Comedy Inc. (Australian TV series)

Comedy Inc.
Company type	Television program
Industry	Television entertainment
Founded	19 February 2003
Defunct	26 December 2007
Headquarters	Australia, Australia
Area served	Australia
Key people	Rick Kalowski (head writer), David McDonald (producer/director), Damian Davis (director)
Products	Television sketch comedy series
Owner	Crackerjack Productions

Comedy Inc. was an Australian sketch comedy TV program broadcast on the Nine Network from 19 February 2003 through 26 December 2007. Created by Crackerjack Productions, the series debuted during a revival period for Australian sketch comedy, alongside contemporaries such as Big Bite and skitHOUSE. After its initial run, episodes were rebroadcast on Foxtel's The Comedy Channel and also aired on Nine HD until that channel ceased operations.

Cast

Paul McCarthy — Seasons 1–5 (2003–2007)
Jim Russell — Seasons 1–5 (2003–2007)
Emily Taheny — Seasons 1–5 (2003–2007)
Mandy McElhinney — Seasons 1–4 (2003–2006)
Genevieve Morris — Seasons 1–4 (2003–2006)
Katrina Retallick — Seasons 1–4 (2003–2006)
Gabriel Andrews — Seasons 1–3 (2003–2005)
Ben Oxenbould — Seasons 1–3 (2003–2005)
Scott Brennan — Seasons 4–5 (2006–2007)
Simon Mallory — Seasons 4–5 (2006–2007)
Rebecca De Unamuno — Season 5 (2007)
Fiona Harris — Season 5 (2007)
Janis McGavin — Season 5 (2007)

Timeline

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Overview

From its initial release, the series rapidly became the top-rated Australian sketch comedy of its era. It received numerous nominations from prominent Australian and international film and television award bodies and achieved superior commercial success in Australia compared to competitors, becoming the pioneer in releasing its content on VHS and DVD formats.

The program explored various formats, including a more provocative edition called Comedy Inc: The Late Shift, which was broadcast from 2005 until the show's conclusion in 2007. This version targeted a later broadcast time due to its mature themes.

Skits and formula

Comedy Inc. features a blend of original sketches, impersonations, and parodies of well-known Australian and British television programs and films. Its targets included shows such as Big Brother Australia, Dancing with the Stars, Australia's Brainiest Kid, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Renovation Rescue, Hi-5, as well as children's programs like Bob the Builder (parodied as Bodgy Builder) and Thomas & Friends (portrayed as Ernest the Engine). Australian current affairs programs like Today Tonight and 60 Minutes were also regular subjects of satire.

Among the original sketches were "Selina: She Grows on You," which featured an eccentric gardener catering to a wealthy client, along with recurring characters such as Emily Taheny’s unnamed woman who intrudes on private situations, and "Matt and Bray," depicting a family man interacting with his eccentric neighbors—this sketch was discontinued after season three following Ben Oxenbould’s departure.

Another recurring segment showcased Katrina Retallick as a doctor who cheerfully delivers grim medical diagnoses through song, involving both hospital staff and patients.

The sketch "Berni (with an 'i')" follows Berni’s journey to stardom, with Oxenbould portraying her flamboyant former fiancé. Taheny and Mandy McElhinney also appeared in an infomercial-style segment selling unusual or familiar products, often using catchphrases like "sensational" and "absolutely."

One enduring character was "Blokeman" (played by Russell), an average Australian man transformed into an unwilling hero after a beer-related accident. Exhibiting classic "bogan" stereotypes—such as ugg boots, a mullet hairstyle, and a beer belly—Blokeman prefers the simplest solutions and has a girlfriend named "Wondermoll" (McElhinney). Later seasons introduced his adversary, "Metrosexual Man" (Mallory), humorously described as "gay in every way, except for sexual orientation."

A particularly memorable sketch portrayed a father putting his son to bed while candidly addressing mature questions—for instance, explaining that his cousin is gay and was disowned by a homophobic father. Each sketch concludes with:

Son: "Honest dad?"
Father: "Would I lie to you, mate?"

Timeslots

Initially, Comedy Inc. aired at 8:30 pm on Wednesdays starting in early 2003 for two years before moving to 9:30 pm on different weekdays in 2005. This scheduling change, along with rebranding to Comedy Inc.: The Late Shift, was intended to increase viewership.

Comedy Inc: Specials (2005)

In 2005, two one-hour specials titled "Comedy Inc: Takes out TV" were broadcast—one during the regular season and another after the final episode preceding "The Late Shift." These specials concentrated mainly on television parodies alongside some general comedic sketches.

Comedy Inc: The Late Shift (2005–2007)

In 2005, the program shifted to a later broadcast slot and was retitled Comedy Inc.: The Late Shift. This iteration was met with both critical praise and audience approval, largely due to its sharper humor and the introduction of fresh characters such as "Blokeman" and the duo "Matt and Bray." It also marked the beginning of a significant partnership between head writer Rick Kalowski and producer/director David McDonald, who collaborated on 45 episodes before departing following the conclusion of the fourth season in late 2006.

The fourth season debuted on Tuesday, 30 May 2006, on the Nine Network, coinciding with the departure of Ben Oxenbould and Gabriel Andrews. They were succeeded by comedian Scott Brennan and actor Simon Mallory. Airing Sundays at 10:30 pm, this season dominated its timeslot, particularly among younger demographics. Featuring darker themes and more explicit material—including uncensored language—the season comprised 25 one-hour episodes, making it the longest run in the show's history.

On 19 October 2006, the series received five nominations at the Australian Film Institute Awards, including Best Television Comedy Series, Best Direction, and acting nods for Paul McCarthy and Genevieve Morris.

The fifth season was helmed by director Damian Davis, known for his work on The Ronnie Johns Half Hour, with Kevin Brumpton and Angus Fitzsimons serving as head writers. Production took place from January through July 2007. On 5 September 2007, most female cast members—among them Mandy McElhinney, Katrina Retallick, and Genevieve Morris—exited the show. Their roles were filled by SkitHOUSE alumna Fiona Harris, recurring performer Rebecca De Unamuno, and newcomer Janis McGavin.

The series finale aired on 26 December 2007, bringing the show to a close as the cast collectively agreed that the fifth season would serve as its conclusion.

An international adaptation consisting of twenty half-hour episodes was broadcast on cable networks across multiple countries. A second installment of this version aired in late 2007, featuring sketches and parodies centered on foreign television programs while excluding Australian-specific content that might not resonate with overseas audiences.

Critical and commercial reception

When it first premiered in 2003, critical opinions were varied; however, reviews became increasingly favorable with each following season. The 2005 and 2006 seasons—particularly after moving to a later time slot—garnered predominantly positive feedback from major Australian newspapers, which commended the show’s darker tone, enhanced engagement, and sharper humor. During this period, the series also secured multiple award nominations.

Jim Schembri of The Age described it as "the hands-down funniest and smartest local laughfest on TV in 2006."

While Comedy Inc. enjoyed commercial success throughout its run, it did not surpass its peak ratings from 2003. Nonetheless, its strong performance in later seasons is credited with influencing the cancellation of competing programs such as skitHOUSE.

Award nominations and wins

Throughout its tenure, Comedy Inc. received numerous accolades including a nomination for Best Television Comedy Series at the 2005 Australian Film Institute Awards for Comedy Inc.: The Late Shift, a Logie Award nomination for Most Outstanding Comedy Series in 2006, and a Rose D'Or Award nomination for Best International Comedy Series that same year. David McDonald earned recognition for Best Direction and Best Series (as producer) at both the 2005 and 2006 AFI Awards.

Guest appearances

Prominent guest stars featured in the series comprised: