Comedy Slapdown
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | November 8, 2008 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Improvised comedy television program |
| Parent | FremantleMedia |
Comedy Slapdown is an Australian television series focused on improvised comedy, produced by FremantleMedia. It debuted on The Comedy Channel at 7:30pm on 8 November 2008. The program is hosted by H.G. Nelson and showcases comedians competing in challenges inspired by theatresports. The judging panel is led by Matt Parkinson and includes a guest celebrity judge along with an audience member. Prominent performers featured on the show include Corinne Grant, Tom Gleeson, Natalie Garonzi, Matt Tilley, and Julia Zemiro.
The structure of the show is similar to the improvisational comedy format seen in 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?', with teams participating in a variety of comedic exercises.
Game Examples
Participants are split into two groups, designated red and blue, referencing boxing corners. Some of the main games played are:
- What's My Name? – The opening round where team members impersonate famous personalities shown on screen to assist their teammate in guessing who they are.
- Off The Cuff – A player gives a speech that must include random words supplied by their opponent.
- Don't Diss Me! – Contestants create humorous rap insults inspired by images presented on screen.
- What's This Do? – Teams invent comedic uses for unusual props, akin to the 'Props' game from 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?'.
- They Said What? – Players deliver surprising statements fitting specific scenarios or related to the profession of the guest judge.
- Break Into Song – One team performs a scene that transitions into singing when live music begins.
- Celebrity Serenade – The finale each week where contestants sing personalized songs about the guest judge, based on responses to questions posed by HG.
The Squirminators (2008 Champions)
Nuclear Storm (2008 Runners-up)
- Lliam Amor
- Emily Taheny
- Russell Fletcher
The Trio of Doom
- Tom Gleeson
- Rebecca De Unamuno
- Cameron Knight (filled in for Russell Fletcher during one episode)
Hardcore Nitro
The Dirty Hombres
- Rik Brown
- Julia Zemiro (stood in for Julia Morris in two episodes)
- Steven Gates