The Mrs Merton Show
The Mrs Merton Show

The Mrs Merton Show

1998TV ShowEnded5 SeasonsEnglish

The Mrs Merton Show is a mock chat show starring Caroline Aherne as the elderly host Mrs Merton. It ran from 10 February 1995 to 2 April 1998 and was produced by Granada Television and aired on the BBC. The writers included Aherne, Craig Cash, Dave Gorman and Henry Normal. Prior to TV success, Aherne's Mrs Merton character appeared on Frank Sidebottom's album "5/9/88", then made her TV debut on the 1991 Channel 4 gameshow Remote Control, hosted by Anthony H Wilson. The chat show was followed up by a sitcom, Mrs Merton and Malcolm, based on Mrs Merton and her son Malcolm, who was played by Craig Cash.

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Insights

IMDb7.9/10
Director: VariousGenres: Comedy, Talk Show

Plot Summary

A satirical chat show hosted by the fictional chat show queen Mrs Merton, who asks her celebrity guests deceptively simple and often hilariously inappropriate questions. The show features a blend of scripted interviews and improvised comedy, with Mrs Merton's persona as a doting but unknowingly clueless older woman driving much of the humor. The premise allows for unpredictable and often awkward interactions with guests who are forced to navigate her unique interviewing style. It became a landmark of British comedy for its sharp wit and Aherne's masterful performance.

Critical Reception

The Mrs Merton Show was a critical darling, widely praised for its groundbreaking satirical humor and Caroline Aherne's iconic performance as the titular character. The show's unique blend of improvised comedy and sharp, often awkward, questioning of celebrity guests set it apart and garnered a significant cult following. It is remembered as a highly influential and innovative piece of British television comedy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sharp, satirical wit and innovative format.
  • Caroline Aherne's performance as Mrs Merton is considered a comedic masterpiece.
  • The show's ability to generate awkward yet hilarious interviews was a key highlight.

Google audience: As a British television show from the late 90s, specific Google user reviews are not readily available. However, based on general audience reception during its run, the show was beloved for its unique and often shocking humor, with viewers appreciating its departure from conventional chat shows.

Awards & Accolades

Won a BAFTA Award for Best Comedy Programme in 1999. Caroline Aherne also received numerous awards and nominations for her performance.

Fun Fact

The character of Mrs Merton was originally created for 'The Mrs Merton Show's' predecessor, 'The Mrs Merton and Malcolm Show', which aired on BBC Two before moving to the BBC One and becoming the more famous iteration.

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