For nearly two decades, Friday nights in Britain have carried a familiar comfort: the sight of Graham Norton presiding over his famous red sofa, coaxing laughter and confessions from the world’s biggest stars. Now, fans can breathe easy—according to BBC, The Graham Norton Show will remain a staple of the broadcaster’s entertainment lineup for at least three more years, following a newly inked deal between the BBC, Norton himself, and So Television.
The multi-award-winning chat show, which first graced BBC Two in 2007 before quickly moving to BBC One, has become the UK’s most-watched talk show, averaging a remarkable 2.9 million viewers per episode in its most recent series. The BBC’s announcement, made on October 6, 2025, and echoed by outlets including Daily Mail and HuffPost, confirmed that the new three-series agreement will kick off with Series 34, set to air in 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
“Getting to host my own chat show is a huge pleasure as well as a privilege. I’m thrilled that the BBC are allowing me to continue for another three years. The whole team is looking forward to bringing the world’s brightest stars into the homes of the great British public!” Norton said, his trademark enthusiasm undimmed by the show’s longevity.
It’s a milestone moment for a program that has, over 18 years and more than 550 episodes, become a fixture of British culture. The show’s format—Norton’s quick wit, the relaxed, communal atmosphere, and the parade of A-list guests—has drawn accolades from critics and audiences alike. The program has collected an impressive array of honors, including five BAFTA TV Awards, National Television Awards, British Comedy Awards, and RTS Television Awards, cementing its reputation as the gold standard in celebrity chat.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, the BBC’s Head of Entertainment, was quick to heap praise on Norton and his team. “We are thrilled that The Graham Norton Show will remain a flagship part of the BBC’s entertainment offering for another three series. Graham sets the gold standard for celebrity interviews and continues to attract the best global talent to his sofa, it’s no wonder that the show remains so beloved by our audiences,” she said, according to BBC and HuffPost.
Graham Stuart, Managing Director of So Television and a long-time collaborator, reflected on the journey: “We began the Norton Talk Show journey in 1998 and have never felt like stopping. So happy the BBC feel the same way.” Stuart’s words echo the sentiment of many in the British television industry, who see Norton’s blend of irreverence and warmth as irreplaceable.
The show’s history is as colorful as its host’s wardrobe. Norton’s talk show odyssey began in 1998 with Channel 4’s So Graham Norton, before the BBC snapped him up in 2007. After just two series on BBC Two, the show moved to BBC One, where it has since become the bedrock of the channel’s Friday night programming. It’s a rare feat in today’s fast-changing TV landscape for a show to not only survive but thrive for nearly two decades.
Despite his enduring association with the BBC, Norton has hardly been idle elsewhere. In recent years, he stepped down from his long-running Radio 2 show to launch a new program on Virgin Radio and even took a turn as host of ITV’s rebooted Wheel Of Fortune. Yet, his commitment to the BBC remains strong, with other high-profile projects including his role as commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2009 and his work on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
What’s the secret to the show’s staying power? According to the BBC, it’s the unique blend of star power and spontaneity. The guest list reads like a who’s who of global entertainment—recent and upcoming episodes have featured the likes of Julia Roberts, Robbie Williams, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Farrell, Bruce Springsteen, Jeremy Allen White, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tessa Thompson. The format, which brings multiple celebrities together on one sofa, often leads to unscripted moments that become viral sensations.
Indeed, the show’s reach extends far beyond traditional television. The BBC reports that The Graham Norton Show continues to generate millions of global video views across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, proving its appeal to younger, digitally native audiences as well.
It’s not all glitz and glamour, though. The show’s charm lies in its ability to blend high-profile interviews with moments of genuine humanity—and humor. A recent episode, as reported by Daily Mail, saw Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy and pop superstar Taylor Swift sharing the stage. Swift, fresh off her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce (her ring reportedly valued between $700,000 and $1 million), chatted about her upcoming album and wedding plans. Murphy, known for his stoic demeanor, became an instant meme for his “resting bored face” as Swift discussed her engagement, prompting a flurry of playful commentary on social media. Fans quipped, “Cillian is one of us!” and “Find me something he does care about,” turning a fleeting moment into an internet sensation. The show’s ability to spark such reactions is, perhaps, part of its magic.
For Norton, the privilege of hosting remains undiminished. “Getting to host my own chat show is a huge pleasure as well as a privilege. I’m thrilled that the BBC are allowing me to continue for another three years,” he reiterated, a sentiment echoed in every public statement since the announcement.
As the show prepares for its 34th series in 2026, there’s a sense of continuity and celebration. The BBC, So Television, and Graham Norton himself seem determined to keep the laughter rolling and the stars coming. For viewers, the promise is simple: more unforgettable moments, more unexpected confessions, and more Friday nights spent in the company of Britain’s favorite talk show host.
In a television world where change is constant and formats come and go, The Graham Norton Show stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of genuine conversation, humor, and a touch of showbiz sparkle. The red sofa isn’t going anywhere—and neither, it seems, is Graham Norton.
