Surprise setups, prank phone calls and hidden cameras reign on Irish comedian-cum-talk-show-host Norton’s extravaganza. So it’s no wonder celebrity guests occasionally duck out of their commitment when they see what Norton is really all about. Shame on them! For our part, we can’t get enough of this unabashed prankster’s unique take on the talk show format. His joie de hosting, coupled with his inspired mix of conversational and musical guests, are as refreshing as a Guinness on a hot day. While we miss the "Cooldown" portion of the show, which was dropped this year for season three, we continue to delight in the uncut footage and cheeky bouts of audience interrogation that make Norton one of our favorite television imports.

Fast Facts

  • The series debuted in North America in June 2007.

  • Norton achieved fame as a newscaster on Channel 4 in the U.K.

Honorable Mentions:
Chelsea Handler, Chelsea Lately, E!: Her fast talk and even quicker wit make Handler ready, willing and able to take on the boys who dominate late-night television.

Florence Henderson, The Florence Henderson Show, Retirement Living TV: Providing an accessible yet clearly insider’s look at Hollywood past and present, Henderson is at her best holding court with a gaggle of guests RLTV’s target audience really wants to see.

Return to 2008 CableFAX Program Awards table of contents.

The Daily

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Wednesday–September 23

Bipartisan Bill tackles Risky Tech List

A new bill from House Commerce leaders Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) aims to make it easier to add malicious tech and telecom equipment from foreign adversaries to the FCC’s covered list.

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