Graham Norton's Talk Show Finds New Life in the U.S. With Major Streaming Deal

Expanding His Audience Across the Atlantic

When Graham Norton first stepped into the spotlight on British television, he never imagined his show would become a staple of American entertainment. But with a two-year pickup deal that guarantees the continuation of "The Graham Norton Show" on BBC America and AMC Global Media platforms through Seasons 34 and 35, Norton's couch is staying put — both in Britain and now, increasingly, in the United States.

"He's a singular talent," said Courtney Thomasma, AMC Global's exec VP of linear and streaming products. "He is just everything you want in a host. He's warm and engaging and charismatic."

This extension reflects not only the show's enduring popularity but also the strategic positioning of AMC Global Media to reach different demographics through various streaming platforms, including Acorn TV, AMC+, and All Reality.

The Taylor Swift Factor

Norton's journey to American recognition gained significant momentum earlier this year when he appeared in Taylor Swift's music video for "Opalite." The appearance came alongside guests from a Season 33 episode: Cillian Murphy, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, Jodie Smith and Lewis Capaldi. Swift herself praised Norton, calling him "the insanely charismatic and lovable host" who invites a random group of actors, entertainers, musicians, etc. to be on his show and we all sit there and chat like it's a dinner party.

Swift's endorsement was more than just a plug for the show; it was an invitation into the Swiftie community, who are now discovering Norton through their idol's content. As Norton put it, "The Swifties know the show because she's been on multiple times, and wherever she appears, they will find her."

Why This Show Works

What makes Norton's format special isn't just its celebrity roster but its approach to interviews. "We never imagined we would be this long-running, but we knew we wanted to keep going," Norton said. "You can have those viral moments, and you can have those standout things and clips that get loads of attention. But if the people in the clips aren't having a good time, they're not going to come back."

That philosophy, rooted in guest comfort and authenticity, has been key to his show's longevity. Norton's guest list from Season 33 — including Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Matthew McConaughey, Julia Roberts, Colin Farrell, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bruce Springsteen, Jeremy Allen White, Jennifer Lawrence, Tessa Thompson, Kim Kardashian, Glen Powell, Michelle Yeoh, Kate Hudson, Ben Stiller, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Thompson, Laura Dern, Cynthia Erivo, Halle Berry, Chris Hemsworth, Jacob Elordi, Jennifer Garner, and Charli XCX — reflects the show's broad appeal.

A Unique Blend of Formats

"I really like interviews on podcasts, but we are a different beast in that I can't imagine a podcast that would get the people we get all at the same time, all together on a couch," Norton said. "The other thing I think that totally changes the conversation and the tenor of the interview is that we're doing it in front of a big audience. I think people behave differently in front of an audience. They tell stories differently in front of an audience."

This unique format — combining celebrity interviews with a live studio audience — sets Norton's show apart from other late-night programs. It allows for a more intimate, almost dinner party-like atmosphere that resonates with viewers.

The Future of Talk Shows

Norton's success is particularly notable in an industry where many U.S. talk shows have folded or been canceled, including "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," "Conan," and "The Late Late Show With James Corden." "I imagine it is mostly financial," Norton said when asked about the broader industry trend. "In some way, I think Trump is keeping [the remaining] shows alive because they can't cancel them. Otherwise, it looks like they're caving to Trump."

Unlike U.S. shows that air four days a week, Norton's show airs once weekly, offering a more manageable production schedule and potentially greater sustainability in today's challenging television landscape.

Looking Ahead

With his BBC deal not up until 2029, Norton has time to decide whether to continue. "I'm 65 at some point, and that sounds like a retirement age," he admitted. "But the world is changing, and it's not like I'm big into gardening or beekeeping. I still really like my job, but equally I'm aware that I'm in an area of television where we are running out of road."

Yet his commitment to the format is unwavering: "Why would I quit? It's the nicest job in show business!" For now, Norton's couch remains firmly planted in both Britain and America, a testament to the universal appeal of well-crafted television.

Season 34 Preview

Season 34 premieres in the U.K. on Friday, Sept. 25, and hits the U.S. platforms the following Thursday, Oct. 1. New episodes continue through March with that cadence — Thursdays here in the U.S. on BBC America and the AMC+, Acorn and All Reality streamers.

Guests on the premiere episode include Tom Cruise (promoting his new film "Digger"), Florence Pugh ("East of Eden"), comedian/actor Lolly Adefoe (who's taking on the lead role in "Oh, Mary!"), and comic John Bishop. Also, Emeli Sandé will perform.

For Norton, each new season is a reminder of why he fell in love with his craft. "I never get over the fact that it's Tom Cruise," he said. "Mainly when you meet a big celebrity, after a while, it's just a woman in a dress or a man in a suit, and you're just talking to them. But he remains Tom Cruise throughout."