Good News Week
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television entertainment |
| Founded | April 12, 1996 |
| Founder | Paul McDermott |
| Fate | Ended |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Key people | Paul McDermott (host), Mikey Robins (team captain), Claire Hooper (team captain), Julie McCrossin (former team captain), Ted Robinson (executive producer) |
| Products | Television series, merchandise (books, CDs, VHS) |
Good News Week is an Australian satirical panel quiz program originally hosted by Paul McDermott. It aired from 1996 to 2000 on ABC and later on Network Ten until 2012. The series was revived in 2008 as a response to the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, which caused interruptions in US imports. The format involved teams competing in rounds centered on current affairs, politics, and media satire.
There were three brief spin-offs: ABC's Good News Weekend (1998), Ten's GNW Night Lite (1999), and Ten's sketch-focused Good News World (2011).
Format
Inspired by the British program Have I Got News For You, Good News Week catered to a younger audience with sharper comedic content. Executive producer Ted Robinson highlighted its appeal to viewers aged 18 to 39, distinguishing it from the older demographic of the UK version.
Monologue
Episodes begin with McDermott delivering a scripted opening monologue addressing recent news stories, ending with a dramatic newspaper-clipping visual effect. Following this, two teams of three panellists each compete under the leadership of regular captains Mikey Robins and Claire Hooper (who succeeded Julie McCrossin in the revival). Guest panellists often include comedians, media figures, and occasionally politicians.
Recurring segments
After the monologue, teams participate in various news-themed games to accumulate points. McDermott frequently awards or deducts points based on wit, conduct, or tactical decisions. Each segment concludes with a brief commentary from McDermott, and episodes close with a forward-looking monologue. Apart from scripted monologues and prepared props, much of the show is improvised. Typically, each episode features four to six games along with the recurring "Strange But True" segment.
Original run (1996–2000)
The show debuted on ABC on 12 April 1996 with an initial commission of 50 episodes. Despite early doubts about Paul McDermott—previously known for his more provocative style—he adapted to a friendlier presenting approach. Mikey Robins served as one team captain from the start, while Julie McCrossin took the opposing captain role later.
Initial ratings were modest and critical reception cautious; however, by 1997 it had grown to average around 750,000 national viewers, at times outperforming commercial networks. Production shifted from ABC's Gore Hill studios to Global Television Studios in North Ryde during this period.
In 1999, Network Ten secured the rights for an estimated $6 million following competitive negotiations. Although some fans expressed disappointment over the move, cast and crew welcomed it as an opportunity for greater creative freedom and expansion. Key personnel and writers remained involved.
Guest panellists featured prominent personalities such as Adam Spencer, Amanda Keller, Rove McManus, Hugh Jackman, along with politicians including Natasha Stott Despoja and Tim Fischer. Network Ten cancelled the series in 2000 but produced occasional specials in 2001.
Revival (2008–2012)
Originally intended as a one-time special, the revival evolved into a weekly series amid a shortage of American programming caused by the Writers Guild strike. Launching on Network Ten in February 2008, it reunited McDermott and Robins, with Claire Hooper replacing McCrossin as captain.
Many classic segments returned with fresh updates; new games such as "Couch Potato" and "Dirty Sexy Fast Money" were introduced. The theme music was revamped featuring McDermott’s rendition of "It's Good News Week." The revival also embraced digital platforms by offering full episodes and video blogs on Ten’s website, alongside viewer-driven GNW Awards celebrating notable individuals across various sectors.
The show maintained consistent ratings despite strong competition and was occasionally extended from its usual 60-minute runtime to 90 minutes including commercials. In 2010, McDermott received a Gold Logie nomination for his hosting work.
Production took place at ABC Studios in Ultimo through 2010 before relocating to Fox Studios Sydney in 2011. Network Ten placed the series on hiatus that year amid schedule changes; a sketch-based spin-off titled Good News World aired subsequently but was poorly received due to its scripted nature. Neither program continued into 2012, although a farewell special was recorded at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and aired in April.
Good News Weekend (1998)
During the period when Roy and HG were abroad, ABC broadcast a ten-week series titled Good News Weekend. Hosted by McDermott, with Robins and McCrossin serving as team captains, the show shifted its emphasis towards popular culture rather than news, featuring live segments that included musical performances and stand-up comedy.
GNW Night Lite (1999)
This variety-oriented spin-off, created for Network Ten, incorporated regular cast members alongside comedians Flacco and The Sandman. The program prioritized musical acts and comedic sketches over topical news coverage.
Good News World (2011)
Network Ten introduced this sketch-driven spin-off starring the main cast members along with recurring guests. However, it faced criticism for not capturing the original panel show's spontaneous atmosphere.
Other media
The franchise expanded into merchandise comprising two publications—Good News Week Book One and Book Two—along with two CDs featuring Paul McDermott’s performances linked to the series, and a VHS release entitled Good News Week: Unseen and Obscene.
Logie Awards
The series earned nominations in both 1999 and 2000 for Most Popular Comedy Program and Most Outstanding Comedy Program. Additionally, host Paul McDermott was nominated for the Gold Logie Award in 2010.
ARIA Music Awards
At the 1998 ARIA Music Awards, Unplugged Good News Week Tapes Volume 1 secured the award for Best Comedy Release.