Introduction: What is The Graham Norton Show
The Graham Norton Show is a British comedy talk show hosted by Irish comedian Graham Norton, first broadcast in 2007. Википедия+2Гардиан+2 Over the years it has become one of the flagship entertainment shows on BBC One, known for its witty monologues, celebrity guests, musical performances, and warm, funny atmosphere. Википедия+1
The show’s structure is fairly consistent: Norton opens with a comedic monologue or banter, then a rotation of celebrity guests join him on the red sofa for interviews, anecdotes, and humorous stories. Musical or performance guests often close or punctuate the episodes. Rotten Tomatoes+3Википедия+3Гардиан+3 One of the signature features is that multiple celebrities sit together and often engage with or tease each other, sometimes reversing the interviewer/guest dynamic. Гардиан+2Википедия+2
According to Wikipedia, as of 7 March 2025, the show had aired over 550 episodes across 32 series. Википедия+1
2025 / Series 32: Overview & Context
Timeline, Seasons & Format
- The 32nd series of The Graham Norton Show concluded in March 2025. British Comedy Guide+3Википедия+3British Comedy Guide+3
- The show typically airs weekly on Friday nights in the UK on BBC One. Википедия+2TVGuide.com+2
- Episodes in 2024–2025 combined into this 32nd series included many high-profile names in film, music, and television. British Comedy Guide+3TVGuide.com+3British Comedy Guide+3
- A “Highlights Special” aired on 7 March 2025, compiling memorable moments from that series. British Comedy Guide+1
Guest Lineups & Notable Episodes
Some episodes in 2025 drew particular attention:
- 21 February 2025: Guests included Ewan McGregor, Kate Hudson, Naomie Harris, Chris O’Dowd, and musical guest Self Esteem. Among memorable revelations, McGregor admitted he was genuinely intimidated by Darth Vader in Star Wars. British Comedy Guide+2TVGuide.com+2
- 28 February 2025: With host Claudia Winkleman stepping in for Norton (more on that below), the guest lineup featured Chris Pratt, Toby Jones, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Rob Beckett, and musical guest Rachel Chinouriri. British Comedy Guide+3British Comedy Guide+3The Independent+3
- Earlier in 2025, episodes featured major stars like Reese Witherspoon, Will Ferrell, Ariana Grande (with Olly Alexander performing live) in the same show. Rotten Tomatoes+4TVGuide.com+4TVGuide.com+4
- The Highlights Special pulled together footage from many standout guests — including Demi Moore, Timothée Chalamet, Cher, Denzel Washington, Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, Ariana Grande, and more. British Comedy Guide+2TVGuide.com+2
Thus, 2025’s series continued the tradition of bringing A-list names and mixing serious discussion with playful banter and comedy.
Host Absence & Claudia Winkleman Guest Hosting
One of the most talked-about events in 2025 was Graham Norton’s extended absence from his own show while he toured with a live show, An Evening With Graham Norton, including in Australia. The Independent+2British Comedy Guide+2
During that period, on 28 February 2025, Claudia Winkleman filled in as guest host. The Independent+2Telegraph+2 Some viewers praised her performance (calling her “marvellous”) and suggested she might be given a talk show of her own. The Independent+1
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Telegraph reviewed her stint, noting she lacked Norton’s ruthlessness (e.g. in handling audience participants in the “Big Red Chair” segments), but still delivered an enjoyable show. Telegraph
This kind of guest hosting is rare and notable, because the show is so much tied to Norton’s style and persona.
Best Moments & Highlights of 2025
While “best moments” are subjective, here are several standout instances, anecdotes, and emotional or humorous scenes from the 2025 run that drew attention:
1. Ewan McGregor’s Darth Vader confession
During the 21 February 2025 episode, McGregor revealed he was genuinely frightened when facing Darth Vader while filming Star Wars. His honest, slightly self-deprecating anecdote resonated with fans and made headlines. British Comedy Guide+2TVGuide.com+2
2. Celebrity cross-teasing and banter
One of the enduring joys of the show is watching big stars interact with each other in unexpected ways. For example, in that same February episode, Chris O’Dowd recalled an embarrassing encounter with Beyoncé, prompting laughs and follow-ups from Hudson, Harris, and McGregor. British Comedy Guide
These moments of candidness—when celebrity memoirs or behind-the-scenes stories come out—are precisely what make Graham Norton stand out.
3. Claudia Winkleman’s hosting turn
Her stepping in was itself a standout moment. While critics noted she lacked Norton’s sharpness in certain segments (like ejecting misbehaving audience members), she was broadly well-received and showed she could lead a star-lined sofa with poise. Telegraph+2The Independent+2
4. Emotional reflections amid the laughs
The show sometimes slides seamlessly into deeper territory. Though I did not find a documented 2025 moment exactly like that, historically Graham Norton has balanced humour with vulnerability (e.g. emotional musical performances, guests opening up about personal struggles). British Comedy Guide+3Гардиан+3Rotten Tomatoes+3
5. The “Highlights Special” as closure
That special, aired in March, brought together the most memorable bits from the season — effectively a greatest-hits recap. It’s always interesting to see what the producers consider “top moments,” and it gives viewers a way to revisit their favorites. British Comedy Guide+1
Critical Reception & Audience Response
Positive views
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Season 32 is listed, though at time of writing there are no formal critic scores posted. Rotten Tomatoes
- The show continues to draw attention for its wit, star power, and easy charm (as observed in episode listings and media coverage of guest appearances). TVGuide.com+2British Comedy Guide+2
- Many viewers appreciated Claudia Winkleman’s guest appearance, with some even calling for her to have a regular talk show. The Independent+1
Criticisms & nostalgic reflections
- Some longtime fans argue the show has lost a bit of its sharp edge, turning more into a platform for mutual praise among celebrities—a criticism echoed on Reddit. Reddit
- In The Independent, a piece observed that viewers reacted strongly when Norton was replaced, reflecting how integral he is to the show’s identity. The Independent
- The Telegraph noted that Claudia Winkleman, while enjoyable, didn’t quite match Norton’s knack for audience management and comedic timing. Telegraph
Overall, the reception suggests that while The Graham Norton Show remains beloved, it is also sometimes scrutinized under the lens of evolving celebrity culture and talk show conventions.
The Show’s Legacy & Why It Still Matters
Why does The Graham Norton Show continue to resonate in 2025?
- Consistency & familiarity: Its format is stable, comfortable, and yet flexible enough to accommodate big names, surprise stories, and musical moments.
- Personality-driven: Graham Norton’s comedic voice and rapport are integral. When he’s absent, the substitution is notable and raises questions about what the show is without him.
- Celebrity access with warmth: Many talk shows create distance; Graham Norton often allows celebrities to disarm themselves, tell quirky stories, or show humility, making for more genuine moments.
- Cultural relevance: The show captures trends, book/film promotions, and musical movements — so it remains part of the media ecosystem rather than separate from it.
- Global audience: Though British, the show is syndicated, quoted, and shared internationally. Clips circulate widely (e.g., YouTube channel, Netflix compilations). YouTube+1
Looking Ahead / What’s Next
- In autumn 2025, the show returns for its 33rd season. Among anticipated guests is Taylor Swift, doing press for her new album The Life of a Showgirl. Indiatimes
- Whether Norton’s overseas tour schedule will again require guest hosts is a matter to watch.
- It will be interesting to see how the show adapts to changing media consumption habits (clips, streaming, social media) while retaining its talk show essence.
