Latest news with #SandraSully
The Age
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Aussie TV networks hit the jackpot with one type of show
The Floor, for example, uses scale and visual spectacle to enhance its appeal: 100 contestants, plus a massive floor that lights up and can be enlivened by snazzy graphics. In singing its praises, Nine added that the show's success reaffirms 'the importance of our local content'. Well, yes, insofar as this version is made here and has an Australian host and contestants. But, as with many of our game shows, it's an adaptation of an imported format: it, Deal or No Deal and The Traitors are originally Dutch. An array of others – The 1% Club, Tipping Point, The Chase, Taskmaster, House of Games – are English. These productions have proliferated as commercial channels have basically abandoned investment in drama and comedy. Game shows aren't as much of a gamble, and they don't cost as much to make, especially ones that have been developed and road-tested elsewhere. Most require only a single set, so there's no need for expensive location shooting or months of writers' rooms brainstorming. And multiple episodes can be shot in a day. Seasons can be as short or long as the networks require and the enterprise can be jazzed up with celebrities, like Tipping Point's tennis special before Wimbledon, or Sandra Sully dropping in to try her luck with the golden briefcases on Deal. Loading In the current crop, there are some originals, such as Nine's The Hundred, developed by Screentime with host Andy Lee. In addition to Spicks and Specks, the bouncy music quiz hosted by Adam Hills and inspired by Britain's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, the ABC has had a hit with local creation Hard Quiz and recent success with Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont Spelling Bee which was imported from New Zealand. (Yes, Montgomery started the show in his homeland so we can't really claim it as our own). Both of these shows are built around refreshingly idiosyncratic presenters. On Hard Quiz, Gleeson plays the grumpy anti-host. He doesn't welcome contestants and chat to put them at ease. Instead, he pokes fun at them and their special subjects. But after 10 seasons played in a tone carefully calibrated never to cross the line between funny and nasty, its contestants front up knowing what they're in for and ready to give as good as they get. On Spelling Bee, Montgomery presents a nerdy persona slyly undercut by his witty scripts and lightning-fast ad-lib responses. Along with a clever concept and challenges that encourage viewer engagement – such as yelling the answers from the couch – an appealing host is a fundamental requirement for a successful game show. Others currently in the mix offer different qualities, but they're more conventional: Corser comes across like a smoothly amused ringmaster; Jefferies plays a brash ocker bloke; Emdur's an amiable everyman; Hills, a twinkly-eyed pal. In keeping with Deal's tone of barely contained hysteria, Grant Denyer is like an excitable, battery-powered bunny, while Woodbridge has a peppy geniality that recalls the spirit of the country's game-show master, Tony Barber. Given the value-for-money attributes of game shows, it's no surprise that SBS is poised to get back into the action with Big Backyard Quiz, an original format created by Screenwest and NITV which it tested with a special last year and has now green-lit for a series (premiering July 12). Hosted by Narelda Jacobs and Steven Oliver, the playful production is tailored to meet the broadcaster's brief, focusing on Australian history and aspects of it you might not have learned at school. Within this group, though, and reflective of the straitened times for free TV, the prizes ain't what they used to be: no one's going home a millionaire. The grand prize on 1% Club and Deal is $100,000; on The Floor, the season winner pocketed $200,000; on Tipping Point, it's $20,000, unless the player can manoeuvre that elusive double-jackpot counter to drop. On the public broadcasters, there's no money to be won – though Hard Quiz' s big brass mug is clearly a cherished trophy. But even though the monetary incentives have shrunk, the endurance of this type of TV clearly hasn't lost its appeal for TV networks or many viewers. And, especially as free-to-air fights for ongoing relevance, bragging rights have their value too.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Aussie TV networks hit the jackpot with one type of show
The Floor, for example, uses scale and visual spectacle to enhance its appeal: 100 contestants, plus a massive floor that lights up and can be enlivened by snazzy graphics. In singing its praises, Nine added that the show's success reaffirms 'the importance of our local content'. Well, yes, insofar as this version is made here and has an Australian host and contestants. But, as with many of our game shows, it's an adaptation of an imported format: it, Deal or No Deal and The Traitors are originally Dutch. An array of others – The 1% Club, Tipping Point, The Chase, Taskmaster, House of Games – are English. These productions have proliferated as commercial channels have basically abandoned investment in drama and comedy. Game shows aren't as much of a gamble, and they don't cost as much to make, especially ones that have been developed and road-tested elsewhere. Most require only a single set, so there's no need for expensive location shooting or months of writers' rooms brainstorming. And multiple episodes can be shot in a day. Seasons can be as short or long as the networks require and the enterprise can be jazzed up with celebrities, like Tipping Point's tennis special before Wimbledon, or Sandra Sully dropping in to try her luck with the golden briefcases on Deal. Loading In the current crop, there are some originals, such as Nine's The Hundred, developed by Screentime with host Andy Lee. In addition to Spicks and Specks, the bouncy music quiz hosted by Adam Hills and inspired by Britain's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, the ABC has had a hit with local creation Hard Quiz and recent success with Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont Spelling Bee which was imported from New Zealand. (Yes, Montgomery started the show in his homeland so we can't really claim it as our own). Both of these shows are built around refreshingly idiosyncratic presenters. On Hard Quiz, Gleeson plays the grumpy anti-host. He doesn't welcome contestants and chat to put them at ease. Instead, he pokes fun at them and their special subjects. But after 10 seasons played in a tone carefully calibrated never to cross the line between funny and nasty, its contestants front up knowing what they're in for and ready to give as good as they get. On Spelling Bee, Montgomery presents a nerdy persona slyly undercut by his witty scripts and lightning-fast ad-lib responses. Along with a clever concept and challenges that encourage viewer engagement – such as yelling the answers from the couch – an appealing host is a fundamental requirement for a successful game show. Others currently in the mix offer different qualities, but they're more conventional: Corser comes across like a smoothly amused ringmaster; Jefferies plays a brash ocker bloke; Emdur's an amiable everyman; Hills, a twinkly-eyed pal. In keeping with Deal's tone of barely contained hysteria, Grant Denyer is like an excitable, battery-powered bunny, while Woodbridge has a peppy geniality that recalls the spirit of the country's game-show master, Tony Barber. Given the value-for-money attributes of game shows, it's no surprise that SBS is poised to get back into the action with Big Backyard Quiz, an original format created by Screenwest and NITV which it tested with a special last year and has now green-lit for a series (premiering July 12). Hosted by Narelda Jacobs and Steven Oliver, the playful production is tailored to meet the broadcaster's brief, focusing on Australian history and aspects of it you might not have learned at school. Within this group, though, and reflective of the straitened times for free TV, the prizes ain't what they used to be: no one's going home a millionaire. The grand prize on 1% Club and Deal is $100,000; on The Floor, the season winner pocketed $200,000; on Tipping Point, it's $20,000, unless the player can manoeuvre that elusive double-jackpot counter to drop. On the public broadcasters, there's no money to be won – though Hard Quiz' s big brass mug is clearly a cherished trophy. But even though the monetary incentives have shrunk, the endurance of this type of TV clearly hasn't lost its appeal for TV networks or many viewers. And, especially as free-to-air fights for ongoing relevance, bragging rights have their value too.
Sydney Morning Herald
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Where and how to watch Saturday's federal election coverage
Not in front of a TV to watch it all unfold? Follow our live federal election coverage and expert analysis here. And use our interactive map to find your electorate and candidates – and to help you see how close the election will be in your area. Network Ten, Australia Decides Once again, Sandra Sully, she of the golden tonsils, has been entrusted to helm Ten's coverage alongside national affairs editor Hugh Riminton and network political editor Ashleigh Raper. Joining the Ten anchors will be a revolving door of political heavy-hitters, with Ten banking on fireworks between teal independent Kylea Tink MP, Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, Senator Jacqui Lambie and the Nationals' David Littleproud. Unique selling point: Ten has historically been the free-to-air network that loves The Youth™, so they're smart to rope in The Betoota Advocate' s Errol Parker and Clancy Overell to join the broadcast live from Betoota HQ. Channel Seven, Australia Decides We love a confident broadcaster, and before even a vote has been cast, Channel Seven is making a huge call: they're promising to call the election first. According to Seven's press release, they will utilise 'cutting-edge technology' to deliver up-to-the-minute results. Sadly, this doesn't refer to the Cash Cow in a cupboard tallying ballots. Instead, Seven will use the 7NEWS Power Board, a state-of-the-art, touch-screen technology made famous by CNN's John King during the most recent US presidential election. The Power Board can fast-track pre-poll and postal votes, providing viewers with an early indication of how the public is leaning. Veteran reporters Michael Usher and Natalie Barr will steer the ship alongside veteran 7NEWS political editor Mark Riley. Unique selling point: Seven has booked Clive Palmer to appear on air, so someone can ask him on national TV to stop sending so many text messages. Loading SBS While other networks focus on bells and whistles, SBS is doing what it does best: Solid But Sensible. Their coverage will begin at 6.30pm, anchored by World News presenter Janice Petersen, with chief political correspondent Anna Henderson as featured guest. Unique selling point: NITV coverage will focus on the Northern Territory as Australia's most significant Indigenous constituency and interview First Nations voters at polling booths around the country. Sky News, Australia Decides For those who can't get enough of early polling numbers, Sky News has you covered from sun-up to sundown. Things kick off at 6am with Peter Stefanovic hosting First Edition: Australia Decides, then continue to the evening. Kieran Gilbert will host Sky's evening coverage alongside a panel that includes Peta Credlin, Andrew Clennell, Chris Uhlmann, Murray Watt, Joel Fitzgibbon and Sky News chief election analyst Tom Connell. Expect regular crosses to Sharri Markson and Paul Murray at Liberal HQ and Chris Kenny and Laura Jayes at Labor HQ, providing on-the-ground reactions as results come in. Unique selling point: Barnaby Joyce is joining Sky's coverage, which means something hilarious is likely. ABC, Australia Votes Props to ABC for slightly altering the name of their coverage and opting for Australia Votes instead of Australia Decides. And while Australia will indeed be voting, Australia will also be crying (#AustraliaCries), with analyst Antony Green crunching the numbers for the final time after announcing his retirement from the role following more than three decades of elections. Primary coverage starts at 6pm, and it's an all-star line-up, like the Avengers of Ultimo. We're talking David Speers, Sarah Ferguson, Annabel Crabb and Laura Tingle, along with Bridget Brennan, who will interview candidates from across the country. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Coalition Senator James McGrath will also provide insights throughout the night. Unique selling point: Jeremy Fernandez will utilise the 'Big Board' to offer audiences a clearer perspective on the results and analyse trends in the vote with Casey Briggs.
Sydney Morning Herald
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australia decides: Where to watch Saturday's election coverage
Network Ten, Australia Decides Once again, Sandra Sully, she of the golden tonsils, has been entrusted to helm Ten's coverage alongside national affairs editor Hugh Riminton and network political editor Ashleigh Raper. Joining the Ten anchors will be a revolving door of political heavy-hitters, with Ten banking on fireworks between teal independent Kylea Tink MP, Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, Senator Jacqui Lambie and the Nationals' David Littleproud. Unique selling point: Ten has historically been the free-to-air network that loves The Youth™, so they're smart to rope in The Betoota Advocate' s Errol Parker and Clancy Overell to join the broadcast live from Betoota HQ. Channel Seven, Australia Decides We love a confident broadcaster, and before even a vote has been cast, Channel Seven is making a huge call: they're promising to call the election first. According to Seven's press release, they will utilise 'cutting-edge technology' to deliver up-to-the-minute results. Sadly, this doesn't refer to the Cash Cow in a cupboard tallying ballots. Instead, Seven will use the 7NEWS Power Board, a state-of-the-art, touch-screen technology made famous by CNN's John King during the most recent US presidential election. The Power Board can fast-track pre-poll and postal votes, providing viewers with an early indication of how the public is leaning. Veteran reporters Michael Usher and Natalie Barr will steer the ship alongside veteran 7NEWS political editor Mark Riley. Unique selling point: Seven has booked Clive Palmer to appear on air, so someone can ask him on national TV to stop sending so many text messages. Loading SBS While other networks focus on bells and whistles, SBS is doing what it does best: Solid But Sensible. Their coverage will begin at 6.30pm, anchored by World News presenter Janice Petersen, with chief political correspondent Anna Henderson as featured guest. Unique selling point: NITV coverage will focus on the Northern Territory as Australia's most significant Indigenous constituency and interview First Nations voters at polling booths around the country. Sky News, Australia Decides For those who can't get enough of early polling numbers, Sky News has you covered from sun-up to sundown. Things kick off at 6am with Peter Stefanovic hosting First Edition: Australia Decides, then continue to the evening. Kieran Gilbert will host Sky's evening coverage alongside a panel that includes Peta Credlin, Andrew Clennell, Chris Uhlmann, Murray Watt, Joel Fitzgibbon and Sky News chief election analyst Tom Connell. Expect regular crosses to Sharri Markson and Paul Murray at Liberal HQ and Chris Kenny and Laura Jayes at Labor HQ, providing on-the-ground reactions as results come in. Unique selling point: Barnaby Joyce is joining Sky's coverage, which means something hilarious is likely. ABC, Australia Votes Props to ABC for slightly altering the name of their coverage and opting for Australia Votes instead of Australia Decides. And while Australia will indeed be voting, Australia will also be crying (#AustraliaCries), with analyst Antony Green crunching the numbers for the final time after announcing his retirement from the role following more than three decades of elections. Primary coverage starts at 6pm, and it's an all-star line-up, like the Avengers of Ultimo. We're talking David Speers, Sarah Ferguson, Annabel Crabb and Laura Tingle, along with Bridget Brennan, who will interview candidates from across the country. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Coalition Senator James McGrath will also provide insights throughout the night.
The Age
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Australia decides: Where to watch Saturday's election coverage
Network Ten, Australia Decides Once again, Sandra Sully, she of the golden tonsils, has been entrusted to helm Ten's coverage alongside national affairs editor Hugh Riminton and network political editor Ashleigh Raper. Joining the Ten anchors will be a revolving door of political heavy-hitters, with Ten banking on fireworks between teal independent Kylea Tink MP, Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, Senator Jacqui Lambie and the Nationals' David Littleproud. Unique selling point: Ten has historically been the free-to-air network that loves The Youth™, so they're smart to rope in The Betoota Advocate' s Errol Parker and Clancy Overell to join the broadcast live from Betoota HQ. Channel Seven, Australia Decides We love a confident broadcaster, and before even a vote has been cast, Channel Seven is making a huge call: they're promising to call the election first. According to Seven's press release, they will utilise 'cutting-edge technology' to deliver up-to-the-minute results. Sadly, this doesn't refer to the Cash Cow in a cupboard tallying ballots. Instead, Seven will use the 7NEWS Power Board, a state-of-the-art, touch-screen technology made famous by CNN's John King during the most recent US presidential election. The Power Board can fast-track pre-poll and postal votes, providing viewers with an early indication of how the public is leaning. Veteran reporters Michael Usher and Natalie Barr will steer the ship alongside veteran 7NEWS political editor Mark Riley. Unique selling point: Seven has booked Clive Palmer to appear on air, so someone can ask him on national TV to stop sending so many text messages. Loading SBS While other networks focus on bells and whistles, SBS is doing what it does best: Solid But Sensible. Their coverage will begin at 6.30pm, anchored by World News presenter Janice Petersen, with chief political correspondent Anna Henderson as featured guest. Unique selling point: NITV coverage will focus on the Northern Territory as Australia's most significant Indigenous constituency and interview First Nations voters at polling booths around the country. Sky News, Australia Decides For those who can't get enough of early polling numbers, Sky News has you covered from sun-up to sundown. Things kick off at 6am with Peter Stefanovic hosting First Edition: Australia Decides, then continue to the evening. Kieran Gilbert will host Sky's evening coverage alongside a panel that includes Peta Credlin, Andrew Clennell, Chris Uhlmann, Murray Watt, Joel Fitzgibbon and Sky News chief election analyst Tom Connell. Expect regular crosses to Sharri Markson and Paul Murray at Liberal HQ and Chris Kenny and Laura Jayes at Labor HQ, providing on-the-ground reactions as results come in. Unique selling point: Barnaby Joyce is joining Sky's coverage, which means something hilarious is likely. ABC, Australia Votes Props to ABC for slightly altering the name of their coverage and opting for Australia Votes instead of Australia Decides. And while Australia will indeed be voting, Australia will also be crying (#AustraliaCries), with analyst Antony Green crunching the numbers for the final time after announcing his retirement from the role following more than three decades of elections. Primary coverage starts at 6pm, and it's an all-star line-up, like the Avengers of Ultimo. We're talking David Speers, Sarah Ferguson, Annabel Crabb and Laura Tingle, along with Bridget Brennan, who will interview candidates from across the country. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Coalition Senator James McGrath will also provide insights throughout the night.
