The Afternoon Show (Australian TV series)
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television broadcasting |
| Founded | 1987-02-16 |
| Defunct | 1993-12-17 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Children's television programming |
The Afternoon Show was a children's magazine-style television program broadcast in Australia on the ABC from 16 February 1987 through 17 December 1993. It functioned as the framing segment for the children’s programming block scheduled between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
The series was hosted by James Valentine from 1987 until 1990, followed briefly by Basia Bonkowski in 1990, then Stephanie Osfield in 1991, and finally Michael Tunn, who presented from 1991 until the show ended in 1993. The lineup included animated series such as The Mysterious Cities of Gold, Inspector Gadget, Count Duckula, Danger Mouse, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, and The Adventures of Tintin. Additionally, it showcased international drama, comedy, and adventure programs including Grange Hill, Doctor Who, the complete original Degrassi trilogy, alongside Australian productions like Vidiot, Behind the News, and a specially produced two-part feature titled Bodybeat. Occasionally, music videos were broadcast between segments.
Upon James Valentine’s departure in 1990, female presenters temporarily assumed hosting duties until May 1991, when 17-year-old Michael Tunn, recognized as Australia’s youngest professional radio presenter at the time, became the permanent host and continued until the series concluded in late 1993.
In January 1993, a Summer Edition was aired featuring expanded programming that included every episode of Finders Keepers, premieres of animated shows such as Fantastic Max, and British dramas like Dodgem and Sweet Seventeen.
Following the cancellation of The Afternoon Show, it was succeeded by Loud, a thirty-minute music-oriented program also hosted by Michael Tunn. Debuting on 11 April 1994, this new show incorporated music videos, reviews of video games and films, segments on youth culture, and interviews with musical groups. Broadcast Monday through Thursday at 5:30 pm on ABC, Loud aired its final episode on 16 June 1994.