The Don Lane Show
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television entertainment |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Don Lane, Bert Newton |
| Products | Talk show |
| Parent | Nine Network |
The Don Lane Show was an Australian talk show broadcast twice weekly on the Nine Network between 1975 and 1983. Developed and co-hosted by Don Lane with Bert Newton, the series established itself as a prominent element of Australian television.
Initially, Channel Nine hesitated to cast Newton due to his previous connection with Graham Kennedy, but Lane advocated strongly for Newton’s participation, appreciating his expertise and keen sense of humor. Lane once reflected:
"I used to watch him and Graham working on IMT, and look at them with great envy. So I said 'what about Bert Newton?' If I’m going to work with somebody I want to know that he's as sharp as anything and a real pro."
The program’s later theme tune was "You Make It So Easy," written by Helen Reddy and Carole Bayer Sager, initially appearing on Reddy's 1976 album Music, Music.
Legacy
Regarded as one of the most successful talk shows in Australian television history, the series experienced several scheduling changes early on, including a short stint in 1980 when it aired four nights per week. Eventually, it settled into a Monday and Thursday 9:30pm slot on the Nine Network and other Australian broadcasters. Some regional and remote stations received episodes via videotape for delayed airing.
Together with Blue Heelers, The Don Lane Show ranks among the most decorated programs in Logie Awards history, having secured five awards. In recognition of his contributions, Lane was inducted into the Logie Awards Hall of Fame in 2003.
DVD release
A two-disc DVD compilation was issued in 2010, followed by a four-disc edition in 2015 featuring refreshed packaging. These sets include episodes from 1981 through 1983, such as the 1983 bushfire appeal special and the final broadcast.