The Graham Norton Show Tonight: Cynthia Erivo, David Tennant and More

A busy sofa for Friday night

The Graham Norton Show is scheduled to return to BBC One on Friday 13 November 2026 with an eclectic guest list spanning film, television and comedy. Listings name Cynthia Erivo, David Tennant, Laura Linney and Rob Brydon, alongside a musical performance from Noah Kahan. The programme is expected to follow the evening's BBC Children in Need coverage and the news, making it a late-night option for viewers staying in.

When is it on?

The main BBC One listing places the programme at approximately 10.40pm, although schedules can vary by nation and late changes are possible. Some regional listings show a later start in Northern Ireland. Anyone recording the programme should use the electronic programme guide for their area rather than relying solely on a national preview. BBC iPlayer is another option for checking availability after transmission.

Who are the guests?

Cynthia Erivo is known for acclaimed stage and screen performances, while David Tennant has worked across drama, comedy and theatre. Laura Linney brings a long career in film and television, and Rob Brydon is familiar to UK audiences as an actor, comedian and presenter. Their presence gives the programme the mixture of conversation, anecdotes and entertainment for which its red-sofa format is known.

The musical performance

Noah Kahan is billed as the evening's musical guest. Listings confirm his appearance but do not provide a reliable basis for predicting every song or conversation topic. As with other entertainment programmes, advance billing may change. Viewers interested in a particular guest should check the final BBC listing closer to transmission or the programme information on iPlayer.

What else is on tonight?

Friday's BBC One schedule also features the Children in Need appeal earlier in the evening. Elsewhere, Channel 4 has Gogglebox and The Last Leg listed, while Sky Documentaries is promoting The Drug Lords Next Door. These alternatives make Friday a varied night for television, from charity entertainment and comedy to documentary reporting. Times and availability may depend on subscriptions and regional schedules.

Why the line-up stands out

The Graham Norton Show often brings together guests who might not otherwise share an interview platform. That can produce unexpected conversations, but previews should not invent jokes, revelations or exchanges before an episode has aired. For tonight, the confirmed attraction is the advertised mix of guests and music. Readers can decide whether to watch live or catch up afterwards.

The guest list has been reported in advance, so the precise running order and length of each interview remain unconfirmed. Late-night schedules can also shift if preceding live programmes run long. Checking the BBC's programme guide shortly before transmission is the most reliable way to avoid missing the start.

Sources and image

Sources: The Guardian, TV Tonight, 13 November 2026; UK Friday television listings. Photograph: ThinkThanks/Pixabay; illustrative talk-show setting, not the BBC studio.