In the UK we are currently blessed with some great television programs with Game of Thrones continuing and the incredible Bodyguard series having captured many people’s attention. One of the staples of British television has always been the chat show. I have always found it quite amusing that I am sat on at home on the sofa I purchased from Gloucester sofas whilst watching the show presenter interview a variety of people who are also sat on a sofa, although they may not have bought theirs from Gloucester sofas.
Here are two of the great examples of chat show programs that have graced our televisions and my two favourites.
The Graham Norton Show – Graham has had an incredible chat show presenting career with around 370 episodes over 23 series of his show having already been aired. His show has always been contracted with the BBC, originally having been shown on BBC Two before moving across to prime time on BBC One. He has had some high-profile guests appear on his show over the years including Orlando Bloom, Dame Joan Collins, Kylie Minogue and Bradley Cooper. As well as his incredibly successful chat show Graham has also fronted the likes of the Andrew Lloyd Webber productions ‘How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria’ and is currently the voice of the commentary of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Paul O’Grady Show – although now no longer airing the repeats of this show help to remind us of the great presenting and comedy skills of the great Paul O’Grady. Paul has a very unique way of interviewing his guests and is incredibly funny with his delivery and is a great storyteller. The show aired on and off from 2004 until 2013 moving from ITV across to Channel 4 and then back to ITV again for its final showing. Paul recently confirmed that he will not be reprising the show at any point in the future. The format of his show always remained the same with the well-loved host entering the set with one of his beloved dogs before taking his seat and reading through some of the post and emails that had been sent in by views, inevitably someone would send something in that would either disgust him or have him rolling around in giggles. After this the guests would be introduced and much more hilarity and tales would ensue.