It's a Knockout (Australian game show)

It's a Knockout (Australian TV series)
Company type	Television program
Industry	Television entertainment
Founded	April 17, 1985; 41 years ago
Defunct	September 11, 1987
Fate	Ended original run; revived 2011–2012
Headquarters	Dural, New South Wales, Australia
Area served	Australia
Key people	Billy J. Smith (host), Fiona MacDonald (host), Max Rowley (announcer), HG Nelson (2011 revival host), Brad McEwan (2011 revival host), Charli Robinson (2011 revival host)
Parent	Network Ten

It's a Knockout was an Australian adaptation of the British game show, which itself originated from the French program Intervilles. The series initially broadcast from 17 April 1985 until 11 September 1987, with a short-lived comeback beginning on 27 November 2011 on Network Ten, featuring hosts HG Nelson, Brad McEwan, and Charli Robinson.

History

The Australian edition was shown on Network Ten, although prior to Channel Ten's launch, it was aired by Channel 7 Perth. Contesting teams represented various Australian states (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia), each affiliated with an Apex Club that received prize funds to support local community initiatives. The hosting lineup included Queensland figures Billy J. Smith (1946–2019) and Fiona MacDonald, with Max Rowley serving as the announcer. Production took place in Dural, New South Wales, and the series concluded in 1987 following complaints related to noise disturbances.

Internationally, the show was broadcast in various countries: Mexico aired it on the cable channel Multivisión in 1992; in the United States, it appeared on KCAL-TV (Los Angeles) and WWOR-TV (New York) during 1990–91; Argentina presented a heavily edited version titled Supermatch with off-camera commentary; and Chile’s channel La Red featured Esto es Supermatch in 1992, an adaptation based on the Argentinian format.

Points were allocated with 4 awarded for winning a game and 2 for second place, while ties resulted in points being shared. Each night's champion earned 6 points along with $1,000, with fewer points granted to runners-up. Teams leading after three contests progressed through semi-finals ($5,000 prize), preliminary finals ($10,000), and ultimately a grand final offering $20,000. Additionally, a tactical "Joker" card enabled teams to double their points in one selected game per episode.

2011/12 return

On 17 October 2011, Channel Ten confirmed plans to revive It's a Knockout as part of its summer schedule, hosted by HG Nelson, Charli Robinson, and Brad McEwan. Due to insurance expenses, filming was relocated overseas to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This eight-episode season featured teams of fifteen competitors representing each Australian state vying for the Billy J. Smith trophy. The series debuted on 27 November 2011.

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