★★★★★ 0/5

Axed: Ben Elton Live from Planet Earth

Updated: Channel Nine has axed Ben Elton Live from Planet Earth conceding "it has not found the audience we had hoped for."

112
Leave a comment

EXCLUSIVE: Channel Nine has axed Ben Elton Life from Planet Earth after just three episodes.

A fourth show will not go to air next week.

The live comedy show started out with just 455,000 viewers but dropped to 384,000 last week. Last night a delayed show airing at the later time of 10:40pm against coverage of the NZ earthquake managed 189,000.

It follows disappointing reviews for the show which was one of the network’s bold moves and part of its re-branding as “The Home of Comedy.”

Elton, whose previous achievements include writing Blackadder and The Young Ones, had stressed the show needed time to develop.

Addressing criticism the show was ‘too smutty’ he recently told TV Tonight, “You get no previews, you get no second shots and I think for a first show we did bloody well and if we were a bit rude then fair enough, ok, I’m sorry.”

Nine Entertainment Co. CEO David Gyngell recently said of the Elton show, “We continue to support local and international comedy, and it’s always better to chance you arm and have a go than to take the safe way out and do nothing.”

The show was produced by FremantleMedia Australia.

UPDATED: A Nine spokesperson said: “Ben and his team have done a fantastic job uncovering new Australian talent and we appreciate all of their hard work and dedication. We are all very proud of the show but unfortunately it has not found the audience we had hoped for. We thank Ben and all the cast and crew for their commitment and wish them all the best.”

Michael Healy, Director of Television said: “Comedy is always risky, and live comedy is the riskiest of all. We are pleased to have taken the chance to support the local industry.”

Ian Hogg, CEO of FremantleMedia Australia, said: “We have immense respect for Ben. Through our development deal, we look forward to some exciting comedy and drama projects in the future.”

112 Responses

  2. I have no dog in this fight, as I didn’t watch the show. But those are appalling ratings, and it’s no wonder it was cancelled. I’m very upset when a show isn’t given a proper chance, but this is incontrovertible evidence that it was a failure.

  3. Hmm, this was on the cards after you saw the first previews over summer.

    I think the same sort of thing happened to the comedy sketch show Madga’s funny bits a few years ago. They just weren’t funny.

    I can remember the previews for that ended with Madga walking on a set calling out for, “Eddie?”

    Obviously Nine haven’t learnt from that.

  4. Not surprised but I’m disappointed they didn’t give it more of a chance.
    I found it amusing – about 50% of the sketches etc. were laugh out loud funny to me. It’s a real shame that we wont get to see Elaine Front on our screens each week … hopefully she reappears ono some other show!

    And, I am agreed with others – really hope survivor takes it’s place!!

  6. Every new show should get one season to prove themselves, for people like me who always meant to watch the show but never remembered when it’s on. As a side note, I totally agree this should have been a GO! show.

    Nine: the black hole for new comedy.

  7. “stressed the show needed time to develop.”

    Don’t they do that Before a show goes to air? It was promoted for months, surely they could have done some developing in that time yeah?

  8. bound to happen….. wrong night to be shown really…. it had potential

    and its been said but…. Survivor its you time to shine! Its now or never before we’re too far behind!

  10. Nine is the same network that axed Rove’s live comedy show from a similar timeslot back before he moved to TEN, was given a decent time and format and became well known.

  14. There’s nothing on the current TV landscape resembling a witty, satirical current affairs programme.
    Something like “the Mavis Bramston Show” used to be.
    Something incorporating a very basic set – audience, live – piano (if not) a small band, and just let the talent go for it.
    Talent including writers who create up to the very last minute of a live TV broadcast…
    Perhaps a cast resembling the Wharf Revue ensemble.
    It’s time, gentlemen, to lift the skirts again and Go For It. !!!
    Are we asking too much…?

  17. Maybe 9 will now understand the saying “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it…”

    We all know of a show that’s been unbelievably popular for 40 years…

  19. “We are all very proud of the show” Are they serious? How can you be proud of that crap? Terrible show. Ran for 3 episodes too long.

    Well I said this morning on the ratings section for them to axe and the same day they do, so i like to think I have some power. Nine put Survivor on 9.30 Tuesday. Thank you.

  22. Ben’s show axing could open a window of opportunity for another HHIS season-but I’m not keeping my hopes high on that happening anytime in the next few months.

    Survivor would be great again to have Tuesdays.

Leave a Reply