Chicken Shop Date to Stargazer: 5 great online interview shows

An unintentional side-effect of the internet is the democratisation of traditional media. You no longer need to have a TV show or broadcast on radio airwaves to get unfettered access to the biggest stars, all you need is a novel concept and a YouTube account.

As a child of the internet, I've seen online empires rise and fall, with the interview series business rapidly changing since I downloaded my first podcast fifteen years ago. If you love a good chat but can’t wait until a Friday night telly appointment, here are five of the best series on the internet for interviews.

Chicken Shop Date

Ten years ago, Amelia Dimoldenberg posted her first Chicken Shop Date, focusing on promoting London artists by letting their personalities shine as they dealt with her trademark awkwardness. Nowadays, the journalist is a superstar in her own right; working the red carpet at the Oscars, interviewing A-Listers, all while maintaining her deadpan delivery. Unless, of course, she's speaking to Andrew Garfield.

Essential episodes: Sabrina Carpenter, Louis Theroux, Eric Andre

Hot Ones

It's the challenge everyone wants to try, but is too afraid to commit; spicy questions accompanied by spicier wings. Sean Evans has talked to literally every major star; it’s gotten to the point where he’s interviewed cartoon characters like Daffy Duck. The sauces featured in the show are all available to buy online. Dunk if you dare!

Essential episodes: Gordon Ramsay, Margot Robbie, Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman

Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Conan O’Brien has arguably one of the most impressive CVs in American comedy history. Between The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, and nearly 30 years of hosting one of the most anarchic late shows on television, his credentials are not to be scoffed at. It makes sense, then, that the concept of him not wanting to be lonely in retirement has led to one of the funniest podcasts available online. If you ever watched a chat show and wished the interviews were longer than seven minutes, this is the pod for you.

Essential episodes: Jim Downey, Jon Stewart, Lisa Kudrow

Stargazer

London-based Irish journalist Iona Bielby's aim is to "interview underrated artists", and Stargazer does exactly that in the form of an audio-visual hug. Iona and her guest stare at the homemade constellation of her flat's sitting room and talk about whatever is on their mind, whether it be their favourite artists or what colour their teeth are. One for those who like to feel they’re eavesdropping on a sleepover.

Essential episodes: Kojaque, KhakiKid, Erin Le Count

Nardwuar

If you've done it, Nardwuar knows about it. A legend of the Canadian radio scene, the Human Serviette has interviewed everyone from Kurt Cobain to Tyler, The Creator. His encyclopaedic knowledge of his guests is borderline terrifying, to the point of surprising them with references to deep cuts in their catalogue, family secrets, and gifts that only they could know about. For some artists, an interview with Nardwuar is a dream come true; for others, a nightmare. Doot doola doot do…

Essential episodes: J. Cole, Cardi B, Slipknot