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The Graham Norton Show

(Rated TV-MA, Comedy, Starring Graham Norton, Where to watch: BBC America)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Bawdy UK talk show has lots of suggestive content.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Norton routinely pokes fun at celebrities, royalty, and the general public. The show often includes stunts that aim to embarrass his celebrity guests or put audience members in awkward situations, but the subjects usually handle it well. Little is off-limits to the flamboyant host or his guests, who openly and positively discuss sexual topics, drug use, and drinking.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Dialogue is laden with innuendoes (including many about homosexuality, since Norton is openly gay), sex-themed jokes, and occasionally graphic discussions of sexual topics like stripping and sleeping with multiple partners. (For example, in one segment, a celebrity guest describes fans putting their fingers inside her during a mosh pit at a concert.) Pranks and stunts often include some element of sex, as when Norton encourages an audience member to remove her panties (off camera).
  • Language:

    Frequent, audible use of "damn," "ass," and "s--t." Multiple variations on "f--k" are also common, but they're edited out.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Conversation routinely includes mentions of drinking and drug use; quips about drunkenness and drug abuse are often lighthearted, casting both behaviors in a positive light.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Graham Norton Show

Parents need to know that few topics are off-limits in this bawdy UK talk show. Host Graham Norton and his celebrity guests often exchange risqué sexual innuendoes (including many that reference homosexuality, since Norton is openly gay) and discuss drinking, drug abuse, time spent in rehab, and other mature topics. Strong language is a major concern ("s--t" and "damn" are common, but all the "f--k"s are bleeped), as is the potential for graphic conversations about sexuality. Norton also pokes fun at celebrities and average citizens, often planning pranks to put them in uncomfortable situations.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the different types of comedy. How does the humor in this show compare to others you like? Does the strong language or mature content tickle your funny bone or turn you off? Why? What role do shock value and controversy play in the success of a comedian's material? Do you think it's any more difficult to create comedy around non-controversial content? Why or why not?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Fun! Entertaining! Guests ranging from bad to wonderful, depends on which episode you watch.

    It's insane how much more fun UK talk shows are than American ones. The Graham Norton show is particularly hilarious and fun. I would've been fine with this when I was 12 or 13, though perhaps enjoyment of it increases a bit as one makes one's way through the teen years (because less adult references will go right over one's head). Graham is an excellent host; he's effusive, fun, charming, etc. Some find him annoying, though, and the adult humor is definitely too much for children and conservative parents.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0

    Very Very Funny

    The Graham Norton Show is hilarious. Graham is a comic genius! However, the show uses very strong adult humor which may not be approiate for some audiences. There is a lot of bad language and mention of sex, but in my opinion that is what makes it so funny. The show is probably fine for teenagers but not for kids.

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