2. From hesitant beginnings in 1962, which Irish television talk show went on to become the world's second longest-running late-night talk show?
From Quiz Ireland On The Small Screen
Answer:
The Late Late Show
"The Late Late Show" was made by the Republic of Ireland's national broadcaster, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE).
Mostly broadcast live weekly on a Friday night, it was to become a staple of the broadcaster's output. It was frequently the biggest ratings winner with its mixture of 'hard' interviews and soft focus pieces.
Despite the often laid back nature, it was also able to stir up controversies. In 1966, host Gay Bryne picked a couple from the studio audience for a fun quiz and asked the husband what colour of nightgown his wife wore on their honeymoon. The question was condemned by Thomas Ryan, Bishop of Clonfert. In 1989 plans to interview two former nuns who had come out as lesbians led to a High Court challenge. In 1991, Byrne courted controversy again when he interviewed three of the "Birmingham Six; men jailed for the fatal bomb blast at a pub in England. (The six were later exonerated).
The show has had several main hosts, Gay Byrne (1962-1999); Pat Kenny (1999-2009, and 2013) and Ryan Tubridy (from 2009). Other shorter term hosts included Frank Hall, Gerry Ryan and Miriam O'Callaghan.