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Thank God You're Here

Thank God You're Here is an Australian television improvised comedy program created by Working Dog Productions, which premiered on Network Ten on 5 April 2006, and aired for the first three seasons and on Seven for the fourth season.

Thank God You're Here
Created byWorking Dog Productions
Directed byPeter Ots (2006–2007)
Jon Olb (2009)
Presented byShane Bourne
JudgesTom Gleisner
Opening theme"Come Anytime" by Hoodoo Gurus
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons4
No. of episodes41 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersSanto Cilauro
Tom Gleisner
Michael Hirsh
Rob Sitch
ProducerDebra Chyote
Production locationsGlobal Television Studios, Nunawading, Victoria (2006–2007)[1]
Melbourne Showgrounds, Flemington, Victoria (2009)
EditorsIan Carmichael (2006, 2009)
Ken Hardie (2007)
Running time60 minutes (including commercials)
Release
Original networkNetwork Ten (2006–2007)
Seven Network (2009)
Picture format576i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Audio formatDolby 5.1
Original release5 April 2006 (2006-04-05) –
8 July 2009 (2009-07-08)

Each episode involves performers walking through a door into an unknown situation, greeted by the line "Thank God you're here!". They then had to improvise their way through the scene. At the end of each episode a winner was announced. It was the most successful new show in Australia of 2006, attracting an average of 1.7 million viewers after the first few episodes.

The show is hosted by Shane Bourne, and is judged by Tom Gleisner. The format was sold for recreation in a number of countries.

Synopsis

Each contestant is dressed in appropriate costume, has some brief banter with the host, and is then invited to "walk through the blue door" onto a hidden set. They are greeted by the ensemble cast, in character, with the line "Thank God you're here!", and must then attempt to improvise their role in the scene. Typically they will be asked in-character questions by the ensemble cast and challenged to provide information about the scene, including the names of characters or objects.

At least twice during each episode (to cover set-up and costuming for the live audience), footage is shown of each of the four participants performing a challenge, often on location, which was filmed earlier in the week. These include a commentary booth where the contestants have to comment on an unfamiliar subject, an office where they are being interviewed or interrogated (by police, customs officials, etc.), showing customers things for sale (cars, boats, pianos, houses, etc.), or advertisements (e.g. slimming products, housing developments, etc.). The other characters in these scenes are generally played by members of the ensemble cast. The third series also introduced an additional segment in which Gleisner highlights a "real life" Thank God You're Here-style situation, such as the infamous Guy Goma BBC interview and frequently, that of politicians forced to improvise answers under pressure. The fourth season introduced a different segment, where Gleisner points out that he believes an Australian cricket player is able to endorse anything, and presents a falsified advertisement where a retired Australian cricketer (Damien Fleming) attempts to endorse an also falsified company of a completely random field (such as a French restaurant or sewage processing plant). Running gags in these segments include the cricketer comparing selecting such a company with his medium pace bowling, the use of "jargon" which actually is completely made-up, comparing the reliability (or other value) with his own bowling style, and a man named "Steve" who is called upon to agree with this previous statement ("bit like my bowling, eh, Steve?")

Finally, when all the contestants have played in a scene by themselves, all four enter a final scene together for the "all-in group challenge". At the end of the show, the judge declares a winner; this choice is entirely at the judge's discretion, and is largely arbitrary. Honorable and dishonorable mentions are also given, usually to contestants who do not win so that the judge can comment on their performances. The winner receives a trophy in the shape of the programme's blue door logo.

There are variations on the standard setup: occasionally the greeting will be slightly changed to better suit the setting (e.g. "Thank the gods you're here!" for a scene featuring Vikings or "Thank God you're alive" in a scene featuring a car accident), and often an alternative entrance will be built into the set. These are often used for comic effect, as in the aforementioned car accident scenario where the contestant (Matthew Newton) climbed through the back of the set and emerged from the door of a wrecked car embedded in the wall of a second-storey flat.

Ensemble cast

Although their parts are thoroughly scripted, the actors who interact with the guest stars in each scenario are drawn from an ensemble of experienced improvisational actors.

Improvisation experience is preferred so that the cast can react appropriately and immediately to the improvisations of the guest stars, though in most cases this improvisation is limited. This ensemble is also used in many of the mid-week assignments, fulfilling the roles of customers or members of the public with whom the guests must interact in a real-life setting.

The following are regular ensemble cast members who have appeared on the show.

Several special guests have also appeared, either playing themselves or as part of the ensemble cast for a scene. Special guests have included Damien Fleming (Series 4), Dan O'Connor, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Kate Ceberano, Alan Fletcher, Kimberley Davies, Matt Welsh, Mark Holden, Simon Burke, Greg Evans, Nikki Webster, Mick Molloy and The Veronicas. Other guests including Jane Hall, Andy Lee and former Burke's Backyard host Don Burke have appeared as mock presenters in the locational challenges.

Appearances

Contestant Appearances Show wins
Angus Sampson 11 3
Hamish Blake 10 3
Josh Lawson 9 3
Julia Zemiro 8 2
Fifi Box 7 1
Peter Rowsthorn 7 2
Cal Wilson 7 3
Merrick Watts 7 3
Shaun Micallef 7 2
Frank Woodley 6 1
Akmal Saleh 6 1
Tony Martin 6 1
Bob Franklin 5 3
Rebel Wilson 4 1
Anh Do 4 1
Matthew Newton 3 1
Dave Hughes 3 1
Arj Barker 3 1
Kate Langbroek 3 1
Alan Brough 3 1
Glenn Robbins 2 0
Robyn Butler 2 0
Ryan Shelton 2 0
Tahir Bilgic 2 0
Colin Lane 2 1
Kate Jenkinson 2 0
Jo Stanley 2 0
Peter Helliar 2 0
Stephen Curry 2 0
Nish 2 0
Carl Barron 2 1
Josie Long 2 1
Felicity Ward 2 0
Toby Truslove 2 0
Santo Cilauro 1 0
Tanya Bulmer 1 0
Dalian Evans 1 0
Bianca Dye 1 0
Russell Gilbert 1 0
Anthony Field 1 1
Andrew G 1 0
Jimeoin 1 1
Stephen K Amos 1 0
Eddie Ifft 1 0
Julia Morris 1 0
Ross Noble 1 1
Matt Tilley 1 0
Sean Choolburra 1 0
Adam Hills 1 0
Franklyn Ajaye 1 0
Heath Franklin 1 0
Jordan Raskopoulos 1 1
Rhys Darby 1 0
Rob Carlton 1 0
Tom Gleeson 1 0

Episodes

Season Ep # Season Premiere Season Finale
Season 1 10 5 April 2006 7 June 2006
Season 2 10 6 September 2006 8 November 2006
Season 3 11 11 July 2007 26 September 2007
Season 4 10 29 April 2009 8 July 2009

Show promotion

Host Shane Bourne and Judge Tom Gleisner appeared on Rove Live on 11 April 2006, to promote the show after the first episode had screened. After an interview with Rove McManus, they participated in a game McManus called Where The Bloody Hell Have You Been, a play on words of the Australian tourism campaign, "So Where The Bloody Hell Are You?". In this game they had to perform, without preparation, a situation involving a funeral, and the reading of an improvised eulogy, following exactly the same format as Thank God You're Here.

Music

The main theme is "Come Anytime" by Hoodoo Gurus. A piece used throughout the interludes of the first Season of the show is "Don't You Know Who I Am", performed by Small Mercies.

In the second season, new music was also used in addition to the main themes:

In the third season, more new music was used in addition to the main themes:

Production and broadcast schedule

Series One (Early 2006)

The final episode of Season One, in which the actor Angus Sampson won, had 2.13 million viewers nationally.[2]

Series Two (Late 2006)

The second series of the show ran from 6 September to 8 November 2006, at a 7:30 pm AEST timeslot. The ratings for the second season place the show in the top three shows watched in Australia boosting the ratings of follow-up show House on the network and placing the show up with ratings juggernaut Border Security: Australia's Front Line which broadcasts on the Seven Network. Thank God You're Here received an average of two million viewers every week. For the last episode of 2006 (8 November), had received ratings of 1.85 million viewers nationally.[3]

Series Three (2007)

The first episode of Series Three was filmed on 21 June 2007. Guests for this episode included Stephen Curry, Josh Lawson, Peter Helliar and Cal Wilson. Series Three had begun at the same 7:30 pm time slot on Wednesday 11 July 2007.

Series Four (2009)

In late 2008, it was announced that the fourth season will be made which will air on the Seven Network instead of Network Ten. With Global Television Studios in Nunawading getting ready to shut down,[1] Series 4 started filming at Melbourne Showgrounds in Flemington, in the shed normally used as the Poultry Pavilion. With the move from Nunawading also came a move from Global to Cutting Edge as the broadcast provider. Shooting started on Thursday 19 March 2009, in front of a live audience of 500 people. At the recording of episode 2 on 26 March, Tom Gleisner told the audience they couldn't find an available studio big enough for all their sets and large studio audience, so started looking at other types of venues, and found what they needed at the showgrounds. Portable buildings were set up outside the pavilion as offices, etc. Another vacant pavilion was used to house the audience before taping. The new venue was an issue for audio, as there was no soundproofing, so the nearby railway line often interfered with scenes, and Tom said if it rained, they would be "stuffed".

Ratings

Season Episodes originally Aired Network Television Season Rank Viewers (in millions) Ref.
Season Premiere Season Finale
1 10 5 April 2006 7 June 2006 Network Ten Early 2006 #2 1.729 [4]
2 10 6 September 2006 8 November 2006 Late 2006 #1 1.773
3 11 11 July 2007 26 September 2007 2007 #2 1.860
4 10 29 April 2009 8 July 2009 Seven Network 2009 #1 1.516

Logie Awards

  • Most Outstanding Comedy Program Logie, 2007
  • Most Popular Light Entertainment Program Logie, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 (nominated)

Release

Home media

All series of the show have been released on DVD in Australia. Season 1 was released on 8 November 2006, Season 2 was released on 23 August 2007, Season 3 was released on 28 November 2007 and Season 4 was released on 5 November 2009.

Thank God You're Here — The Complete Series One
Set details Special features
  • 10 Episodes
  • 51 Scenarios
  • 3 Disc Set
  • 16:9 Aspect Ratio
  • Subtitles: English for the hearing impaired
  • English audio (Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1)
  • Behind the scenes documentary
  • Unscreened highlights
  • Vintage Frank Woodley performance from the pilot
  • Hard copy Thank God You're Here game built into the DVD cover
Release dates
Region 4
8 November 2006


Thank God You're Here — The Complete Series Two
Set details Special features
  • 10 Episodes
  • 51 Scenarios
  • 3 Disc Set
  • 16:9 Aspect Ratio
  • Subtitles: English for the hearing impaired
  • Audio: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1) & English narration for the sight impaired.

No special features are included.

Release dates
Region 4
23 August 2007


Thank God You're Here — The Complete Series Three
Set details Special features
  • 11 Episodes
  • 56 Scenarios
  • 3 Disc Set
  • 16:9 Aspect Ratio
  • Subtitles: English for the hearing impaired
  • English audio (Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1)

No special features are included.

Release dates
Region 4
28 November 2007


Thank God You're Here — The Complete Series One, Two & Three
Set details Special features
  • 31 Episodes
  • 158 Scenarios
  • 9 Disc Set
  • 16:9 Aspect Ratio
  • Subtitles: English for the hearing impaired
  • English audio (Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1)

As per Series One release.

Release dates
Region 4
28 November 2007


Thank God You're Here — The Complete Series Four
Set details Special features
  • 10 Episodes
  • 51 Scenarios
  • 3 Disc Set
  • 16:9 Aspect Ratio
  • Subtitles: English for the hearing impaired
  • English audio (Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1)

Uncut, extended scenarios from during the week.

Release dates
Region 4
5 November 2009

Streaming

All series were released on Network 10's catch-up TV service 10Play in June and July 2020.[5][6]

Board game

In early December 2009, the "Thank God You're Here" board game was released. It contains 70 different scenarios which can be acted out in the home, in a similar format to the show. The board game is being distributed in selected stores only, including What's New.

Possible revival

In 2014, co-creator Rob Sitch said that a revival of the program was possible.[7]

After the series

In mid-December 2009, series 1-3 alumni Fifi Box was sign-off as a Weather Presenter and in January 2010, she was appointed as Entertainment Editor on Sunrise where she interviews celebrities and presents entertainment segments. So Fifi Box was replaced by Grant Denyer has returned to Sunrise for a new look as Weather Presenter on 25 January 2010. It was revealed in November 2010 that she was going to be co-host with Jules Lund on Fifi and Jules across the Today Network leaving Friday's show open for Hamish and Andy to do their show to this day here (February 2011). But Hamish and Andy will move from 4pm Monday, with she and Jules Lund taking 4pm-6pm on Tuesday-Friday with the drive show in a current place (February 2013).

In contrast, series 1 & 2 star Matthew Newton was announced in 2010 as the host for the auditions of the Australian version of The X Factor on the Seven Network. However, in August 2010, he was replaced by Luke Jacobz after Newton had two domestic violence incidents involving girlfriend Rachael Taylor at a hotel in Rome and if he had to quit The X Factor due to 'medical advice', he won't rely on. But, on December 4, 2011, he was assaulted a taxi driver twice in the Sydney suburb of Crows Nest. He has been charged with common assault and appeared in court in January 2012. The matter was originally stood over to April 2012, as he arrested in Miami, Florida and charged with trespassing and resisting officers. In a second incident on 17 April, he was charged with battery and resisting arrest after he attacked a hotel receptionist and his lawyer tweeted for patience and support for bipolar sufferers and said that if he is continuing treatment, he couldn't recover them.

In addition, Australian comedians including Anh Do, Rebel Wilson, Peter Helliar and Heath Franklin went to Seven to representing the show Australia Versus premiered in July 2010.

In June 2011, comedian Colin Lane was announced that will host Network Ten's Ready Steady Cook succeeding the former host Peter Everett. But in 2013, the show was axed after 9 years.

In September 2011, Merrick Watts hosts a drive & night show called Merrick and the Highway Patrol along with co-hosts Rachel Corbett and Julian 'Jules' Schiller on Triple M Radio. However, in November 2013, the radio program was cancelled due to poor ratings and came to an end. He co-host the new Breakfast program on 2Day FM alongside Jules Lund & Sophie Monk with Mel B, replacing The Kyle and Jackie O Show from 2014.

In 2012, Shaun Micallef hosts Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell on the ABC TV.

Osher 'Andrew G' Günsberg hosted Network Ten's Bachelor franchises from 2013. both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.

In August 2013, Cal Wilson and Toby Truslove to captain SlideShow with Grant Denyer as host on the Seven Network, which is aired for one season.

In early 2015, Julia Morris along with Chris Brown to currently co-hosted I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here Australia in South Africa.

Guest star Angus Sampson announced in 2015, as he starred on the FX hit show Fargo, playing the character Bear Gerhardt.

In October 2017, Dave Hughes hosts the Network Ten panel show Hughesy, We Have a Problem.

Actress Robyn Butler along with Andy Lee and Laurence Boxhall as team captains along with Shaun Micallef as host on the relaunched TV series Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation on the Nine Network announced in 2017 and premiered in May 2018.

In February 2019, Jo Stanley was announced as co-host of the Seven Network's lifestyle program The House of Wellness alongside Luke Darcy, Rachael Finch and Luke Hines.

In April 2019, comedian Hamish Blake hosts Lego Masters Australia with judge Ryan "The Brickman" McNaught broadcast on the Nine Network.

More than 200 towns affected by the 2019–20 Black Summer Bushfires and to celebrate the relief, there are a list of events such as Comedy for Bushfire Relief with Peter Rowsthorn, Stand Up for Bushfire Relief (featuring Arj Barker, Dave Hughes, Frank Woodley and Cal Wilson), Love From London (featuring Adam Hills), Comedy Steps Up for Bushfire Relief (featuring Julia Morris, Arj Barker and Carl Barron), The Wiggles Reunion (featuring Anthony Field) and Aussie Bushfire Relief with Ryan Shelton, plus live television events like the Bushfire Appeal Telethon as New Year's Eve 2019 broadcast live from the Sydney Opera House, The Big Appeal cricket match, The Aces for Bushfire Relief tennis match, The AFL State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match, The Netball's Bushfire Relief Match and The Fire Fight Australia Concert in Sydney's ANZ Stadium. The highest event that what's making news during the Black Summer Bushfires to raise their money for the Australian Red Cross and other charities that are shown. The SES contributing our staff at some events and the news channels about the Australian Bushfires all around the world were thriving. The world that viewed some major events rated too highly than that. The newspapers about the Bushfire Relief focused some lives are lost as the events are go ahead. Apart from the guest stars, none of the other scenarios in series 1, 2, 3 or 4 are still filming.

International versions

The format has been sold to Fremantle for worldwide distribution and has subsequently been sold for creation in 18 countries including the United States.[8] International versions are required to use the same sketch premises used on the original Australian version and if one wants to alter one of their episodes in some way, such as taping a Christmas-themed episode, they must go through Fremantle for permission to do so.[citation needed]

Country Name Host Channel Language Premiere Judge
  Australia (original version) Thank God You're Here Shane Bourne Network Ten, Seven Network English 5 April 2006 (Network Ten), 29 April 2009 (Seven Network) Tom Gleisner
  Armenia 3 պատ (3 Walls) Garik Papoyan, Felix Khachatryan Armenia TV Armenian 2009–2010
  Azerbaijan Haradasan bu vaxtacan? Turane Huseynli İctimai Television Azerbaijani 6 October 2019 Orkhan Fikretoglu (2019-2020)
Vado Korovin (2021-2022)
  Belgium GodzijDank Matthias Coppens vtm Dutch 16 March 2007
  Canada
  Quebec
Dieu merci! Éric Salvail TVA French 27 September 2007 Gaston Lepage
  China 谢天谢地你来啦 Cui Yongyuan CCTV-1 Chinese October 2011
  Czech Republic Konečně jsi tady Josef Carda TV Prima Czech 4 March 2007
  Denmark Gu' ske lov du kom Mads Vangsø TV3 Danish 30 September 2006 Sebastian Dorset and Hella Joof, Søs Egelind and Sidse Babett Knudsen (Series 3)
  Estonia Jumal tänatud, et sa siin oled! Andrus Vaarik Kanal 2 Estonian 6 October 2007 Eino Baskin
  France Enfin te Voilà ! Ariane Massenet Comédie+ French 2013
  Germany Gott sei dank … dass Sie da sind! Knacki Deuser ProSieben German 30 November 2006
  Indonesia Akhirnya Datang Juga Winky Wiryawan, Narji, Olga Syahputra;
Boy William, Indra Bekti
Trans TV, MNCTV Indonesian 21 October 2007 (Trans TV), 21 May 2011 (MNC TV) Trans TV: Didi Petet, Parto Patrio, Desy Ratnasari; MNCTV: Desy Ratnasari, Jaja Miharja
Ini Dia! Kevin Julio, Surya Insomnia NET. 10 December 2016 Denny Chandra, Dwi Sasono, Ferry Salim, Arie Untung
  Israel Tov Shebata Moni Moshonov Arutz 10 Hebrew 5 June 2007 Tomer Sharon
  Italy Grazie Al Cielo Sei Qui! Leonardo Manera La7 Italian 22 March 2009
  Lithuania Ačiū Dievui, atėjai Egidijus Sipavičius TV3 Lithuanian 1 September 2007 Arkadijus Vinokuras
  Mongolia Бурхны авралаар чи ирлээ Turbat Barhuu Edutainment TV Mongolian 3 May 2020 P.Erdenezaan

Ch.Delgertsetseg

  Netherlands Gelukkig Je Bent Er Carlo Boszhard RTL 4 Dutch September 2006
  Portugal Ainda Bem Que Apareceste Virgílio Castelo RTP1 Portuguese October 2008 Nilton
  Russia Слава Богу, ты пришёл! Mikhail Shats, Igor Vernik (2018) STS Russian 24 September 2006 Andrey Urgant, Sergei Svetlakov (2018)
  Spain Por Fin Has Llegado Josema Yuste TVE1 Spanish 14 September 2007 David Fernandez
  Sweden Tack Gode Gud David Hellenius TV4 Swedish 21 March 2007
  Turkey Bak Hele Bak Emre Altuğ TRT 1 Turkish 13 January 2015 Rasim Öztekin
  United Kingdom Thank God You're Here Paul Merton ITV 1 English 12 January 2008
  United States Thank God You're Here David Alan Grier NBC English 9 April 2007 Dave Foley
  Vietnam Ơn giời cậu đây rồi! Xuân Bắc (2014 - 2020), Trấn Thành (2014 - 2020, some episodes), Trường Giang (2018, some episodes), Đại Nghĩa (2022) VTV3 Vietnamese 11 October 2014 Hoài Linh (2014 - 2018)
None (2019 - 2022)
  • The original Australian version entered repeat broadcast on 13 January 2015 on Foxtel's Comedy Channel.[9]
  • The Czech version of the show, "Konečně jsi tady" was first aired on TV Prima on 4 March 2007. The show was later put on hold to change it to better suit the Czech viewers.
  • The Dutch version, "Gelukkig Je Bent Er" broadcast its first episode on RTL 4 in late September 2006, followed by "Gu' ske lov du kom" on Danish TV3 a few days later.
  • The German version, "Gott sei Dank... dass Sie da sind!", piloted in July 2006, premiered on 30 November 2006, in primetime on German channel ProSieben, produced by local Fremantle daughter Grundy LE, but managed only to attract a small audience. It was cancelled after 6 episodes.
  • The Russian version of the show, "Slava Bogu, ty prishyol" was first aired on STS channel on 24 September 2006. Five seasons with the last shown in 2010 spring have been produced.[8] The premiere of the updated show was held 26 October 2018 at 22:00
  • The Swedish version, "Tack gode Gud" was first aired on TV4 on 21 March 2007. It follows the same format as the Australian version and regularly uses similar scenarios.
  • The American version was picked up by NBC after a pilot was shot on 9 November 2006, overseen by Rob Sitch, who flew to Los Angeles. It was hosted by American actor and comedian David Alan Grier and judged by Canadian actor and comedian Dave Foley. The program premiered on 9 April 2007[10] with two back-to-back episodes (including the pilot). It followed the Australian format closely, with the additional quirks of the guests swearing they had not seen the sets or costumes at the start of the show, and host Grier appearing in a cameo for one scenario each episode. Though it managed to attract some fairly high-profile guests, including Tom Green, Fran Drescher and Wayne Knight (who appeared twice), NBC announced it had cancelled the show after just seven episodes on 14 May 2007.
  • The British version premiered on 12 January 2008 on ITV. The show was made by Talkback Thames, a FremantleMedia company. Paul Merton was both the host and also featured in his own scenes.[11][12] Hamish Blake has appeared on the first two episodes.
  • The Vietnamese version from season 6 on does not have a true judge - the hosts also takes charge of pressing the buzzer to end the scene. Instead, audiences in the studio are the ones who makes the decision by voting for contestants after each of their scene has finished.

References

  1. ^ a b "Iconic TEN studios to go". TV Tonight.
  2. ^ "Australian Television: Thank God You're Here: episode guide".
  3. ^ Seven Network, Seven Network Ratings Report for Wednesday, 8 November 2006, Seven Network, 9 November 2006, URL last accessed on 18 November 2006. 27 November 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ . Screen Australia. Archived from the original on 16 March 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  5. ^ Pritchard, Tahlia (15 June 2020). "Network 10 has made 'Thank God You're Here' available to stream and, well, thank god". Punkee. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  6. ^ Bucklow, Andrew (29 June 2020). "Real reason Thank God You're Here ended". Noosa News. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  7. ^ "Thank God revival could work with new comics, says Rob Sitch". TV Tonight.
  8. ^ a b . news. Archived from the original on 19 March 2007. Retrieved 2 April 2007.
  9. ^ "Twitter" – via Twitter.
  10. ^ "Breaking News - NBC's New Improv Comedy Series 'Thank God You'Re Here' --Television's Most Dangerous New Comedy Challenge -- Premieres Monday, April 9 and April 16 Before Resuming in Regular Day and Time on Wednesdays Beginning April 18 (8-9 P.M.) - TheFutonCritic.com".
  11. ^ "News — Paul Merton plans ITV improv show". British Sitcom Guide. Retrieved 27 July 2007.
  12. ^ "News — ITV reveals 2008 comedy line-up". British Sitcom Guide. 15 November 2007. Retrieved 17 November 2007.

External links

  • Thank God You're Here at IMDb

thank, here, this, article, about, original, australian, version, american, version, american, series, british, version, british, series, australian, television, improvised, comedy, program, created, working, productions, which, premiered, network, april, 2006. This article is about the original Australian version For the American version see Thank God You re Here American TV series For the British version see Thank God You re Here British TV series Thank God You re Here is an Australian television improvised comedy program created by Working Dog Productions which premiered on Network Ten on 5 April 2006 and aired for the first three seasons and on Seven for the fourth season Thank God You re HereCreated byWorking Dog ProductionsDirected byPeter Ots 2006 2007 Jon Olb 2009 Presented byShane BourneJudgesTom GleisnerOpening theme Come Anytime by Hoodoo GurusCountry of originAustraliaOriginal languageEnglishNo of seasons4No of episodes41 list of episodes ProductionExecutive producersSanto CilauroTom GleisnerMichael HirshRob SitchProducerDebra ChyoteProduction locationsGlobal Television Studios Nunawading Victoria 2006 2007 1 Melbourne Showgrounds Flemington Victoria 2009 EditorsIan Carmichael 2006 2009 Ken Hardie 2007 Running time60 minutes including commercials ReleaseOriginal networkNetwork Ten 2006 2007 Seven Network 2009 Picture format576i SDTV 1080i HDTV Audio formatDolby 5 1Original release5 April 2006 2006 04 05 8 July 2009 2009 07 08 Each episode involves performers walking through a door into an unknown situation greeted by the line Thank God you re here They then had to improvise their way through the scene At the end of each episode a winner was announced It was the most successful new show in Australia of 2006 attracting an average of 1 7 million viewers after the first few episodes The show is hosted by Shane Bourne and is judged by Tom Gleisner The format was sold for recreation in a number of countries Contents 1 Synopsis 2 Ensemble cast 3 Appearances 4 Episodes 5 Show promotion 6 Music 7 Production and broadcast schedule 7 1 Series One Early 2006 7 2 Series Two Late 2006 7 3 Series Three 2007 7 4 Series Four 2009 8 Ratings 9 Logie Awards 10 Release 10 1 Home media 10 2 Streaming 11 Board game 12 Possible revival 13 After the series 14 International versions 15 References 16 External linksSynopsis EditEach contestant is dressed in appropriate costume has some brief banter with the host and is then invited to walk through the blue door onto a hidden set They are greeted by the ensemble cast in character with the line Thank God you re here and must then attempt to improvise their role in the scene Typically they will be asked in character questions by the ensemble cast and challenged to provide information about the scene including the names of characters or objects At least twice during each episode to cover set up and costuming for the live audience footage is shown of each of the four participants performing a challenge often on location which was filmed earlier in the week These include a commentary booth where the contestants have to comment on an unfamiliar subject an office where they are being interviewed or interrogated by police customs officials etc showing customers things for sale cars boats pianos houses etc or advertisements e g slimming products housing developments etc The other characters in these scenes are generally played by members of the ensemble cast The third series also introduced an additional segment in which Gleisner highlights a real life Thank God You re Here style situation such as the infamous Guy Goma BBC interview and frequently that of politicians forced to improvise answers under pressure The fourth season introduced a different segment where Gleisner points out that he believes an Australian cricket player is able to endorse anything and presents a falsified advertisement where a retired Australian cricketer Damien Fleming attempts to endorse an also falsified company of a completely random field such as a French restaurant or sewage processing plant Running gags in these segments include the cricketer comparing selecting such a company with his medium pace bowling the use of jargon which actually is completely made up comparing the reliability or other value with his own bowling style and a man named Steve who is called upon to agree with this previous statement bit like my bowling eh Steve Finally when all the contestants have played in a scene by themselves all four enter a final scene together for the all in group challenge At the end of the show the judge declares a winner this choice is entirely at the judge s discretion and is largely arbitrary Honorable and dishonorable mentions are also given usually to contestants who do not win so that the judge can comment on their performances The winner receives a trophy in the shape of the programme s blue door logo There are variations on the standard setup occasionally the greeting will be slightly changed to better suit the setting e g Thank the gods you re here for a scene featuring Vikings or Thank God you re alive in a scene featuring a car accident and often an alternative entrance will be built into the set These are often used for comic effect as in the aforementioned car accident scenario where the contestant Matthew Newton climbed through the back of the set and emerged from the door of a wrecked car embedded in the wall of a second storey flat Ensemble cast EditAlthough their parts are thoroughly scripted the actors who interact with the guest stars in each scenario are drawn from an ensemble of experienced improvisational actors Improvisation experience is preferred so that the cast can react appropriately and immediately to the improvisations of the guest stars though in most cases this improvisation is limited This ensemble is also used in many of the mid week assignments fulfilling the roles of customers or members of the public with whom the guests must interact in a real life setting The following are regular ensemble cast members who have appeared on the show Andrew Bayly Series 1 Episode 2 4 Ben Anderson Series 2 4 Daniel Cordeaux Ed Kavalee Heidi Arena Isabella Dunwill Series 2 Nicola Parry Rebekah Foord Series 1 Episode 3 3 Episode 1 Roz Hammond Series 3 4 Simon Dowling Series 1 Episode 3 4 Simon Russell Series 2 4 Several special guests have also appeared either playing themselves or as part of the ensemble cast for a scene Special guests have included Damien Fleming Series 4 Dan O Connor Natalie Bassingthwaighte Kate Ceberano Alan Fletcher Kimberley Davies Matt Welsh Mark Holden Simon Burke Greg Evans Nikki Webster Mick Molloy and The Veronicas Other guests including Jane Hall Andy Lee and former Burke s Backyard host Don Burke have appeared as mock presenters in the locational challenges Appearances EditContestant Appearances Show winsAngus Sampson 11 3Hamish Blake 10 3Josh Lawson 9 3Julia Zemiro 8 2Fifi Box 7 1Peter Rowsthorn 7 2Cal Wilson 7 3Merrick Watts 7 3Shaun Micallef 7 2Frank Woodley 6 1Akmal Saleh 6 1Tony Martin 6 1Bob Franklin 5 3Rebel Wilson 4 1Anh Do 4 1Matthew Newton 3 1Dave Hughes 3 1Arj Barker 3 1Kate Langbroek 3 1Alan Brough 3 1Glenn Robbins 2 0Robyn Butler 2 0Ryan Shelton 2 0Tahir Bilgic 2 0Colin Lane 2 1Kate Jenkinson 2 0Jo Stanley 2 0Peter Helliar 2 0Stephen Curry 2 0Nish 2 0Carl Barron 2 1Josie Long 2 1Felicity Ward 2 0Toby Truslove 2 0Santo Cilauro 1 0Tanya Bulmer 1 0Dalian Evans 1 0Bianca Dye 1 0Russell Gilbert 1 0Anthony Field 1 1Andrew G 1 0Jimeoin 1 1Stephen K Amos 1 0Eddie Ifft 1 0Julia Morris 1 0Ross Noble 1 1Matt Tilley 1 0Sean Choolburra 1 0Adam Hills 1 0Franklyn Ajaye 1 0Heath Franklin 1 0Jordan Raskopoulos 1 1Rhys Darby 1 0Rob Carlton 1 0Tom Gleeson 1 0Episodes EditMain article List of Thank God You re Here episodes Season Ep Season Premiere Season FinaleSeason 1 10 5 April 2006 7 June 2006Season 2 10 6 September 2006 8 November 2006Season 3 11 11 July 2007 26 September 2007Season 4 10 29 April 2009 8 July 2009Show promotion EditHost Shane Bourne and Judge Tom Gleisner appeared on Rove Live on 11 April 2006 to promote the show after the first episode had screened After an interview with Rove McManus they participated in a game McManus called Where The Bloody Hell Have You Been a play on words of the Australian tourism campaign So Where The Bloody Hell Are You In this game they had to perform without preparation a situation involving a funeral and the reading of an improvised eulogy following exactly the same format as Thank God You re Here Music EditThe main theme is Come Anytime by Hoodoo Gurus A piece used throughout the interludes of the first Season of the show is Don t You Know Who I Am performed by Small Mercies In the second season new music was also used in addition to the main themes Reminder by Kisschasy Pellet Gun by Small MerciesIn the third season more new music was used in addition to the main themes Everlasting by Horsell Common Beautiful Disguise by TokenviewProduction and broadcast schedule EditSeries One Early 2006 Edit The final episode of Season One in which the actor Angus Sampson won had 2 13 million viewers nationally 2 Series Two Late 2006 Edit The second series of the show ran from 6 September to 8 November 2006 at a 7 30 pm AEST timeslot The ratings for the second season place the show in the top three shows watched in Australia boosting the ratings of follow up show House on the network and placing the show up with ratings juggernaut Border Security Australia s Front Line which broadcasts on the Seven Network Thank God You re Here received an average of two million viewers every week For the last episode of 2006 8 November had received ratings of 1 85 million viewers nationally 3 Series Three 2007 Edit The first episode of Series Three was filmed on 21 June 2007 Guests for this episode included Stephen Curry Josh Lawson Peter Helliar and Cal Wilson Series Three had begun at the same 7 30 pm time slot on Wednesday 11 July 2007 Series Four 2009 Edit In late 2008 it was announced that the fourth season will be made which will air on the Seven Network instead of Network Ten With Global Television Studios in Nunawading getting ready to shut down 1 Series 4 started filming at Melbourne Showgrounds in Flemington in the shed normally used as the Poultry Pavilion With the move from Nunawading also came a move from Global to Cutting Edge as the broadcast provider Shooting started on Thursday 19 March 2009 in front of a live audience of 500 people At the recording of episode 2 on 26 March Tom Gleisner told the audience they couldn t find an available studio big enough for all their sets and large studio audience so started looking at other types of venues and found what they needed at the showgrounds Portable buildings were set up outside the pavilion as offices etc Another vacant pavilion was used to house the audience before taping The new venue was an issue for audio as there was no soundproofing so the nearby railway line often interfered with scenes and Tom said if it rained they would be stuffed Ratings EditSeason Episodes originally Aired Network Television Season Rank Viewers in millions Ref Season Premiere Season Finale1 10 5 April 2006 7 June 2006 Network Ten Early 2006 2 1 729 4 2 10 6 September 2006 8 November 2006 Late 2006 1 1 7733 11 11 July 2007 26 September 2007 2007 2 1 8604 10 29 April 2009 8 July 2009 Seven Network 2009 1 1 516Logie Awards EditMost Outstanding Comedy Program Logie 2007 Most Popular Light Entertainment Program Logie 2006 2007 2008 2010 nominated Release EditHome media Edit All series of the show have been released on DVD in Australia Season 1 was released on 8 November 2006 Season 2 was released on 23 August 2007 Season 3 was released on 28 November 2007 and Season 4 was released on 5 November 2009 Thank God You re Here The Complete Series OneSet details Special features10 Episodes 51 Scenarios 3 Disc Set 16 9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles English for the hearing impaired English audio Dolby Digital 2 0 and 5 1 Behind the scenes documentary Unscreened highlights Vintage Frank Woodley performance from the pilot Hard copy Thank God You re Here game built into the DVD coverRelease datesRegion 48 November 2006 Thank God You re Here The Complete Series TwoSet details Special features10 Episodes 51 Scenarios 3 Disc Set 16 9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles English for the hearing impaired Audio English Dolby Digital 2 0 and 5 1 amp English narration for the sight impaired No special features are included Release datesRegion 423 August 2007 Thank God You re Here The Complete Series ThreeSet details Special features11 Episodes 56 Scenarios 3 Disc Set 16 9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles English for the hearing impaired English audio Dolby Digital 2 0 and 5 1 No special features are included Release datesRegion 428 November 2007 Thank God You re Here The Complete Series One Two amp ThreeSet details Special features31 Episodes 158 Scenarios 9 Disc Set 16 9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles English for the hearing impaired English audio Dolby Digital 2 0 and 5 1 As per Series One release Release datesRegion 428 November 2007 Thank God You re Here The Complete Series FourSet details Special features10 Episodes 51 Scenarios 3 Disc Set 16 9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles English for the hearing impaired English audio Dolby Digital 2 0 and 5 1 Uncut extended scenarios from during the week Release datesRegion 45 November 2009Streaming Edit All series were released on Network 10 s catch up TV service 10Play in June and July 2020 5 6 Board game EditIn early December 2009 the Thank God You re Here board game was released It contains 70 different scenarios which can be acted out in the home in a similar format to the show The board game is being distributed in selected stores only including What s New Possible revival EditIn 2014 co creator Rob Sitch said that a revival of the program was possible 7 After the series EditIn mid December 2009 series 1 3 alumni Fifi Box was sign off as a Weather Presenter and in January 2010 she was appointed as Entertainment Editor on Sunrise where she interviews celebrities and presents entertainment segments So Fifi Box was replaced by Grant Denyer has returned to Sunrise for a new look as Weather Presenter on 25 January 2010 It was revealed in November 2010 that she was going to be co host with Jules Lund on Fifi and Jules across the Today Network leaving Friday s show open for Hamish and Andy to do their show to this day here February 2011 But Hamish and Andy will move from 4pm Monday with she and Jules Lund taking 4pm 6pm on Tuesday Friday with the drive show in a current place February 2013 In contrast series 1 amp 2 star Matthew Newton was announced in 2010 as the host for the auditions of the Australian version of The X Factor on the Seven Network However in August 2010 he was replaced by Luke Jacobz after Newton had two domestic violence incidents involving girlfriend Rachael Taylor at a hotel in Rome and if he had to quit The X Factor due to medical advice he won t rely on But on December 4 2011 he was assaulted a taxi driver twice in the Sydney suburb of Crows Nest He has been charged with common assault and appeared in court in January 2012 The matter was originally stood over to April 2012 as he arrested in Miami Florida and charged with trespassing and resisting officers In a second incident on 17 April he was charged with battery and resisting arrest after he attacked a hotel receptionist and his lawyer tweeted for patience and support for bipolar sufferers and said that if he is continuing treatment he couldn t recover them In addition Australian comedians including Anh Do Rebel Wilson Peter Helliar and Heath Franklin went to Seven to representing the show Australia Versus premiered in July 2010 In June 2011 comedian Colin Lane was announced that will host Network Ten s Ready Steady Cook succeeding the former host Peter Everett But in 2013 the show was axed after 9 years In September 2011 Merrick Watts hosts a drive amp night show called Merrick and the Highway Patrol along with co hosts Rachel Corbett and Julian Jules Schiller on Triple M Radio However in November 2013 the radio program was cancelled due to poor ratings and came to an end He co host the new Breakfast program on 2Day FM alongside Jules Lund amp Sophie Monk with Mel B replacing The Kyle and Jackie O Show from 2014 In 2012 Shaun Micallef hosts Shaun Micallef s Mad as Hell on the ABC TV Osher Andrew G Gunsberg hosted Network Ten s Bachelor franchises from 2013 both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette In August 2013 Cal Wilson and Toby Truslove to captain SlideShow with Grant Denyer as host on the Seven Network which is aired for one season In early 2015 Julia Morris along with Chris Brown to currently co hosted I m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Australia in South Africa Guest star Angus Sampson announced in 2015 as he starred on the FX hit show Fargo playing the character Bear Gerhardt In October 2017 Dave Hughes hosts the Network Ten panel show Hughesy We Have a Problem Actress Robyn Butler along with Andy Lee and Laurence Boxhall as team captains along with Shaun Micallef as host on the relaunched TV series Talkin Bout Your Generation on the Nine Network announced in 2017 and premiered in May 2018 In February 2019 Jo Stanley was announced as co host of the Seven Network s lifestyle program The House of Wellness alongside Luke Darcy Rachael Finch and Luke Hines In April 2019 comedian Hamish Blake hosts Lego Masters Australia with judge Ryan The Brickman McNaught broadcast on the Nine Network More than 200 towns affected by the 2019 20 Black Summer Bushfires and to celebrate the relief there are a list of events such as Comedy for Bushfire Relief with Peter Rowsthorn Stand Up for Bushfire Relief featuring Arj Barker Dave Hughes Frank Woodley and Cal Wilson Love From London featuring Adam Hills Comedy Steps Up for Bushfire Relief featuring Julia Morris Arj Barker and Carl Barron The Wiggles Reunion featuring Anthony Field and Aussie Bushfire Relief with Ryan Shelton plus live television events like the Bushfire Appeal Telethon as New Year s Eve 2019 broadcast live from the Sydney Opera House The Big Appeal cricket match The Aces for Bushfire Relief tennis match The AFL State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match The Netball s Bushfire Relief Match and The Fire Fight Australia Concert in Sydney s ANZ Stadium The highest event that what s making news during the Black Summer Bushfires to raise their money for the Australian Red Cross and other charities that are shown The SES contributing our staff at some events and the news channels about the Australian Bushfires all around the world were thriving The world that viewed some major events rated too highly than that The newspapers about the Bushfire Relief focused some lives are lost as the events are go ahead Apart from the guest stars none of the other scenarios in series 1 2 3 or 4 are still filming International versions EditThe format has been sold to Fremantle for worldwide distribution and has subsequently been sold for creation in 18 countries including the United States 8 International versions are required to use the same sketch premises used on the original Australian version and if one wants to alter one of their episodes in some way such as taping a Christmas themed episode they must go through Fremantle for permission to do so citation needed Country Name Host Channel Language Premiere Judge Australia original version Thank God You re Here Shane Bourne Network Ten Seven Network English 5 April 2006 Network Ten 29 April 2009 Seven Network Tom Gleisner Armenia 3 պատ 3 Walls Garik Papoyan Felix Khachatryan Armenia TV Armenian 2009 2010 Azerbaijan Haradasan bu vaxtacan Turane Huseynli Ictimai Television Azerbaijani 6 October 2019 Orkhan Fikretoglu 2019 2020 Vado Korovin 2021 2022 Belgium GodzijDank Matthias Coppens vtm Dutch 16 March 2007 Canada Quebec Dieu merci Eric Salvail TVA French 27 September 2007 Gaston Lepage China 谢天谢地你来啦 Cui Yongyuan CCTV 1 Chinese October 2011 Czech Republic Konecne jsi tady Josef Carda TV Prima Czech 4 March 2007 Denmark Gu ske lov du kom Mads Vangso TV3 Danish 30 September 2006 Sebastian Dorset and Hella Joof Sos Egelind and Sidse Babett Knudsen Series 3 Estonia Jumal tanatud et sa siin oled Andrus Vaarik Kanal 2 Estonian 6 October 2007 Eino Baskin France Enfin te Voila Ariane Massenet Comedie French 2013 Germany Gott sei dank dass Sie da sind Knacki Deuser ProSieben German 30 November 2006 Indonesia Akhirnya Datang Juga Winky Wiryawan Narji Olga Syahputra Boy William Indra Bekti Trans TV MNCTV Indonesian 21 October 2007 Trans TV 21 May 2011 MNC TV Trans TV Didi Petet Parto Patrio Desy Ratnasari MNCTV Desy Ratnasari Jaja MiharjaIni Dia Kevin Julio Surya Insomnia NET 10 December 2016 Denny Chandra Dwi Sasono Ferry Salim Arie Untung Israel Tov Shebata Moni Moshonov Arutz 10 Hebrew 5 June 2007 Tomer Sharon Italy Grazie Al Cielo Sei Qui Leonardo Manera La7 Italian 22 March 2009 Lithuania Aciu Dievui atejai Egidijus Sipavicius TV3 Lithuanian 1 September 2007 Arkadijus Vinokuras Mongolia Burhny avralaar chi irlee Turbat Barhuu Edutainment TV Mongolian 3 May 2020 P Erdenezaan Ch Delgertsetseg Netherlands Gelukkig Je Bent Er Carlo Boszhard RTL 4 Dutch September 2006 Portugal Ainda Bem Que Apareceste Virgilio Castelo RTP1 Portuguese October 2008 Nilton Russia Slava Bogu ty prishyol Mikhail Shats Igor Vernik 2018 STS Russian 24 September 2006 Andrey Urgant Sergei Svetlakov 2018 Spain Por Fin Has Llegado Josema Yuste TVE1 Spanish 14 September 2007 David Fernandez Sweden Tack Gode Gud David Hellenius TV4 Swedish 21 March 2007 Turkey Bak Hele Bak Emre Altug TRT 1 Turkish 13 January 2015 Rasim Oztekin United Kingdom Thank God You re Here Paul Merton ITV 1 English 12 January 2008 United States Thank God You re Here David Alan Grier NBC English 9 April 2007 Dave Foley Vietnam Ơn giời cậu đay rồi Xuan Bắc 2014 2020 Trấn Thanh 2014 2020 some episodes Trường Giang 2018 some episodes Đại Nghĩa 2022 VTV3 Vietnamese 11 October 2014 Hoai Linh 2014 2018 None 2019 2022 The original Australian version entered repeat broadcast on 13 January 2015 on Foxtel s Comedy Channel 9 The Czech version of the show Konecne jsi tady was first aired on TV Prima on 4 March 2007 The show was later put on hold to change it to better suit the Czech viewers The Dutch version Gelukkig Je Bent Er broadcast its first episode on RTL 4 in late September 2006 followed by Gu ske lov du kom on Danish TV3 a few days later The German version Gott sei Dank dass Sie da sind piloted in July 2006 premiered on 30 November 2006 in primetime on German channel ProSieben produced by local Fremantle daughter Grundy LE but managed only to attract a small audience It was cancelled after 6 episodes The Russian version of the show Slava Bogu ty prishyol was first aired on STS channel on 24 September 2006 Five seasons with the last shown in 2010 spring have been produced 8 The premiere of the updated show was held 26 October 2018 at 22 00 The Swedish version Tack gode Gud was first aired on TV4 on 21 March 2007 It follows the same format as the Australian version and regularly uses similar scenarios The American version was picked up by NBC after a pilot was shot on 9 November 2006 overseen by Rob Sitch who flew to Los Angeles It was hosted by American actor and comedian David Alan Grier and judged by Canadian actor and comedian Dave Foley The program premiered on 9 April 2007 10 with two back to back episodes including the pilot It followed the Australian format closely with the additional quirks of the guests swearing they had not seen the sets or costumes at the start of the show and host Grier appearing in a cameo for one scenario each episode Though it managed to attract some fairly high profile guests including Tom Green Fran Drescher and Wayne Knight who appeared twice NBC announced it had cancelled the show after just seven episodes on 14 May 2007 The British version premiered on 12 January 2008 on ITV The show was made by Talkback Thames a FremantleMedia company Paul Merton was both the host and also featured in his own scenes 11 12 Hamish Blake has appeared on the first two episodes The Vietnamese version from season 6 on does not have a true judge the hosts also takes charge of pressing the buzzer to end the scene Instead audiences in the studio are the ones who makes the decision by voting for contestants after each of their scene has finished References Edit a b Iconic TEN studios to go TV Tonight Australian Television Thank God You re Here episode guide Seven Network Seven Network Ratings Report for Wednesday 8 November 2006 Seven Network 9 November 2006 URL last accessed on 18 November 2006 Archived 27 November 2006 at the Wayback Machine Top rating Australian comedy series on television 2004 2009 Screen Australia Archived from the original on 16 March 2015 Retrieved 15 January 2016 Pritchard Tahlia 15 June 2020 Network 10 has made Thank God You re Here available to stream and well thank god Punkee Retrieved 13 July 2020 Bucklow Andrew 29 June 2020 Real reason Thank God You re Here ended Noosa News Retrieved 13 July 2020 Thank God revival could work with new comics says Rob Sitch TV Tonight a b Australian and World News ninemsn Nine News news Archived from the original on 19 March 2007 Retrieved 2 April 2007 Twitter via Twitter Breaking News NBC s New Improv Comedy Series Thank God You Re Here Television s Most Dangerous New Comedy Challenge Premieres Monday April 9 and April 16 Before Resuming in Regular Day and Time on Wednesdays Beginning April 18 8 9 P M TheFutonCritic com News Paul Merton plans ITV improv show British Sitcom Guide Retrieved 27 July 2007 News ITV reveals 2008 comedy line up British Sitcom Guide 15 November 2007 Retrieved 17 November 2007 External links EditThank God You re Here at IMDb Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Thank God You 27re Here amp oldid 1138189061, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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