to think Jonathan Ross is a cowardly interviewer?

[MardyBra]

I caught a few minutes of his programme earlier. Why does he have to sit about a foot above his interviewees hidden behind a desk. Why can't he interview face to face in an equal status chair ( with no defences) like Parky did.

I know Jay Leno does it in the States, but it's no excuse.

And why did I miss out all my question marks in the OP?

I always feel like we have learned very little about the person he interviews. It is a series of comedic questions with little value.

American interviewers are so much better.

The old farts among us will remember the late, great Richard Dimbleby.

YANBU to think that, or that he is a self-absorbed, self-serving twat.

He doesn't flick a switch let alone hold a candle to Parkinson, who I don't like, but he did a good interview.

I am definitely an old fart, wasn't Richard Dimbleby more serious, one to one interviews?

Why does Graham Norton generally have more prominent guests?

Ross likes the sound of his own voice too much. I cringe when I watch him

He's good at his job. And this is his job: he uses his wit, and persona, to hide the fact that he is hosting a large advertising slot, where various famous people come on and flog stuff.
His wit hides the fact it is all scripted, and run past the PR people.
It's an advert, dressed up asinterviews'. And he makes a few jokes, makes the celebrities look human, even funny.
Grah norton also hides this truth: with a bit of smut and humour. He often has a co-comedian on to try and jolly things along.
They are not interviews. They are slick adverts.

I really think celebrity culture is a sign of the apocalypse.

It's years since I saw Wossy interview someone, but basically it was a long series of questions along the lines of 'Heyyyyy [insert name of famous person], how are you since I last saw you at [insert name of awards show]? Awwwight mate!'

Why does Graham Norton generally have more prominent guests?

Because he actually let's the guests talk?!?

I much prefer Graham Norton's show; all guests on together and then they interact, and often in a very entertaining way. Cringed at Wossy's comment 'one of my children is gay', last night. Norton always seems to be more relaed too.

Wossy is obsequious and a bit lechy.

I prefer Norton a lot more.

relaxed

He is not funny, and not a good interviewer. He doesnt actually ask that many questions. Graham Norton everytime for me.

GN gently prompts his guests & is happy to sit back & let the show freefall a bit when they go off on their own brilliant tangents, that to me is a good interviewer. (they all have copious amounts of alcohol too which I think loosens them up a bit....yes Matt Damon!!!)

JR sometimes has great guests but I always feel irritated watching the show as its all about him not them.

Oooh, interesting point of view Catfromjapan.
Are we in the End of Days?
Plague, pestilence, war, famine and celebrities!
I think you are bang on.

I cannot stand him at all. He never lets people talk and always bigs up his own stories.

When Ross was on the BBC he got bigger guests. Now he's on ITV and the ratings are down he doesn't get such big names.

chat shows are entertainment really. none of them ask probing questions and most celebs will only appear on the condition that certain topics are off subject.

Can't watch him. Unwatchable fake vain empty eurrrgghh.

I don't mind him but he doesn't give them much of a chance to chat. GN is brilliant. That mix of guests including a comedian always makes it seem like a really hilarious party where people tell funny stories and everyone enjoys being there. The interactions between the guests are great.

I think he's a shit interviewer.

He asks questions and then talks over the interviewee, so frustrating to watch!

Winky - "obsequious" - YY!

That's exactly the right word.

He's just so slimy and arse-licky.

JR reviewing a film on his film show - "Awful film. Badly acted, terrible script, dreadful direction" etc.

JR interviewing actor in same film on the JR show "I have to tell you how much I enjoyed the film. You were fantastic in it" etc etc.

And what with the Andrew Sachs phonecall with the equally loathesome Russel Brand..... awful man.

I agree. I choose norton every time. I didn't know that guests might be linked to ratings. Ross isn't doing very well then!

Please no more Russell Brand on his show.

It was a fine fine day went Jonathan Ross got taken off the BBC. Stupid, awful interviewer who would talk about himself instead of interviewing the very famous person sat in front of him.

He would succeed in making female stars feel like a piece of meat by talking about their legs or something and would make male stars clam up by focusing on some strange detail like their religion.

Think of a random star. Go to you tube and see them interviewed by JR and then by GN. See the difference! An example might be Will Smith, defensive and annoyed by JR, but charming comedy gold with GN.

Thank you Russell Brand for being so naughty on the radio and dragging JR into it and so getting him sacked.

GN is a wonderful show. He gets the stars talking, they are relaxed, seem happy to be there and have a laugh.