"Good News Week" (1996) TV series 1996-????

User Rating:

9.1/10   

Director:

Julia Kennedy

Writers:

Kevin Brumpton (writer) (2000)
George Dodd (writer)

Seasons:

6 | 7 | 8 | unknown

Genre:

Comedy | Game-Show

Plot Keywords:

Remake | Quiz Show

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Paul McDermott	...	Himself - Host (49 episodes, 1996-2009)
Mikey Robins	...	Himself - Team Captain (49 episodes, 1996-2009)
Claire Hooper	...	Herself - Team Captain (48 episodes, 2008-2009)

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

ABC Studios, Gore Hill, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Company:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

Trivia:

Was renewed by Channel 10 in February 2008 due to the Writers strike in the U.S.

Quotes:

[repeated line]
Himself - Team Captain: [to Paul] You've lost control of the show!

Movie Connections:

Spin off "Good News Weekend" (1998)

This Yank LOVES this Aussie program

Good News Week had a successful run a few years ago and then disappeared for a couple years. In 2008 it came back with a bang! Host Paul McDermott, one of the Doug Anthony All Stars troupe (DAAS for those who are familiar) is the perfect, cynical leader over two teams of comedians, actors and even high-ranking politicians lampooning the news of the day and personalities that might just be a bit too much into themselves. Loosely based on the British programme Have I Got News For You, GNW features several different rounds of questions each week directed toward either of the 3-person teams. Points are awarded and go toward absolutely nothing but add to the fun. Mikey Robbins hosts one team while Clair Hooper hosts the other. Both are very bright people and often are the only one on their team with an idea about the subject being questioned.

A favorite segment seen on about one out of each four shows is Tentacles of Death where Paul McDermott holds onto two large sets of severed cables. He asks questions and the first one to "buzz" in sets off a shower of sparks, fireworks and electrical arcing right by the host. Paul has actually been burned before by getting a hand too close to an explosive charge. Usually at least one person buzzes in early just to watch the fireworks and lightning and to see Paul squirm a little.

Practically nothing is out of bounds and nothing/nobody is spared being raked across the comedy coals. GNS is available as podcasts or may be viewed on line at the channel's website.

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a great laugh.