Claudia Winkleman Beats Graham Norton in Debut Ratings for New BBC Chat Show

Claudia Winkleman’s highly anticipated chat show debut pulled in stronger overnight viewing figures than Graham Norton’s recent episodes in the same Friday-night slot, marking an early ratings win for the BBC presenter.

The first episode of The Claudia Winkleman Show aired on BBC One at 10:40pm on Friday, March 13, 2026, drawing over 1.4 million viewers — approximately 200,000 more than Norton’s show averaged in the preceding weeks.

The series, produced by SO Television (Norton’s own company), temporarily takes over the late-night Friday slot while The Graham Norton Show is off-air between seasons.

Winkleman, 54, best known for hosting Strictly Come Dancing (which she left after 11 years), The Traitors, and The Piano, welcomed a eclectic guest lineup: Hollywood star Jeff Goldblum (promoting his new album Night Blooms), comedy icon Jennifer Saunders, West End actress Vanessa Williams (starring in the musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada), and comedian Tom Allen.

Viewers praised elements like the “divine” moody set design, Winkleman’s warm charisma, and quirky moments — including a scene-stealing cockapoo named Percy on the sofa.

Many called it a “promising” start, with one fan writing on X: “I love it already,” and others noting it offered a “welcome contrast” to Norton’s high-energy format.

However, the debut divided audiences and critics. Social media feedback highlighted complaints about the show feeling “dull,” “awkward,” or “flat,” with some audience participation segments described as “cringeworthy.”

Comparisons to Norton’s bigger-name bookings (like Taylor Swift or Ryan Gosling) were common, and a few likened it unfavorably to short-lived past chat shows. Professional reviews ranged from five-star enthusiasm for its “endearing” banter (The Sun) to two-star critiques calling it “a mess” or “strangely flat” (The Guardian, Metro).

Despite the mixed reception, BBC insiders remain positive, describing Winkleman as a “superstar” whose dream project showed strong initial numbers. They expect improvement over the six-episode run, with the goal of building steady viewership alongside Norton’s established appeal.

The show didn’t crack BBC One’s top 10 most-watched programs that night, trailing behind staples like The One Show and Would I Lie To You?, but the debut outperformed expectations in direct head-to-head competition.

Next week’s episode features former One Direction star Niall Horan, comedian Joanne McNally, and Guz Khan — potentially a stronger draw as the series finds its footing.

The Claudia Winkleman Show continues Fridays at 10:40pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Will it build on its ratings momentum and win over skeptics? Early signs suggest potential, but the jury — and viewers — are still out.

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