I think Al Murray is extremely funny - I saw him once with Harry Hill's Caterers (covers band) in Putney, and he's sharp-witted, personable and a rather good drummer. And I love his "Pub Landlord" stand up routine in its proper context .
However, I saw some of his show last Saturday, and it was excruciating. Why attempt to transpose that character into a chat show format? A black-hearted Saturday night, post-pub attempt at "The Comedy of Embarrassment" I suppose. Well it's not intrinsically funny ITV...or Al!