Norm MacDonald Has a Show

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Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 14, 2018
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 123 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 107 out of 123
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 123
  3. Negative: 15 out of 123
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  1. razimus
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    The Norm MacDonald Has A Show Show is the best talk show on Netflix, If you like Norm you'll like this show, if you don't like Norm you'll still like this show, can this show be better than it is? You can't top perfection.
  2. Bman007
    Sep 14, 2018
    9
    This is a fine show, a nugget of coarse gold from the Canadian hills, back before the strip mines took over. Norm suitably confuses, provokes, teases, flatters, and torments his guests. Some, like Letterman, stagger out wanting only to forget, or to find the relative sanity of the nearest cathouse. Others are invigorated, like a man fresh from taking a shave. As close to his Youtube showThis is a fine show, a nugget of coarse gold from the Canadian hills, back before the strip mines took over. Norm suitably confuses, provokes, teases, flatters, and torments his guests. Some, like Letterman, stagger out wanting only to forget, or to find the relative sanity of the nearest cathouse. Others are invigorated, like a man fresh from taking a shave. As close to his Youtube show as he can get without offending the aspiring, if nervous, producers at Netflix. Only took off a star because the set is less cozy that on Youtube, it's dark and looks like a back room college bar. Avromi Egress, of course, laughs too loud and generally is treated like the sidekick / scapegoat that his face declares he is.… Expand
  3. mrdolfinn
    Sep 16, 2018
    10
    Most critics are reviewing this show poorly because of Norm's politics and his hate for political correctness. The Daily Beast wrote that Michelle Wolf's show was "great" (even though full episodes were put on YouTube before being cancelled altogether) while Norm's was "terrible." I highly recommend this show to anyone since it has 10 episodes each with a different guest so there'sMost critics are reviewing this show poorly because of Norm's politics and his hate for political correctness. The Daily Beast wrote that Michelle Wolf's show was "great" (even though full episodes were put on YouTube before being cancelled altogether) while Norm's was "terrible." I highly recommend this show to anyone since it has 10 episodes each with a different guest so there's something for everyone not to mention it is hysterical! This is a talk show that does not need politics or silly bits. It is just one-on-one discussions (with Adam Egret) that transform into something special.… Expand
  4. NewWhovian
    Sep 18, 2018
    10
    Very funny and no politics. Finally a talk show that just entertains. Want more.
  5. RobertFromTN
    Sep 15, 2018
    9
    Amazing show. It is almost perfect except for the obvious producer meddling here and there. Norm owns the stage and can usually put his guests in a feeling of unassuming vulnerability that they are obviously not used to. The anecdotes and jokes arise naturally and the free-flowing nature of the show ensures that conversation is never stale.

    Norm is easily head and shoulders better than    Amazing show. It is almost perfect except for the obvious producer meddling here and there. Norm owns the stage and can usually put his guests in a feeling of unassuming vulnerability that they are obviously not used to. The anecdotes and jokes arise naturally and the free-flowing nature of the show ensures that conversation is never stale.

    Norm is easily head and shoulders better than the other (terrible) offerings from Netflix that have floundered in their own self-righteousness.

    There will be those who trash the show no matter what. Young millennials who prefer their talk show hosts to be loud, shrill, partisan hacks who scream obscenities about politicians into the camera will be better served steering clear. They don't deserve a show with the quiet confidence that Norm brings.    … Expand
  6. njasa10
    Sep 17, 2018
    10
    Very few things in this world can be funny on an objective level. After all, comedy is subjective. This show is a wonderful, incredibly funny and honest show that achieves just that. Comedy at an objectively great level. The negative reviews from the left leaning media outlets are simply driven by a desire to discredit Norm due to his political views and controversial recent comments.Very few things in this world can be funny on an objective level. After all, comedy is subjective. This show is a wonderful, incredibly funny and honest show that achieves just that. Comedy at an objectively great level. The negative reviews from the left leaning media outlets are simply driven by a desire to discredit Norm due to his political views and controversial recent comments. However, those reviewers have simply outted themselves as people who are not objective, but are simply impressionable, narrow minded followers and it really is a shame that this is what media critique has come to in this age. Or perhaps it is a different case; perhaps they simply don't "get" the joke. As Norm says in the fantastic Drew Barrymore episode, "you don't get to not like the joke, YOU DIDN'T **** GET IT!"… Expand
  7. JayShurman
    Sep 18, 2018
    10
    This is a show that was first a cult favorite as a Youtube series. Without many frills, Norm is a unique talk show host and is delightfully personal with his guests. His co-host is also a great compliment. Its a shame critic reviews seem too influenced by populist political beliefs.
  8. bannon16
    Sep 16, 2018
    9
    I love this show so much. It is so funny, and made me so happy -- i hope it gets a second season.
  9. brunobruno
    Sep 15, 2018
    9
    While not for everyone, those who are familiar with Norm and his guests will undoubtedly have a good time. The bare-bones set and "professional amateurism" that Norm wants to portray makes the guests and the audience feel at home.
  10. alexthe
    Sep 15, 2018
    10
    This show is really funny and has a very smart sense of humor.

    I watched it with someone who to be honest isn't the sharpest pencil in the box, and she didn't understand it very much. She liked some of the jokes but didn't really get why the show is so funny. I think the poor critical reviews are due to that fact - you have to be fairly intelligent to understand it - as well as that    This show is really funny and has a very smart sense of humor.

    I watched it with someone who to be honest isn't the sharpest pencil in the box, and she didn't understand it very much. She liked some of the jokes but didn't really get why the show is so funny.

    I think the poor critical reviews are due to that fact - you have to be fairly intelligent to understand it - as well as that a lot of these reviewers are coming in wanting the show to be bad.

    But at the end of the day its a legitimately great show, with the kinds of candid and hilarious interviews that you really can't get anywhere else. Norm is such a natural interviewer its really amazing no network has picked up Norm Macdonald Live and turned it into a show sooner.

    I really really hope the controversy around Norm's comments prior to the show (not his finest moments, but in my opinion not something that could justifiably ruin his career) don't prevent people from enjoying it. I think out of context I understand why some might get offended but if you read the article that the controversy came from, most of the descriptions that I've heard of what he said were wildly exaggerated.    … Expand
  11. saps
    Sep 18, 2018
    10
    its at times like these when i get truly worried about where the progressive left is heading. this is a truly funny, innnocent, light show with a very smart anchor who chooses not to beat us over the head with his intelligence just because he can. everyone and their mom is doing the political comedy stuff and some are great - but dont we have enough of that? and for those comparing normits at times like these when i get truly worried about where the progressive left is heading. this is a truly funny, innnocent, light show with a very smart anchor who chooses not to beat us over the head with his intelligence just because he can. everyone and their mom is doing the political comedy stuff and some are great - but dont we have enough of that? and for those comparing norm to michelle wolf (and saying the latter is way funnier and still got cancelled whereas this show should not be allowed on) - that itself is true comedy gold. and for those who are making a big deal of his press tour - get a life you are pathetic with no capacity for nuance.… Expand
  12. MichaelBall
    Sep 20, 2018
    10
    At a time when politics runs rampant through most of Hollywood, its amazing how many reviewers fail to understand this show at all. Searching for hidden meaning or wondering why the conversations are so odd, they are oblivious to what makes Norm so appealing. His undying pursuit of humour at every line. His comedy show is about jokes!
  13. crit-s
    Sep 19, 2018
    10
    I don't normal watch much of talk shows - this is the best I've even seen! I really enjoyed the format. His guest were candid and the show doesn't feel like it just exists as packaging for the guest's product placement. His guest were all fun, with the exception of Lorne Michaels. The best part of the show is Norm, he's brilliant. The only negative to show is that background; I feelI don't normal watch much of talk shows - this is the best I've even seen! I really enjoyed the format. His guest were candid and the show doesn't feel like it just exists as packaging for the guest's product placement. His guest were all fun, with the exception of Lorne Michaels. The best part of the show is Norm, he's brilliant. The only negative to show is that background; I feel like it's meant to be an Andy Kaufman style joke on the audience.

    I feel like professional critics should have quotes around "professional", how could they have not found this show great; That or someone give me call, I'll do the job they arn't doing...    … Expand
  14. LtPunisher666
    Sep 17, 2018
    10
    Love the show. Super big fan! Just watch it. Don't pay attention to the mainstream reviews.
  15. imthenoob
    Sep 19, 2018
    10
    I don't get the hate. Norm is a surprisingly great interviewer that manages to keep the conversation going fluidly regardless of how vastly different the topics or the interviewees are. And it's pretty freaking funny.
  16. VITOR57
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    This interview show tries to be original, which is something admirable by itself. But it´s also good, really really good if you happen to like Norm like I do. I guess that after Norm´s comments on Louie and Rossane the press had to go hard after him...
  17. Spanarkler
    Sep 23, 2018
    10
    Oh screw these ridiculous reviews. Show's so much fun. When you're funny, engage with people well, you don't need some tight format.
  18. gwarren657
    Sep 16, 2018
    10
    For someone who describes himself as a chunk of coal, Norm MacDonald is more akin to a diamond. In some magical way he manages to reach new depths of interesting tidbits with his guests - in half the time compared to his previous show 'Norm MacDonald Live'. The show is messy, disorganised and wild but in many ways this only adds to its blatant charm, homeliness and genuine warmth asFor someone who describes himself as a chunk of coal, Norm MacDonald is more akin to a diamond. In some magical way he manages to reach new depths of interesting tidbits with his guests - in half the time compared to his previous show 'Norm MacDonald Live'. The show is messy, disorganised and wild but in many ways this only adds to its blatant charm, homeliness and genuine warmth as opposed to so much we place before our eyes today. The show has an old talk-show vibe in many ways, no cutaways, no elaborate hi-jinks - just Norm, his sidekick Adam and the guest of the show talking about whatever and whenever.… Expand
  19. GeraldBostock
    Sep 17, 2018
    10
    There's a reason the ultimate insult was dubbing Vladimir, "Critic!" The critics could not be more wrong. If you're not a fan of Norm, you're not a fan of comedy. Watch, nay, BINGE his new show.
  20. sailorZed
    Sep 19, 2018
    9
    This is my first review ever composed, I never really planned on doing such a thing, but certain happenings have brought me forth to express my adoration for this show. I will try to be brief.

    'Norm Macdonald Has A Show' is the most human "mainstream" talk show currently available, although cataloging it with 'Late Night Talk Shows' isn't wholly correct, though not undue in it's    This is my first review ever composed, I never really planned on doing such a thing, but certain happenings have brought me forth to express my adoration for this show. I will try to be brief.

    'Norm Macdonald Has A Show' is the most human "mainstream" talk show currently available, although cataloging it with 'Late Night Talk Shows' isn't wholly correct, though not undue in it's dressing.
    Taking a seat to regale, amuse and entertain are an assortment of fringe icons and even defamed individuals, finally being allowed room to speak where there was little or no possible chance in a buzzworthy industry.
    It is heartfelt and often poignant besides being simply hilarious in a very distinct fashion. It is relaxed and honest; What comes from the guests is such a breath of fresh air compared to the otherwise rigid obligations of other mainstream talk shows broadcasted at us.
    What begins as a mumbling, joking warmup session, very soon guests begin to open up and settle in (some initially wary of the setting or lack of structure present) Macdonald then steadily focuses in on heartfelt matters (or at times, seemingly frivolous happenings), with true curiosity, the guests often become moved, and along does Norm, if even just for a second. Quickly though, Norm will wrap around to ensure a smile or indeed pay a compliment that has no punchline.

    One could draw comparison to something like 'The Eric Andre Show', with it's own brand of "anti-humor" or however it's defined; but the only similarity lies within the two shows loose structure (or lack of structure) and unlike that particular show (which I have no grief with), Norm is not looking to humiliate his guests, he takes them into territory they may indeed find uncertainty, but he is with them for the trip and not looking to punish or aggravate them. He very much exudes care and interest with the show's guests', who he treats warm and familiarly, even with those of them he has not met formally prior.
    Norm Macdonald excels at doing away with the barrier between celebrity and everyday individual, revealing that beneath the veneer, and as we inside all already know, these are human beings with all which that entails.

    The show of course is not perfect, none are, but any of it's stumbling thus far also lends itself to what makes this program raw and genuine. It was not tailored or at the least, the stitching is not apparent. I truly believe It will be remembered as something outstanding. I just hope Norm is alive by that time to know that he is indeed beloved.

    The Jester in the King's Court so many enjoy.
    I do wonder how many Jester's were sent to the Headsmen's Block after crossing the line.

    And with that grim analogy, a final more personal note;
    Please do not fall into the moat of hate that has flooded around this program, Norm, nor those behind this specific show, do not deserve such ire. Like the show itself, Norm Macdonald is flawed and understands that.
    He is not a malign person.
    I repeat, Norm Macdonald is not evil nor trying to propagate cruelty to women or any of the crude, damning assumptions made of his views/statements in public interviews/attempted apologies.

    Indeed those dedicated to reporting his "failures" and "ignorance's" seem to revel in his sadness over this lousy course of events.
    Which quite frankly, I am shocked at the degree and the lengths to which (at this time) critics, bloggers, and news outlets are going in an attempt to wreck this show along with Macdonald himself. Seemingly rushing to reach a negative conclusion as fast as possible. Pointing out the obvious lack of infrastructure (as if this invalidates the content) and decrying it as "stilted". Well.. As far as one individual's input goes, as I stated above, this show to me is the exact opposite of unnatural. It's filmed conversation.. Jokes are inserted yes.
    Macdonald isn't my idol or hero, I am a simple fan, but their intent to make an example of this show is laughably, if not dreadfully apparent.

    It is disturbing and saddening that so many people can be blinded by administered outrage delivered by miscommunications magnified by faulty understandings of matters they are not apart of firsthand.

    Where he stands accused I defend as a speck of a presence, he was merely a human being speaking of his friends and colleagues;
    Disagree if you do, but please reconsider your frustrations, and put down the sword,
    it is excessive and not needed here, there are more important issues in our world that could benefit from such zeal, but when it comes to this;
    All I'm getting from Norm is that he would like people to sit down and talk,
    but be able to laugh while doing so.

    I failed at being brief, but thank you for reading    … Expand
  21. wolphghi
    Sep 19, 2018
    10
    With two particular episodes clearly less great than the others, Norm challenges his guests to open up. The moments where Norm is allowed to be himself, the show absolutely shines, and is worth every Norm-al second that serves well as filler. All I ask is more episodes please. And more jokes. I wish more critics would review this show because a third of the ones who have reviewed it don'tWith two particular episodes clearly less great than the others, Norm challenges his guests to open up. The moments where Norm is allowed to be himself, the show absolutely shines, and is worth every Norm-al second that serves well as filler. All I ask is more episodes please. And more jokes. I wish more critics would review this show because a third of the ones who have reviewed it don't understand what it is like to open one's mind up enough to allow Norm to slowly fill it with pure delight.… Expand
  22. GusFunk
    Sep 19, 2018
    9
    The reviewers don't get Norm. Which is fine. His style of comedy has niche appeal. But they betray their own misguided expectations when they say this show is a disaster.

    The chaos is deliberate. Norm is not trying to present a polished, mainstream talk show here. He's subverting everything. He cuts off his guests when they're telling anecdotes. He tells dumb jokes. He lets the crew    The reviewers don't get Norm. Which is fine. His style of comedy has niche appeal. But they betray their own misguided expectations when they say this show is a disaster.

    The chaos is deliberate. Norm is not trying to present a polished, mainstream talk show here. He's subverting everything. He cuts off his guests when they're telling anecdotes. He tells dumb jokes. He lets the crew walk across camera. He pretends he hates his sidekick. He does everything he can to keep the guests and the audience off-balance. Then he counts on his guests' charm and his own merciless wit to spontaneously yield something special out of the chaos. To turn coal into diamonds.

    And usually it works. But you have to be open to absurdity and discomfort. This isn't Jimmy Fallon.    … Expand
  23. Job
    Sep 19, 2018
    10
    This is an excellent show, filled with genuine and entertaining conversation.

    The bad critic reviews are nothing more than lock-step politics. These reviewers are spending less time servicing the public than they are servicing their own careers. They think they'll be rewarded for jumping on the anti-Norm campaign due to his recent "bad think" comments. It really is disgusting, and    This is an excellent show, filled with genuine and entertaining conversation.

    The bad critic reviews are nothing more than lock-step politics. These reviewers are spending less time servicing the public than they are servicing their own careers. They think they'll be rewarded for jumping on the anti-Norm campaign due to his recent "bad think" comments. It really is disgusting, and each of these reviewers needs to be taken to task.

    Anyway. Great show. There are thoughtful moments, little islands in a sea of comedy. Norm has a way of changing the subject and keeping his guests authentic, as opposed to allowing them to go into contrived and overly rehearsed bits we've all heard so many times before. Instead, we get a wonderful glimpse into actual personalities and viewpoints.    … Expand
  24. hegotmoxey
    Sep 22, 2018
    10
    I watched through the first season twice. There is no comedy show like this on Netflix. I think it captures an intimate podcast-like vibe of a WTF with Marc Maron, for example, but with truly hillarious moments. It's humor arises organically through conversation, as laughs do between friends and family members. Macdonald's subversion humor is the main attraction here, but sidekick AdamI watched through the first season twice. There is no comedy show like this on Netflix. I think it captures an intimate podcast-like vibe of a WTF with Marc Maron, for example, but with truly hillarious moments. It's humor arises organically through conversation, as laughs do between friends and family members. Macdonald's subversion humor is the main attraction here, but sidekick Adam Eget, a human punching bag, has some real moments as well. This show captures having coffee with stars like Michael Keaton, Drew Barrymore, and Chevy Chase, but also gives insight into the off-camera personalities of Judge Judy and Lorne Michaels. For instance, I always assumed Lorne Michaels was aloof and self-satisfied, but he good-humored and warm in his interview. The 30-minute romance between Macdonald and Jane Fonda was genuine and surprising and the first time I can recall seeing a sexual side of Norm. The shows fly by quickly, and the whole season can be binged in only a sitting or two.… Expand
  25. bbqamazing
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    Entertaining, interesting, and (most importantly) FUNNY. Every episode is different, and they are ALL worth watching.
  26. Comicron
    Sep 30, 2018
    9
    Classic Norm. His irrelevant style is a breath of fresh air in a time when everyone seems hell bent on taking everything so damn seriously.
  27. Allanbaxter
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    I've never been a Norm McDonald fan. I have to say I find it very refreshing! You never know how the guest is going to respond and that's what I like about it. Also, the guests seem to get pretty real.
  28. DTums
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    Wonderfully timeless humor. Irreverent and subversive. A seemless continuation of his Norm MacDonald Live video podcast. If you're a fan of old comedy from the era when 'funny' was the priority, this is for you. If you're looking for postmodern, post-humor "comedy", you'll probably find yourself disappointed.
  29. sadastro
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    This show is so simple yet so effortlessly funny. It's basically like looking in on an interesting and effortlessly hilarious conversation between a top-class comedian (and his perfectly unfunny sidekick) and various interesting guests. Talk shows are normally boring, scripted and annoying. This is none of that. Highly recommended if you want something easy to watch that doesn't take muchThis show is so simple yet so effortlessly funny. It's basically like looking in on an interesting and effortlessly hilarious conversation between a top-class comedian (and his perfectly unfunny sidekick) and various interesting guests. Talk shows are normally boring, scripted and annoying. This is none of that. Highly recommended if you want something easy to watch that doesn't take much focus and will make you laugh like crazy.… Expand
  30. loopsnhoops
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    As with all of Norm's work it is hugely entertaining and always includes interesting tidbits about the lives of the guests.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
43

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 2 out of 6
  1. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Sep 14, 2018
    40
    Fonda’s guest appearance is head-and-shoulders the best of the four I’ve seen. In fact, Episode 1, with David Spade featured, is so excruciatingly bad that you’re better off skipping it entirely. ... If you’re a Norm Macdonald fanatic, and there likely aren’t very many of those, it’s best to watch this show while you still can.
    Read full review
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Kathryn VanArendonk
    Sep 14, 2018
    40
    For fans of Macdonald’s comedy, this will feel right in his wheelhouse. But it’s hard to get away from the sense that Macdonald doesn’t particularly care, and that he is its only intended audience.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Sep 14, 2018
    80
    I’ve watched four episodes, and every one of them is hugely entertaining and frequently surprising.
    Read full review
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