Wossy's series is the BBC's flagship chat show after 7 years on the box, but Graham Norton's more risqué twist on the format returned on Thursday for a third run. Not as actual competition, but as a welcome alternative. If Harry Hill's TV Burp was still on, he'd call "Fight!" and we'd see who was best, but Burp's sadly off the air now...
Jonathan Ross had the better guests: Ian Wright and sexy Kirsty Gallacher, the new presenters of Sky One's Gladiators; an uncomfortable-looking Mackenzie Crook, of The Office and Pirates Of The Caribbean fame; gobby Patsy Palmer, recently returned to EastEnders as Bianca; and music from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.
Ross' faux narcissism, cheeky sexual advances and playful ribbing of his guests aren't as fresh these days, but his interviews are still good fun and they're comparative anarchy when compared to his American counterparts. But his constant asides about his family are getting obsessive now; I know more about Ross' home and social lives than I do my own!
The highlight was probably Ross fighting Ian Wright with a Gladiators pugil stick, as a disapproving Kirsty Gallacher ducked for cover. The lowlight was a rather strained interview with Mackenzie Crook, who was either bored by Office/Pirates-related questions, or faintly embarrassed about having to plug crap Brit flick Three And Out.
Norton had Hollywood legend Tony Curtis (now resembling a Witchetty grub) and actor Kevin Bacon on the first show of his third series, with music from Robyn and her rather good track "Who's That Girl". The great thing with Norton is that he can spin TV gold from weak guests, and the side-orders of internet-based smut are often hilarious. That said, this show is a far cry from the genius of his Channel 4 chat show So Graham Norton, with that series' adult humour restrained by the Beeb.
This episode's highlight was Kevin Bacon's tale about this fan-made video on YouTube showing him being buggered as a stick-man drawing (which Norton's researchers quickly found and broadcast), while the lowlight was a silly audience reconstruction of the "duelling Tractors" scene from Bacon's breakthrough Footloose, using two pedal-powered toys.
I enjoy both shows. You're guaranteed better guests with Ross, but Norton's cheeky enthusiasm can draw out a surprising level of entertainment and stories from guests on his wavelength: like Dustin Hoffman. Ross is extremely self-obsessed and Friday Night's format is beginning to creak (get rid of Four Poofs & A Piano, godammit!), but his quick-wit is the show's saving grace.
Which is your favourite? Or are you waiting for Al Murray's return?
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18 April 2008, 10.35pm
The Graham Norton Show
17 April 2008, 9.00 pm
