3.7 / 10 (based on 265 reviews)
In-depth hour-long interviews devoted to just one guest and filmed in front of an audience, with video contributions from friends and family.
Genre: Biography, Talk-Show
Main Cast: Piers Morgan, Joan Collins, Sharon Osbourne, Bruce Forsyth
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
20 seasons, 100 episodes, 60-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Piers Morgan’s Life Stories (2009)
The Morecambe & Wise Show (1968)
8.1 / 10 (based on 1010 reviews)
The Morecambe & Wise Show was a long running and massively popular sketch series starring British comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, plus a string of top-name international celebrity guests (of a bygone age), like André Prévin.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise, Ann Hamilton, Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
9 seasons, 70 episodes
The Two Ronnies (1971)
7.8 / 10 (based on 3417 reviews)
This long-running BBC comedy show consisted of sketches and humourous musical routines involving the large Ronnie Barker and the small Ronnie Corbett. Most sketches involved both men, but occasionally only one. Barker was excellent at fast-talking and complicated dialogue. Each week Corbett would tell a short joke and digress and tell a dozen or more unrelated jokes en route to the main punchline. Each series contained a comedy miniseries and characters who returned weekly. Also on the bill would be a musical piece from a well-known singer or group.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett, The Fred Tomlinson Singers, John Owens
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
12 seasons, 93 episodes
Good Morning Britain (2014)
3.1 / 10 (based on 698 reviews)
The weekday news on ITV that the whole nation wakes up to.
Genre: News, Talk-Show
Main Cast: Andi Peters, Lorraine Kelly, Laura Tobin, Susanna Reid
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 1373 episodes, 150.0-minute runtime
In for a Penny (2019)
6.3 / 10 (based on 134 reviews)
Zany on-the-street game show in which random members of the British public are set unusual challenges to win cash prizes presented by Stephen Mulhern.
Genre: Comedy, Game-Show
Main Cast: Stephen Mulhern, Ritesh, Latisha, Sarah
Creators: Patrick Carr
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 28 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Piers Morgan’s Life Stories is a television series that has carved its niche within the realm of celebrity interviews. Since its inception in 2009, the show has offered viewers an in-depth look into the lives of various public figures, from actors and musicians to politicians and sports stars. Hosted by Piers Morgan, a journalist and television personality known for his direct and often confrontational interview style, the show has become a platform for celebrities to share their life stories, including their triumphs and tribulations.
The Format
Each episode of Piers Morgan’s Life Stories is structured around a one-on-one interview format, with Morgan sitting across from his guest. The interviews are comprehensive, typically lasting for an hour, allowing for a deep dive into the guest’s personal and professional life. The show distinguishes itself by not shying away from sensitive or controversial topics, with Morgan known for asking the hard-hitting questions that many others would avoid.
Notable Episodes
Over the years, Piers Morgan’s Life Stories has featured a wide array of guests, each bringing their unique stories to the table. Some episodes have stood out either for the emotional depth they reached or for the headlines they generated.
Cheryl
One of the most talked-about episodes featured singer and television personality Cheryl. During the interview, she opened up about her tumultuous marriage to footballer Ashley Cole and her battle with malaria, among other personal topics. The honesty and vulnerability she displayed resonated with many viewers.
Gordon Brown
Another memorable episode featured Gordon Brown, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Brown spoke candidly about the loss of his daughter Jennifer, a profoundly personal tragedy, and discussed the global financial crisis. This episode showcased the show’s ability to humanize figures known primarily for their public personas.
Simon Cowell
The interview with music mogul Simon Cowell is another highlight. Cowell, known for his often brash and blunt demeanor, revealed a more introspective side. He discussed his rise in the music industry, his relationships, and the pressures of fame. This episode peeled back layers of a well-known figure, offering insights not commonly seen in other interviews.
The Impact
Piers Morgan’s Life Stories has made a significant impact on both its guests and its audience. For many guests, the show has served as a platform to set the record straight, share their side of the story, or reveal aspects of their lives that the public might not have been aware of. For viewers, the show provides a rare opportunity to see celebrities in a different light, beyond the headlines and the glamour.
Changing Public Perceptions
Several episodes have been pivotal in changing or influencing public perceptions of certain individuals. For instance, after the Cheryl episode, public sympathy for her increased significantly. Similarly, the interview with Gordon Brown offered insights into his personal challenges and his leadership during a global crisis, potentially altering viewers’ opinions of his time in office.
Emotional Connections
The show’s format and Morgan’s interviewing style have facilitated moments of genuine emotional connection. When guests share their struggles, losses, and personal battles, it humanizes them, bridging the gap between their public personas and the audience. These moments of vulnerability are what many viewers find the most compelling and memorable.
Criticism and Controversy
Despite its success, Piers Morgan’s Life Stories has not been without its critics. Some have accused Morgan of sensationalism, arguing that the show sometimes focuses too much on the sensational aspects of guests’ lives. Others have criticized Morgan’s interviewing style as overly confrontational or aggressive.
However, it’s also this very style that has contributed to the show’s success. Morgan’s willingness to ask the difficult questions and not settle for surface-level answers is what often leads to the show’s most insightful and revealing moments.
Conclusion
Piers Morgan’s Life Stories stands out in a crowded field of celebrity interview shows. Its combination of in-depth interviewing, a willingness to tackle difficult topics, and moments of genuine emotional connection has resonated with both guests and viewers. While it has faced criticism, the show’s impact and its contribution to public discourse cannot be denied.
Through its run, Piers Morgan’s Life Stories has offered a unique window into the lives of some of the most fascinating figures of our time. It has shown that behind the fame and the headlines, celebrities have stories of struggle, triumph, and humanity, just like everyone else. In doing so, it has not only entertained but also enriched our understanding of the complex tapestry of human experience.