So Graham Norton

Infobox Television
show_name = So Graham Norton


caption =
format = Chat Show
picture_format = 4:3 (1998 - 2000) 16:9 (2001 - 2002)
runtime = 60mins (inc. adverts)
creator =
starring = Graham Norton
channel = Channel 4
first_aired = 3 July 1998
last_aired = 1 March 2002
num_series = 5
num_episodes = 76
country = UK
producer = SO Television
location =
followed_by = V Graham Norton
imdb_id = 0181255

"So Graham Norton" was a British television programme, hosted by Irish personality Graham Norton. It ran from 3 July 1998 to 1 March 2002.

Theme

The show was primarily adult-oriented, with host Graham dishing out many sexual innuendos and stories. A staple of the show, is the beginning of the program, which involved large amounts of audience participation (named "So . . .", with the blank filled with a different adjective every show). Audience members would usually share embarrassing stories (nearly always of a sexual nature), and Graham would then sometimes use the same audience members for later games, with real prizes. Also, a recurring segment includes Graham looking up for people on the internet with different fetishes, including balloons, gloves and a lightweight environment.

The Format (Timeframe)

The entire series consisted of 5 series. In the later series, unlike Jonathan Ross's show, Graham's run started around October and ran all the way to February-March. There were shows broadcast during Christmas and New Year's weeks and there was also a millennium special.

The Guests

The guests were not typical talk show guests. Most of them were not there to promote their latest project, but were there at Graham's behest. For example, John Waters only flew to England because Graham had invited him to appear on the show. Graham chose the guests himself, because these were the people that Graham grew up with. There were reality show stars, gay icons, old American television stars, and soap stars. There were not a lot of musicians, and those who did make an appearance, except for S Club 7, were not there to sing.

The Miles O'Keeffe obsession

A running gag on the show is Graham's obsession with Tarzan, the Ape Man star Miles O'Keeffe. Graham has a framed photo of O'Keeffe as Tarzan, and Miles would continually be phoned, at his embarrassment and flattery, and the audience's pleasure.

Betty

Betty Hoskins was an elderly woman who first appeared on the show as a contestant in one of the mini-games (and subsequently won a tongue-shaped dildo). As it turns out, Betty was a dinner lady at the drama school Graham attended, and the two have been reunited ever since, with Betty featuring in many episodes of the show (and on Graham's subsequent shows).

Episode Guide

eries 1

eries 4

eries 5