Couch Time
| Company type | Television programming block |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | January 11, 2011 |
| Defunct | March 31, 2017 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Couch Time was an Australian television block broadcast on weekday afternoons via Eleven from 11 January 2011 until 31 March 2017. This hosted segment combined external series with interludes described as "drive time radio for television." Initially, Jason "Labby" Hawkins and Stewart "Stav" Davidson served as hosts, with Billy Bentley and Carina Waye being the final presenters.
Hosts
| Name | Debut | Final Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Jason "Labby" Hawkins | 11 January 2011 | 2 January 2015 |
| Stewart "Stav" Davidson | 11 January 2011 | 2 January 2015 |
| Billy Bentley | 9 February 2015 | 31 March 2017 |
| Jess Skarratt | 9 February 2015 | 8 January 2016 |
| Carina Waye | 22 February 2016 | 31 March 2017 |
- Notes
- Stav Davidson made a guest appearance on 29 January 2016.
History
Couch Time premiered alongside Network Ten's multichannel Eleven on 11 January 2011. It was designed to establish identifiable hosts as the channel’s signature figures and to attract audiences leading into evening programs such as Neighbours. The show aired every weekday from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm and was produced in Brisbane.
In January 2015, original hosts Hawkins and Davidson exited the program following Hawkins’ move to New Zealand and the conclusion of their Brisbane radio show. Network Ten confirmed the continuation of the series with new presenters. Jess Skarratt and Billy Bentley began hosting on 9 February 2015, unveiling a refreshed set and updated format. On 14 September that year, the Neighbours-focused segment was rescheduled to follow the evening episode, extending the block's duration until 7:00 pm.
Skarratt departed in January 2016 to resume university studies, with her last episode airing on 8 January. To celebrate the fifth anniversary, the show introduced a loft apartment-style set on 11 January, featuring Bentley alongside guest hosts. Carina Waye joined as co-host on 22 February.
On 13 March 2017, the broadcast reverted to its original timeslot of 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Later that month, Network Ten announced the end of Couch Time due to strategic resource reallocation. The final installment aired on 31 March 2017.
Format
Airing weekday afternoons, Couch Time showcased classic sitcoms along with local Network Ten programs such as Neighbours and Family Feud (which aired from its launch in 2014 until its simulcast removal in 2017). The hosted segments featured two presenters introducing the scheduled shows from a lounge room setting while discussing television and pop culture news, previewing additional Network Ten content, and conducting interviews, competitions, and various segments. A prominent element was commentary on Eleven's Neighbours, including cast interviews, behind-the-scenes explorations, and previews of upcoming episodes.
Controversy
The original hosting duo Hawkins and Davidson faced viewer criticism and unfavorable feedback online for some segments. In 2013, a Perth community television presenter initiated legal action against Network Ten, alleging trademark infringement over the Couch Time name due to his own similarly titled series The Couch, which had been airing since 2002. The matter was resolved through an agreement permitting Network Ten to continue using the Couch Time brand.