in Providence? I've seen this like four times, and each time it's been pretty damn funny (except for the last episode... that was so-so). Even though Graham Norton is gay, it doesn't make the show into some weird "gay" fest like the person says. It's just a really funny talk show that should be on every night. Obviously, if the person is gay, the entire show sucks? That's like accusing Jay Leno or Conan O'Brien of making their shows too straight (oh GOD! NOT THAT!) because they're straight. That review is reason to believe our society is regressing, not moving forward. Devo was right.

Ah. Yeah. Back to the show. Graham Norton is a pretty funny guy, and most of the skits are incredibly entertaining. The cell phone skits in which he leaves both a cell phone and a hidden camera in some odd place are always great. He'll call the cell phone when someone is near, and just... talk to them.

Sometimes, though, I get the sinking suspicion that at least a few of these skits are fake. Especially when he calls up someone and has one of the guests talk to them.

But a minor quip in a usually funny series. If it was on every weeknight around 11:00-ish, and on Fox or ABC or something like that, Jay Leno and David Letterman would have some serious competition.

I am an avid fan of Graham Norton and saw his British talk shows on BBC America (thank God for BBC America) so when I found out he was doing an hour show in America I was ecstatic. This show is just the same as his overseas hits. Asking the audience devastating personal questions, sharing obscure and disturbing internet sites, displaying sexual toys and products for our consideration, creates bizarre game show-like competitions for the audience and chats with big stars like Jennifer Tilly, Paul Rudd, Alan Cumming, Marlon Wayans and Makuly Culkin.

Graham is the strength of this show. Eventually, American guests will understand that, shocking though this may be, IT'S NOT ABOUT THEM! The only reason Graham even has celebrity guests is to have a playmate to get freaked out reactions from. It's all about Graham, kiddies and he deserves it. He is a forty-one-year-old man with the energy and enthusiasm (and randiness) of a teenager. Old ladies love him.

So if you like depraved sexuality run rampant, watching respected actors and comedians go "Wuh??" or just like gay guys with funny shoes, tune into "The Graham Norton Effect."

And, for you homosexual Comedy Central viewers out there, this MORE than makes up for "Straight Plan for the Gay Man." I don't know WHAT they were thinking there.

I have never seen the British version of Graham Norton show, so when Comedy Central put it on, I decided to check it out. To be honest, with a lot of so-so shows on television nowadays, I had my reservations. I am very glad to say that I have been pleasantly surprised. I didn't even notice the hour flying by. Yes, the show is hosted by an openly gay guy. Yes, he has very eclectic and diverse crowd of guests appearing on his show. Yes, most of them are leaning left (as another viewer had commented). So what?

The best part about this show is the fact that it makes fun of itself more than it makes fun of other people. Graham knows that he is not shooting for Oprah level. He is doing the show in the best traditions of Dame Edna (another great British entertainer), Howard Stern, Jon Stewart, and others. He is there to entertain us, not to preach his "homosexual, left-wing, radical agenda". Give this show a chance, and you will definitely like it.

There is nothing new to the latest series from this popular camp chat show host. Same old jokes involving, same old shenanigans involving with the public, and the same old websites that are true but disturbing. In addition, of course, the same old phone call to some weirdo. Blatantly, this is the same format as So Graham Norton, where Norton would ask the audience about a certain sexual innuendo at the beginning of the show. Only, for this series, Comedy Central makes it for the American audience. So they have American guests, an American audience, shenanigans involving in the US suburbs, more phone calls to American weirdoes, and jokes about US current affairs. Nothing, from this US offering, is inspiring for a British fan of the UK series. Somebody, who has watched the series that made him so popular and award winning, like me. However, it is still as funny and rude, so I cannot complain about that.

This show is awesome! It's funny, irreverent and entertaining. I think that the Brits have a better sense of humor than we Americans. It has a more international flavor. It almost doesn't matter who appears on the show. The host has such a commanding personality that it is obviously 'his house'. He 'owns' the show like a good host should. The set design is also a intregal part of the show. It's like the Today Show meets Pee-Wee's Playhouse. Comedy Central has done an awesome job of putting together the best programing of all the cable networks. Tough Crowd, The Chapelle Show and now Graham Norton. Way to go guys!!!