The Jonathan Ross Show (known as Friday Night with Jonathan Ross in the UK) is a comical chat show presented by Jonathan Ross which features Ross' take on current topics of conversation, guest interviews (usually three per show) and live music from both a guest music group and the house band, 4 Poofs and a Piano.
The series premiered in the UK on BBC One on 2 November, 2001. The 17th season premieres in the UK on 4 September, 2009.
The Jonathan Ross Show premiered in South Africa on DStv's BBC Entertainment channel on Friday 31 July 2009, at 21h30, beginning with Season 16. The first 15 seasons did not air in South Africa.
Six "Best Of" episodes from Season 16 aired, whereafter Season 17 premiered one week after it premiered in the UK, on Friday 11 September, 2009. New episodes air weekly.
Synopsis
Jonathan's interviews with A-list guests - from Tom Cruise to John Travolta to Nicole Kidman - are always candid and frequently unpredictable. His irreverent humour takes no prisoners and never lets his guests off the hook.
But, with his charm and flamboyant style, he fosters an atmosphere that allows guests to relax and open up and allows the viewers in.
The show is filmed in BBC Television Centre in London.
Jonathan's gags include candid confessions about his family life, snarky takes on the news, and demonstrations of odd products. His close pal, comedian Ricky Gervais, has appeared on the show eight times, more than any other guest.
The house band, 4 Poofs and a Piano, performs a short song to introduce each guest. Each episode also features a special musical performer, and Jonathan has welcomed everyone from Arcade Fire to Mary J. Blige to Björk.
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross has won four BAFTAs, a British Comedy Award, Broadcast Award, and the Indie Award for Best Entertainment Program.