Shaun Micallef’s popular and long-running ABC sketch show Mad As Hell won’t be returning next year, the popular comedian announced on Sunday, though perhaps he tweet-ethed in haste.
The show won’t return with him as host, Micallef clarified in a subsequent post on his personal Twitter account, saying the ABC was in talks to continue the show in some form.
Shaun Micallef will step down as Mad As Hell host after the current season, which starts on July 20.
In another tweet published on Sunday, the urbane, sharp-witted political satirist bristled at a report the show had been axed by the ABC.
He clarified that after 11 years and 15 seasons, he had personally decided it was time to move on as host.
Micallef tweeted that after the current season runs – it starts at 8.40pm on July 20 – he wants to make way for someone younger, adding “I’m turning 60 in a week for f—’s sake”.
“The show HASN’T been axed. In fact, we have a NEW SEASON starting on Wednesday July 20. The only change is the time slot (8:40 – Bloody Gruen). Best wishes, Shaun Micallef xxxxx”
That tweet was followed by clarification tweets: “PS Also, I haven’t jumped ship to a commercial network. I enjoy a great working relationship with the ABC and have done for many years. Sometimes I make shows for other stations, that’s all. The ABC is cool with this.
“PPS Okay, it is true we’ll not be returning next year, BUT this is entirely down to me, okay? After 11 years and 15 seasons, I just felt it was time for someone younger to take advantage of the resources and opportunities on offer.
“PPPS And by the way, the ABC and I are continuing to talk about evolving the show with someone else in the chair or maybe making different shows using our very talented cast and crew.”
Referring to an actress in a Danish political drama, he added: “PPPPS Or maybe I’ll come back after a few years like Sidse Babett Knudsen did in Borgen. You never know…”
Micallef advised fans to “enjoy this last season of the original version of #MadAsHell. We’re going to do all things we’ve NEVER been allowed to”.
The entertainment website TV Blackbox reported on Thursday that the 15th season of Mad As Hell would be the last. A subsequent article by the online newspaper Daily Mail reported that Mad As Hell had been “Axed by the ABC”.
The TV Blackbox article states that a spokesperson for ABC declined to confirm or deny the final season of Mad As Hell, telling TV Blackbox: “Our audiences love Shaun, and the show. The ABC looks forward to continuing our creative relationship with Shaun.”
The ABC has been approached for comment.
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