Why Do Bigger Stars Prefer Graham Norton Over Jonathan Ross?

Jonathan Ross has opened up about his ongoing rivalry with fellow presenter Graham Norton, revealing insights into their contrasting guest line-ups and viewing figures. The two established personalities, who have entertained UK audiences for decades, are now facing competition from new shows, including Claudia Winkleman's upcoming chat show that aims to capture a prime late-night audience.

Last updated: 04 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In recent comments made to the Times, Jonathan Ross discussed the competitive landscape of UK television, specifically addressing the rivalry with Graham Norton. While both presenters boast impressive resumés, Jonathan suggested that their guest selections differ significantly. He noted that Graham tends to attract more American celebrities, although he is unsure of the reasons behind this trend. This discourse highlights the shifting dynamics within UK television as both presenters adapt to changing audience interests and new competition.

Key takeaways

Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton have established themselves as prominent figures in UK entertainment.
Ross claims that while Norton's viewing figures are initially higher, both shows perform equally well in catch-up ratings.
The rivalry intensifies with the introduction of Claudia Winkleman's new chat show, set to premiere in March 2024.

Timeline: how we got here

The rivalry between Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton has evolved over the years, with key moments including:

2001: Jonathan Ross begins hosting his own chat show, establishing a unique style that attracts major celebrities.
2005: Graham Norton gains prominence with his own talk show, creating a parallel path in the entertainment landscape.
2022: Ross makes a move to ITV, raising the stakes in the competition for viewers and celebrity guests.
March 2024: Claudia Winkleman's new chat show is set to launch, potentially altering audience dynamics.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recently, Jonathan Ross has articulated his perspective on the competition with Graham Norton, particularly regarding their guest choices and audience engagement. He claims that while Graham's show may attract more American celebrities, his own programme remains competitive, especially in catch-up viewership.

What was already established

Both presenters have a long history of success in the UK entertainment scene, regularly attracting high-profile guests and substantial audiences. Their styles differ, with Jonathan often leaning into more British-centric humour, while Graham has built a reputation for hosting international stars.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As competition between TV shows intensifies, viewers will have more choices for entertainment. The introduction of new shows like Claudia Winkleman's may provide fresh formats and guests, thereby enriching the viewing experience. This could influence viewing habits and preferences across the nation.

Businesses and jobs

The rivalry among popular chat shows can have significant implications for the television industry, affecting advertising revenues and production choices. Increased competition may lead to enhanced programming as networks strive to capture larger audiences, potentially creating more job opportunities within the sector.

Policy and regulation

As the broadcasting landscape evolves, regulatory bodies may need to reassess guidelines surrounding competition and content diversity. The rise of new formats could spark discussions regarding representation and inclusivity in media, prompting potential policy changes in the industry.

Numbers that matter

2: The number of decades both presenters have been influential in UK television.
18: The number of contestants in Jonathan's upcoming Channel 4 social experiment, Handcuffed.
7: The number of episodes in Claudia Winkleman's first series, set to air this spring.

Definitions and jargon buster

Catch-up TV: A service that allows viewers to watch previously aired programmes at their convenience.
Chat show: A television programme where a host interviews guests, typically blending entertainment and humour.
Social experiment: A type of programme designed to observe and analyse human behaviour in a controlled setting.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Viewers can expect heightened competition as new shows debut, with potential shifts in audience engagement and ratings. Fans of both Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton might want to tune in to see how their formats evolve.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the new chat show from Claudia Winkleman launches, it will be essential to monitor its impact on existing programmes. Viewer preferences may shift, influencing which shows dominate the ratings.

Signals to watch

Viewership ratings from the first episodes of Winkleman's show.
Audience engagement metrics for Ross and Norton’s shows in the wake of new competition.
Social media buzz and audience reactions regarding guest bookings on each programme.

Practical guidance

Do

Watch both Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton to compare their styles and guest choices.
Engage with social media discussions about the shows to share opinions and insights.
Keep an eye on ratings and reviews to see how new shows perform against established formats.

Don’t

Assume that one presenter is definitively better than the other; each has unique offerings.
Overlook new shows that may bring fresh talent and perspectives to the screen.

Checklist

Check the schedules for new episodes of Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton.
Follow social media for updates on celebrity guests and show announcements.
Explore ratings and catch-up availability to stay updated on viewing trends.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While both presenters enjoy a strong following, the evolving landscape of television can lead to unpredictable shifts in popularity. Factors such as audience preferences, guest availability, and external competition can influence viewer engagement. Additionally, the success of new shows may vary, making it essential to remain cautious in evaluating their long-term impact.

Bottom line

The rivalry between Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton underscores the competitive nature of UK television, especially with new entrants like Claudia Winkleman aiming for a share of the audience. As viewers, keeping an eye on their shows and ratings will provide insight into future trends and entertainment choices.

FAQs

Who is Jonathan Ross?

Jonathan Ross is a renowned British television presenter known for his engaging interview style and hosting various chat shows over the years.

What is the rivalry between Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton about?

The rivalry primarily revolves around guest selections and viewing figures, with each presenter attracting different types of celebrities and audiences.

When does Claudia Winkleman's new show premier?

Claudia Winkleman's new chat show is set to premiere on 13 March 2024, aiming to become a weekend favourite for viewers.