Have You Been Paying Attention? in Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix Shock

It’s a good thing Have You Been Paying Attention? is a topical news quiz, because otherwise we might as well be watching episodes from 2019. When a show’s this good that’s not a bad thing. Well, unless you’d like to see something new on Australian television before it all goes belly up.

As the show that basically created the current revival of comedy on 10 – and is possibly responsible for The 100, we’d have to watch that one to be sure – HYBPA? has given us a lot to be thankful for. And also The Inspired Unemployed.

It made Australian comedy viable on commercial television simply by being really good. If only Skithouse or The Wedge or Comedy Inc or Let Loose Live or Cram! or [hurry it up – ed] had done the same.

So yeah, no complaints. It’s the same show every week, but honestly, at this stage any changes are going to be a step backwards. It seems like ages (note: probably isn’t ages) since any of the new faces they trialed made it onto the regular roster. Maybe this year will be the one when a bunch of new faces break out? It’s not like Marty Sheargold’s going to be back for a while.

Which might prove to be a bit of a problem. The usual line up for an episode is Sam Pang, Ed Kavalee, two female comedians, and someone usually not local or not young. Not local? Not a problem with New Zealand just around the corner, though the now USA-based Aaron Chen might not fly back too often.

As for oldies, Mick Molloy is too busy during the AFL season, Glenn Robbins is a rarity, Peter Helliar is still running at maybe 20% funny on a good day and there’s only so many weeks you can have Tony Martin on. At least Dave Hughes is too busy doing (checks notes) every single other comedy show on Australian television.

The trouble with the HYBPA? format is that a lot of funny people age out of it. If you’re young and hungry, you’re hitting that buzzer hard. If you’ve already proved yourself, and you’re not someone used to bantering on commercial radio five days a week, where’s the appeal? You’ll just be sitting there while everyone else powers ahead.

Which means there’s a reasonable contingent of still-funny people who don’t fit the format, and thus have vanished from our screens. HYBPA? is a funny show that has shaped Australian television comedy for a decade. It just isn’t a showcase for anyone who’s comedic strengths don’t lie in rapid-fire banter. Would Judith Lucy make for a great contestant? Doesn’t seem like we’ll ever find out.

As we head into winter and quiz shows once again become the only game in town for comedy on television, we’re reminded once again that Australia’s definition of “comedy” on our screens is increasingly narrow. If you can’t make a go of it hitting a buzzer, what good are ya?

For all we know, the next John Clarke is out there impressing their mates down the pub, secure in the knowledge that there is absolutely no place for them on our television screens. But at least there’s a new season of The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers starting next month.