Veteran presenter Graham Norton believes he may be the last of the traditional television chat show hosts, expressing significant doubts about the possibility of a successor or the launch of new terrestrial programmes.

Speaking at a Royal Television Society convention, Norton, 63, candidly discussed the evolving landscape of entertainment and the future of the format he has helmed for decades.

No Successor for Terrestrial Chat Shows

Norton indicated that his long-held hope for a job share or a successor for his BBC One show has diminished. “Having always thought there could be a job share or a successor, I just don’t think that’s going to happen now. Because it takes so long to establish a new show, I can’t see that happening,” he stated, as reported by The Telegraph.

He noted that it took him 20 years to gain the trust of publicists and Hollywood studios to secure top-tier guests. While joking about the potential for an “AI Michael Parkinson,” Norton admitted it’s difficult to envision a new “big terrestrial telly chat show” successfully starting today. His own programme, The Graham Norton Show, has been a staple on the BBC since 2007.

Claudia Winkleman’s Brief Stint

Part of Norton’s earlier succession plans involved Claudia Winkleman. His production company, So Television, produced a chat show for her which was intended to air when The Graham Norton Show was off-air in the spring, avoiding clashes. However, Winkleman quit after only one series, stating she “did not enjoy it” and was “just too nervous to enjoy it,” according to Deadline.

Norton commented that he thought Winkleman was “really good at it” but accepted her decision, acknowledging that “it’s not for everyone,” despite his own deep enjoyment of hosting.

Challenges from Digital Platforms

A significant factor contributing to Norton’s outlook is the increasing competition from digital platforms. He revealed that booking top guests is becoming harder as studios and record labels “focus all their energy into other places, other platforms,” such as YouTube and podcasts.

He expressed bewilderment at celebrity behaviour, noting that guests often refuse simple requests on his show, like sharing a yearbook picture. Yet, he sees them online “eating f—ing hot wings” or comparing snacks. Norton questioned why they would not “just sit on a sofa and tell us some story about climbing the Eiffel Tower?” but instead opt for these alternative promotional activities.