The Nightly Show’s current host Bradley Walsh has been hailed by viewers as the “best so far”, but many think the topical news programme is beneath him.
ITV’s new effort, which is airing in the news broadcast’s usual 10pm slot, has been largely criticised in recent weeks with previous hosts including David Walliams and John Bishop in the firing line.
The Chase presenter’s first episode on Monday night was panned due to comedian Joe Pasquale having a nipple pierced.
However, the second episode was given a resounding thumbs-up thanks to his banter with guest, actor Philip Glenister.
One member of the TV audience wrote on Twitter they were “in stitches” and that Bradley was the “best thing to happen to this show”.
Another agreed that he had “finally cracked” it.
Is Bradley Walsh the savior of #thenightlyshow ? Hands down the best so far
— Nick Lyes (@nicholaslyes) April 4, 2017
@ITVNightlyShow @BradleyWalsh is the best thing to happen to this show – naturally funny #instiches
— donna newman (@donnydoos22) April 4, 2017
@ITVNightlyShow @BradleyWalsh and Philip Glenister is the best show so far
— danny barley (@dannyboi3004) April 4, 2017
@ITV I wasn’t a fan of #TheNightlyShow but I’m a fan of the fab Bradley Walsh. If there is a second series 🙂 keep him for the full series.
— Peter Henry Todd (@Peter_H_Todd) April 4, 2017
@BradleyWalsh is breathing life into #thenightlyshow…keep going, I think we’ve found a pulse….
— Madame Minge (@MadameMinge) April 4, 2017
Although there was a lot of love for Bradley on social media, there were also plenty who thought that the Nightly Show was not good enough for his presence.
Watching @BradleyWalsh on #thenightlyshow is like having to watch your favourite uncle begging to keep his job. He deserves better
— TVSpiv (@TVSpiv) April 4, 2017
#thenightlyshow Bradley Walsh good but deserves a much better show to host WHEN WILL ITV REALISE THAT THIS JUST RUBBISH & take this crap of
— Ann Foster (@fosterann6) April 4, 2017
Bradley Walsh is a top funny guy but this #thenightlyshow is trying too hard to copy those American evenin shows.. they just don’t work here
— gazzathebookie (@gazzathebookie) April 4, 2017
The programme, pre-recorded several hours before broadcast every day, is attempting to replicate the late-night shows popular in the US.
It is running for eight weeks with a different host each week.
Many of the presenters, which have also included Davina McCall, Dermot O’Leary and TV chef Gordon Ramsay, have been panned by viewers and the programme has struggled in the ratings.
Next week sees comedian Jason Manford helm the show before Dermot returns for the final week.