When it comes to The Graham Norton Show and the infamous Red Chair, the fan-favorite segment has continued to go viral. Sometimes, the comedy comes in simply because of where they are from. Other times, the Red Chair squatters have some connection to the evening’s guest, like Matt Smith’s Doctor Who twin coincidently named Matt or when Jack Whitehall’s time as guest host resulted in a mother telling him her daughter called her rude at a nightclub.

When there is an instant connection, it ties the beloved segment together perfectly to the entirety of the evening’s festivities. No matter what, when the Red Chair story is genuine and about themselves, the segment is at its best. When it has that cherry on top of a connection, expect it to go viral. Such is the case for Chris O’Dowd and the iconic babysitter story.

Don't Hire Chris O'Dowd To Babysit

It's time to set the stage for the hilarious Red Chair story. John from the “west” of Ireland sits in the chair to tell a tale. Graham presses him on the whereabouts of the Isle of Ire he’s from, but he doesn’t want to bury the lead. This leads to O’Dowd already razzing him as there are other Irish stars on the couch. He begins his story when his parents call for a babysitter to look after him and his siblings. With Jenny, the babysitter, being busy, she offered her younger brother to do it instead. Subsequently, the kids destroy the house under the younger brother’s watch. Even John and his brother were casualties of bloody noses and loss of hair from a self-inflicted haircut.

John’s mother was so irate, but here comes the punchline: “You’re in real trouble, Chris O’Dowd when I tell your mother about this.” Yes, the delinquent babysitter was the Irish actor currently on The Graham Norton Show. As is the common practice of flipping guests when their story is meh, John from Ireland wasn’t flipped and O’Dowd let him walk. The Season 18 episode was filled with star power with the likes of Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Dawn French, and Rod Stewart, but it was the Irishman who stole the show with his exceptional storytelling.

Why We Love the Red Chair

Moments like this are brilliant because they bring a small-world aura while reminding us that not even celebrities are off the hook when it comes to embarrassing stories. They can and will come back to haunt them. The ability for celebrities and viewers to interact through the Red Chair makes us feel even more connected and part of the entire The Graham Norton Show experience. It’s that slight fourth wall break that makes this segment one of the best in all chat shows.

Certainly, other iconic Red Chair moments have tickled guests and viewers alike. Will we ever forget about Aileen from Derry? Fans still quote her infamous "milk and bread" line in that thick accent. The Red Chair segment provides hilarity from the mundane. An average person may show up to a party and tell the same story and receive an ovation of yawns. But there is simply magic when that same person sits in that chair with celebrity eyes glaring, waiting to be entertained. The tables are truly turned and the comedy ensues. The bonus of the potential chair flip makes it all worthwhile.

The Graham Norton Show has continued to defy the odds of being an international hit series. It's because of the viral approach the series has. Between stories you'd never hear on other shows and segments that are beloved, the host and his series show no signs of slowing down. A-List stars continue to flock to the BBC studios to chat and gab with Norton, and if they remember to promote their project, even better.

The Graham Norton Show airs Fridays at 11:00 pm EST on BBC America. The Graham Norton Show is available to stream on Netflix.

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