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Australia's Brainiest

From Alfawiki
Australia's Brainiest
Company typeTelevision series
IndustryTelevision entertainment
FoundedNovember 28, 2004; 21 years ago (2004-11-28)
FounderCrackerjack Productions (division of FremantleMedia)
Headquarters
Australia
Area served
Australia
ProductsTelevision game shows

Australia's Brainiest is an Australian television game show series created by Crackerjack Productions, a division of FremantleMedia. Initially broadcast on the Seven Network, it later transitioned to Network Ten. The show's concept is adapted from the British program Britain's Brainiest Kid.

The debut season, titled Australia's Brainiest Kid, was produced in May 2004 and premiered on Sundays on the Seven Network starting 28 November 2004, with Anna Coren as host. Contestants were chosen through an online examination promoted in Australian primary schools, followed by monitored written assessments; those achieving the highest scores were invited to participate on the show. The second season aired on Network Ten on Sundays at 6:30 pm beginning 25 September 2005, hosted by news presenter Sandra Sully alongside co-host Samuel Shaed.

After the conclusion of season two, Network Ten aired Australia's Brainiest Specials, which featured celebrities, reality television personalities, and athletes competing. No additional seasons have been commissioned since then.

Australia's Brainiest Kid

The structure of Australia's Brainiest Kid remained largely unchanged during its shift from the Seven Network to Network Ten, with adjustments primarily to the number of rounds and participants. The Seven Network format included four heats and a final round with twelve children competing per episode; Network Ten expanded this to seven heats and a final featuring nine children per episode.

Season 1

The first season was broadcast on Seven Network in 2004. More than 5,000 children completed the online test, with 800 advancing to supervised written exams. Every participant received the 2004 CD-ROM edition of Encyclopædia Britannica. Contestants who reached the third round qualified for the final, where they vied for an Apple Computer iBook. Aaron Chong earned the title "Australia's Brainiest Kid" along with a A$20,000 trust fund payable upon turning 18.

Season 2

Airing on Network Ten in 2005, the second season saw participation rise substantially to 12,000 candidates undertaking the online test, reflecting heightened interest after the initial season. Those selected proceeded to supervised testing. The seven heat winners plus two additional finalists competed in the finale. All contestants were awarded a Mathemagic computer tutor provided by the Australian Institute of Mathematics; heat winners received ASUS laptops as prizes. William Xi won the championship and a A$20,000 trust fund payable at age 18.

The series observed a notable presence of children of Asian heritage among those appearing in televised rounds. This trend was humorously addressed by The Chaser's War on Everything, which created a parody titled "Australia's Brainiest Non-Asian Kid," mocking contestant performances and inventing fictitious spin-offs.

Australia's Brainiest Specials

On Network Ten, special editions showcased celebrities, sports figures, and reality TV contestants competing to win donations for charitable causes. These episodes generally carried a G classification.

Australia's Brainiest Comedian

Broadcast initially on 24 November 2005 and repeated on 16 April 2006, this installment was rated PG due to mild coarse language.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest TV Star

Originally broadcast on 12 February 2006, with a repeat airing on 28 December 2006.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest Quiz Master

This episode aired on 19 February 2006 and showcased champions from the Nine Network programs Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Sale of the Century, and Temptation. It was rebroadcast on 21 December 2006.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest Housemate

Broadcast on 26 February 2006, featuring contestants from the first five seasons of Big Brother Australia.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest Radio Star

Aired on 5 March 2006, this edition included radio presenters from leading FM stations such as DMG, Macquarie Radio Network, and Austereo. It was repeated on 7 December 2006.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest Olympian

This episode aired on 12 March 2006 with all prize winnings donated to the K.I.D.S. Foundation, a charity focused on children.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest Musician

Broadcast on 19 March 2006, with proceeds benefiting Club Friday.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest Neighbour

Airing took place on 26 March 2006, featuring cast members from the soap opera Neighbours. All prize money was donated to Open Family Australia.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest Footballer

This episode aired on 2 April 2006 and featured athletes from soccer, AFL, rugby union, and rugby league. The prize funds were contributed to the McGuinness McDermott Foundation.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest Cricketer

Broadcast on 9 April 2006, this special edition featured prominent Australian cricketers competing for the title.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest Loser

Aired on 6 August 2006, this episode included contestants from the initial Australian season of The Biggest Loser. All winnings were contributed to the Australian Red Cross.

Participants

  • Jo Cowling (Champion)
  • Kristie Dignam (Second Place)
  • Shane Giles (Second Place)
  • Ruth Almeida De Campos
  • Fiona Falkiner
  • David Hilyander
  • Harry Kantzidis
  • Tracy Moores
  • Vladimir "Big Wal" Milberg
  • Adriano Sarnelli
  • Artie Rocke
  • Cat White

Australia's Brainiest BB06 Housemate

This installment, shown on 13 August 2006, featured nine contestants from Big Brother 2006. The winner, David, donated his prize to Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. It was rated PG and re-aired on 14 December 2006.

Participants

  • David Graham (Champion)
  • Dino Delic (Second Place)
  • Jamie Brooksby (Second Place)
  • Claire Madden
  • Gaelan Walker
  • Katie Hastings
  • Camilla Severi
  • Anna Lind-Hansen
  • Michael McCoy

Australia's Brainiest Comedian 2

Broadcast on 17 August 2006, this edition showcased a fresh lineup of Australian comedians. The winner directed their prize money to Anaphylaxis Australia. The program was classified as PG.

Participants

Australia's Brainiest Idol

Premiering on 20 August 2006, this special featured former contestants from Australian Idol. It was rebroadcast on 25 November 2006 in anticipation of the show's fourth-season finale.

Participants

External links

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