Tonightly with Tom Ballard
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Comedy |
| Founded | December 4, 2017 |
| Defunct | September 7, 2018 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Television show, digital album |
Number of employees | 5 |
Tonightly with Tom Ballard was an Australian comedic entertainment program fronted by comedian Tom Ballard, featuring regular appearances by Bridie Connell, Greg Larsen, Greta Lee Jackson, and Nina Oyama. The series was broadcast on ABC Comedy from 4 December 2017 until 7 September 2018. It delivered a rapid-fire, irreverent perspective on current news and cultural topics, which Ballard characterized as "undergraduate filth." Recorded shortly before airing at the ABC studios in Ultimo, Sydney, the show produced a total of 160 episodes across a single season.
Reception
Initial critiques commended Tonightly with Tom Ballard for its strong scripting, compelling performances, and well-crafted filmed segments.
The program encountered controversy following a sketch that labeled Kevin Bailey, candidate for the Australian Conservatives in the 2018 Batman by-election, with the derogatory term "cunt." This prompted calls for action from party leader Cory Bernardi and Education Minister Simon Birmingham, while Communications Minister Mitch Fifield sought an inquiry and formal apology. The ABC issued a personal apology to Bailey but maintained its decision to broadcast the segment. Prominent figures such as Joe Hildebrand, Wil Anderson, and Annabel Crabb publicly supported the show’s commitment to free expression.
In August 2018, a musical piece critiquing what was perceived as inconsistencies between Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Christian beliefs and his political decisions attracted criticism. The ABC dismissed accusations that the segment attacked Morrison’s faith, instead framing it as satirical commentary on the interplay between religion and government asylum policies.
The series garnered industry acclaim when 'Sex Pest', performed by Bridie Connell and Wyatt Nixon-Lloyd, secured the 2018 ARIA Award for Best Comedy Release. Furthermore, Tonightly Albumly, a digital compilation of original songs from the show, was distributed through ABC Music.
Discontinued
In mid-August 2018, it was announced that Tonightly with Tom Ballard would be removed from the ABC schedule, with its concluding episode broadcast on 7 September 2018.
Episodes
The following is a selective compilation of notable episodes from Tonightly with Tom Ballard, which aired on ABC Comedy between 4 December 2017 and 7 September 2018. These episodes featured significant guests and covered key cultural and political topics.
| Ep. | Date aired | Guests | Segments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 December 2017 | Gardening with Greta | |
| 4 | 7 December 2017 | Tracey Spicer | |
| 8 | 13 December 2017 | Warren Mundine | Interviews with Senators Derryn Hinch, Sam Dastyari, Eric Abetz, Sarah Hanson-Young, David Leyonhjelm |
| 19 | 11 January 2018 | Jimmy Carr | |
| 20 | 12 January 2018 | Masha Alyokhina from Pussy Riot | Best of the week. |
| 29 | 25 January 2018 | Jacinta Price | Craig Quatermaine on Australia Day. |
| 31 | 29 January 2018 | Senator Jacqui Lambie | |
| 32 | 30 January 2018 | NSW Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi | |
| 33 | 31 January 2018 | Labor Opposition Leader Bill Shorten | |
| 34 | 1 February 2018 | Liberal MP Tim Wilson | |
| 36 | 5 February 2018 | Mark Bonanno from Aunty Donna on Melbourne's tram car restaurants. | |
| 42 | 13 February 2018 | Dr Chris Sarra | |
| 46 | 19 February 2018 | Danielle Walker | |
| 51 | 26 February 2018 | Imam Nur Warsame | |
| 53 | 28 February 2018 | "Riot" writer Greg Waters & LGBTQI activist Meredith Knight; interview with John Boyega | |
| 56 | 5 March 2018 | Lea DeLaria | |
| 58 | 7 March 2018 | The Preatures | |
| 61 | 12 March 2018 | Henry Rollins | |
| 62 | 13 March 2018 | Dr Jordan Peterson | |
| 64 | 15 March 2018 | Musical act Vera Blue; political commentary on electorate renaming and Conservative politician. | |
| 69 | 22 March 2018 | Explainsly: Endometriosis. | |
| 71 | 26 March 2018 | Interviews with Chuck D and Tom Morello from Prophets of Rage; coverage of anti-gun activism in Washington. |
| Ep. | Date aired | Guests | Segments |
|---|
|- 132 |31 July 2018 |Economist Stephen Koukoulas |Health in rural areas. |- 136 |6 August 2018 |Hamish Blake, Andy Lee, Dave Eastgate | |- 137 |7 August 2018 |Musicians D.Minor & Libby Ingels |Discussion on racism in Townsville. |- 141 |13 August 2018 |Author Douglas Murray, Comedian Craig Quartermaine |Launch of "The Embassy" segment. |- 143 |15 August 2018 |Musician/Comedian Sarah Gaul |Announcement of show cancellation; introduction of new segment "Why The Fuck Not?". |- 146 |20 August 2018 |Comedian Zoe Coombs Marr |Special feature with Kamahl reading the Gettysburg Address. |- 147 |21 August 2018 |Courtney Barnett |Coverage of Liberal leadership spill against Turnbull. |- 148 |22 August 2018 |Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, musical comedy act Songtourage |Hosts Greg & Nina present. |- 151 |27 August 2018 |Andrew WK |Song about new PM Scott Morrison's Christianity. |- 153 |29 August 2018 |Interview with singer Troye Sivan, Comedian Michael Chamberlin | |- 156 |3 September 2018 |Greens leader Richard Di Natale, comedian Chris Fleming |Conservative-themed special "Conservatively". |- 159 |6 September 2018 | |"Final original episode"; coverage includes refugee gangs, Australia Post, and queer migration to rural areas. |- 160 |7 September 2018 | |"Best Ever" hour-long special finale. | |}
Albums
| Album Title | Release information |
|---|---|
| Tonightly Album |
|
ARIA Music Awards
Since 1987, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has hosted the annual ARIA Music Awards to honor outstanding achievements and creativity within the Australian music industry.
! |- | 2018 || "Sex Pest" (performed by Bridie and Wyatt & Tonightly alongside Tom Ballard) || Best Comedy Release || || |-