Logies 2023: Big Logies change a massive hit as host Sam Pang praised by viewers

After more than a decade, Logies producers changed it up with a big gamble this year - and judging by the reaction, it’s massively paid off.

The award for this year’s Most Popular Logies Talent goes to... Sam Pang.

The show’s first host in 11 years has been hailed as a hero for keeping the laughs rolling across a gruelling four-hour ceremony on Sunday night, delivering a sensational monologue and off-the-cuff roasts (sorry, Karl) as the evening unfolded.

“I would like to acknowledge a win for diversity tonight. I am the first host in the history of the Logies to be half and half – half Channel 7 and half Channel 10,” Pang began.

Pang knocked it out of the park. Picture: Channel 7

Viewers couldn’t get enough. Picture: Channel 7

“Let’s be honest, it’s just great to have an Asian on Channel 7 who isn’t trying to smuggle live birds through border security,” he continued, telling viewers to strap in for the “two-day” ceremony.

From the moment he took the stage, Pang was a hit with viewers:

Official petition to make Sam Pang host everything for the rest of time. #Logies

— Kathryn Kernohan (@kathrynkernohan) July 30, 2023

Ok. 5 mins in and we need to lock in Sam Pang to host every Australian awards night moving forward.

KILLING it.#Logies#TVWeekLogiespic.twitter.com/Ln0MyGEiDn

— Leon Sjogren (@Leonsjogren) July 30, 2023

Sam Pang is the reason a lot of us are tuning into the Logies for the first time tonight, and he should continue to host if they want to keep the viewership numbers up. He’s giving me stitches 😂 #Logies#sampang#tvweeklogies#host#channel7

— The Butsi Journals (@ButsiJournals) July 30, 2023

Nailed it, Sam Pang. Old-style #Logies roasting and that opening Asian/Border Force gag was 👌 #logies23

— Virginia Trioli (@LaTrioli) July 30, 2023

I only want to watch shows hosted by Sam Pang #logies

— Tahlia Pritchard (@Tahls) July 30, 2023

WOW! No one will be able to accuse Sam Pang of playing it safe in this opening monologue #Logies

— Liam Flanagan (@ljflannas) July 30, 2023

Not enough Sam Pang #logies

— Cameron Adams (@cameron_adams) July 30, 2023

All I can say is ... HALLELUJAH! Finally, a Logies opener that hits the mark. Well written, funny and delivered with ease. Well done Sam Pang. Take a bow. @MrSamPang#tvweeklogies#logies#logies2023

— Jayden Forster (@CelebrityLane1) July 30, 2023

Sam Pang is delivering the comedic sharpness I thought was non-existent in Australian media. This is absolutely stellar #Logies

— Priyant 👨🏾‍🚀 (@Priyant1987) July 30, 2023

Sam Pang’s opening monologue actually made part of the #Logies worth watching.

— Dylan Walton 🔴⚪️⚫️ (@IamDWalt) July 30, 2023

Karl roasted

Today host Karl Stefanovic was ad libbing as he took to the stage late in the ceremony to introduce a tribute to Barry Humphries.

Referencing Koch’s award presentation earlier, where he named Stan series Bump as one of his favourite shows, Stefanovic made a joke about cocaine.

“I did want to just check something … I am pretty sure before I heard Kochie say he loves Bump’s … season 3. Did anyone mishear that? Because I am pretty sure I did. Anyway, those are the headlines tomorrow morning …” Stefanovic said, to a muted response from the crowd.

As the cameras cut to Kochie, it was clear he wasn’t impressed – and was even a bit bewildered – by the dig, leading to a very awkward moment.

But Pang quickly returned to save the day with a savagely hilarious burn:

“I don’t want to say Karl’s joke about Kochie sank … but OceanGate are offering expeditions to visit it.”

In Memoriam

Pang also delivered a cutting faux In Memoriam – dedicated to all the TV shows that have bombed in the ratings over the past year.

The highlights? Seven’s ill-fated balloon show Blow-Up – “A show with entertainment, artistry and family fun, all taken out of it” – and Ten’s The Real Love Boat: “After watching the first episode, I’ve never been more in favour of stopping the boats in my life.”

Best monologue jokes

There were plenty to pick from, but among Pang’s best gags was a pointed dig at the very successful Hamish Blake – with the comedian thanking him for “turning down” the hosting gig.

“I appreciate it, mate, some of us have a mortgage,” he told Blake. “By the way, a mortgage is when the bank loans … Ah, don’t worry about it.”

He joked that Kenny star Shane Jacobson said yes to hosting, “before even knowing what the question was.”

“Karl Stefanovic said yes, as long the show was held in a park in Noosa.”

Eventually, it came down to two candidates, but “Rolf Harris died, so here we are.”

Then he took aim at the stars of MAFS, seated in the audience – he welcomed them to their “last-ever Logies.”

Pang also made a cheeky political reference, quipping: “The Voice is nominated tonight, despite Peter Dutton’s strong opposition to the nomination …” before referencing skyrocketing house prices.

“The Block shows Australians what it is like to own their own home, making it the greatest fantasy series since Game of Thrones,” he joked, to plenty of laughs.

Pang also pointed out that I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! is “a wonderful show where we find out which Australian celebrities haven’t been adding to their super. Hi Kerri-Anne!”

Catch up on news.com.au’s recap of all the other ceremony highlights, along with the full list of winners here.

Originally published as Logies 2023: Big Logies change a massive hit as host Sam Pang praised by viewers