Popular British TV host Graham Norton and his infamous red chair are coming to TVNZ.
The broadcaster announced today that it had secured the rights to The Graham Norton Show, which will screen on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ later this year.
Norton’s talk show regularly features A-list celebrities and a “red chair” segment at the end where audience members share funny or embarrassing anecdotes. If the story doesn’t entertain Norton and his celebrity guests he flips them out of the chair using a lever.
The show has been a mainstay on British TV since its debut in 2007.
TVNZ confirmed today that it would screen season 33 later this year.
“The iconic UK talk show – renowned for its star-studded couch, infamous red chair moments and Graham’s unmistakeable charm – is coming to TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+,” a spokesperson said.
“Whether it’s A-list guests, cheeky anecdotes, or Graham’s laugh-out-loud one-liners, the show’s new home on TVNZ promises unmissable weekly entertainment.”
TVNZ’s interim chief news and content officer Brent McAnulty said Norton was a “global entertainment icon”.
“We’re delighted to bring his hugely popular show to TVNZ. With his signature blend of cheeky humour, celebrity mischief and undeniable charm, The Graham Norton Show is the perfect addition to our entertainment line-up and we know our viewers will love every minute.”
Norton discusses his new novel, Frankie, with Barry, and shares his true thoughts on the string of Kiwis who have ended up in his infamous red chair. (Source: Seven Sharp)
Norton is a published author and radio host and was a judge on the TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race. He also promotes the wine and gin brand Invivo, which was created by Kiwis Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron.
The Irish broadcaster toured New Zealand in March and April this year with his live show An Evening with Graham Norton in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.
Kiwis in the notorious red chair
Norton told Seven Sharp’s Hilary Barry last year that hosting The Graham Norton Show was his “real job”.
“Everything else I’ve got going on, the books, the wine, radio things, Drag Race, all these other things are thanks to that chat show,” he said.
“There’s the old adage, ‘Never quit the hit,’ so I’m in no rush to leave the chat show, and I still genuinely enjoy it.”
Barry reminded Norton that Kiwis regularly featured in the red chair and it was met with a “mixture of cringe and pride as a New Zealander”.
Norton replied: “Honestly, some weeks, I think, ‘Is there anyone in New Zealand?’ because they are apparently all in my studio audience. It’s like the national service: You’ve got to go abroad and tell a story on The Graham Norton Show, and then you’re allowed to go home.”
