Graham Norton is the bleached-blond, candidly English talk/game show host of the new hit after-hours show The Graham Norton Effect on Comedy Central and is irreverent comedy at its best.

The show is host to stars appearing to promote their movies or agendas, coupled with comic slapstick from its studio audience. One example is the Graham Norton version of the Olympics with events such as Track and Field, Equestrian Event and Synchronized Swimming. However, in the Graham Norton version, the track and field event consisted of participants taking turns spinning around a small pole against their heads, then, when feeling good and dizzy, trying to make it across the finish line. Of course, it makes for some hilarious happenings.

The winner went into the streets of New York for the equestrian event. In this event, the participant dressed completely in equestrian gear, had to stop a passerby, and ask him, “Can I ride you?” Of course, you can guess the results. However, one gentleman graciously agreed and the two crossed the finish line with success.

The synchronized swimming event consisted of the girl in a bathing suit, on the streets of New York mind you, and a wading pool. The girl again asked passersby to swim with her.

However, this time the task became more difficult and Graham Norton asked guest Jon Voight to speak to a young man via a cell phone to participate, presenting the dilemma in Mission Impossible style. The man agreed, stripped down and jumped with her into the pool.

These are just a few of the antics Graham Norton has planned for his viewers, but all promise to be hilarious, good clean fun and a barrel of laughs around every corner.

Another antic Norton proposed was to match normal, everyday people with their hair. The person was pictured totally bald. Strips of various style coiffures were off to the side. Norton asked the studio audience which they thought was appropriate for the person. Then he clicked and dragged the selected hairstyle over the face. When the audience was sure their match was correct, then the real person came out from backstage to see if they were correct. This proved to be quite entertaining and good clean fun.

When UTM students were asked if they had ever seen the show before and their thoughts of it, Adam McCammon, an Art Education freshman answered, “It’s OK.”

“It’s funny and entertaining,” said Tyson, a post baccalaureate Elementary Education major who had confessed to watching the show often.

“I’ve never seen it before,” said Alisha Hedge, a K-8 Education junior.

“The show is a creative, different kind of talk show. Very laid back,” said Brandon Hobbs, a Graphic Design senior.

The show is a funny and entertaining, irreverent talk show and one worth watching.