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“It’s just the right amount of silly!”

What's a few generations between friends for Robyn Butler, the new captain of Gen X for Nine?

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In Nine’s new Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation, Robyn Butler admits to being confused as to when Generation X begins and ends, which is a slight problem given she is the new team captain.

US Demographers William Strauss and Neil Howe define it as born between 1961 and 1981 although Harvard Center opts for 1965 – 1984.

“I don’t know, but it seems to be a bit more defined than Gen Y. I get really confused!” she admits.

“And I never know who’s a Millenial. Is that the Y?”

Such confusion should make her a perfect team captain in the 2.0 version which reboots the series that screened on TEN for 4 seasons from 2009.

Whilst Shaun Micallef returns as intrepid host, Butler is captain of Gen X, alongside Andy Lee as Gen Y (early 1980s – 2000) captain and Laurence Boxhall leading Gen Z (mid 1990s – mid 2000s). But while there is a new set and new games, the show has the same producer in Peter Beck and studio (Melbourne Docklands) where it previously wreaked havoc.

“They contacted me and asked if I would be interested,” Butler recalls. “I has just finished Upper Middle Bogan and didn’t quite know what we were going to do. But I thought it would be really fun so I said Yes!

“I really just like watching Shaun work because he is so funny and skilled, so it’s lovely to watch someone working so well.

“It’s the first time I’ve worked with Andy Lee and he is completely gorgeous, talented, charming…. and Laurence is a sweet little nerd-rancher who knows everything on the planet.

“So it’s just the right amount of silly.”

For the busy Butler, whose recent projects have also included Back in Very Small Business and Little Lunch, this offered the perfect vehicle to walk in and start playing.

“I don’t write anything or produce anything, I just turn up and have a lot of fun with these adorable people,” she continues.

“I’ve always had a relationship with Shaun. I did Welcher & Welcher, wrote a bit for Micallef Tonight and we’ve done bits and pieces over the years.

“We’ve always had a special working relationship. I did a couple of episodes in the previous seasons sitting with Charlie (Pickering).”

Episode 1 partners her with the multi-talented Eddie Perfect, whilst comedian Kate McClennan and actor Brenna Harding will join Teams Y and Z respectively.

“We record for a few hours and sometimes when you don’t know someone it’s like being at a party,” says Butler.

“But it’s almost like it could be sabotaged at any moment. It’s fantastic.”

Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation returns 7:30pm Monday on Nine.

15 Responses

  1. The only thing “silly” is Nine picking up this show after it was dumped by TEN. WTF were they thinking? It is on a par with Seven’s Yummy Mummies.

  2. I literally cannot wait for this. I was so sad when it ended. I will miss the original team captains but I like Andy and Robyn. Haven’t heard of Laurence before I don’t think. I’m so glad it is not up against have you been paying attention. Hope they stick to this timeslot and leave it alone. Excited!

  5. I am sceptical about this reboot as I don’t know who Robyn or Laurence are, and I’m not the biggest Andy Lee fan, but I’ll give it a go. The show may miss the dry wit of Amanda and Charlie though.

        2. Probably better known as a writer (in partnership with her husband Wayne Hope) than an actor – Upper Middle Bogan is an example of her writing.

    2. Robyn is the star of a lot of dead-pan “comedies” on the ABC, none of which are actually funny. Still more amusing than TBBT and most other US comedies, but that’s setting a very low bar indeed.

      Andy Lee is the un-funny half of Hamish & Andy.

      I’ve never heard of Laurence, but he has to be an improvement on Josh Thomas. It’s not physically possible to be worse.

      2. Or, Robyn is one of Australia’s hard working female TV/ Movie producers. Working hard to make a name for herself and garnering plenty of support and respect from those in the industry. Movies such as “Now Add Honey” may not set the audience alight but keeps hard working Victorians in an entertainment industry.

        Andy Lee too has managed to make a name for himself with Australia’s most successful Radio Drive show for many years and several movie roles, hit Primetime TV Specials and podcast numbers most aspiring people would beg for.

        Show respect to our industry and those who work hard to get here. We cant all be armchair keyboard warriors, you took that title!

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