‘Awkward’: Viewers deliver verdict on Sam Pang Tonight as he makes Channel 10 debut

Sam Pang’s new Channel 10 talk show made its debut on Monday night, but sadly for the comedian viewers were left far from impressed.

Sam Pang became the latest TV star to have a crack at a late-night talk show on Monday, but the verdict from viewers has sadly proven to be far from glowing.

Pang is a beloved Aussie comedian and has made numerous appearances on panel shows over the years to great success, but fans labelled the first episode of his new talk show as “awkward” and “stiff”, with many baffled by the decision to have movie icon Jack Thompson as his first guest.

“Feeling the awkwardness that is #SamPangTonight,” commented one viewer as a noticeably nervous Pang kept pausing to glance at his cue cards multiple times throughout the show.

A second unimpressed viewer remarked: “I don’t understand why they’ve started with this old bloke for the first episode of this show.”

Sam Pang's new tonight show failed to impress Channel 10 viewers on Monday night. Picture: Channel 10

“Hardly starting the show off with a bang, this really isn’t entertaining at all,” insisted a third.

A fourth tweeted that they felt Sam’s nerves made it clear he’s not ready to be the star of his own show: “Some comedians work best as an offsider on a panel. That’s Sam. #sampangtonight.”

Another agreed, writing: “He look nervous and looks like he’s pushing himself hard.”

Others were more hopeful, suggesting that it’s just first show nerves, tweeting: “Sam is a bit stiff in his delivery but this has promise!”

“Sam’s not a host,” insisted another viewer. “He’s the wise-cracking third banana. Jack Thompson? Seriously? Who does he think his target audience is – the elderly?”

“This gets worse and worse by the second. Unbearable,” ranted another fan.

While talk shows such as The Graham Norton Show have become instantly recognisable by their sets, viewers felt Pang’s set didn’t quite hit the mark.

The show is Channel 10's latest attempt at scoring a fresh TV hit in a time when Aussie broadcasting has been struggling. Picture: Channel 10

“The set is not great, it has to be said. Low budget does not describe it. #SamPangTonight,” commented one.

“The show needs better camera work and a bigger set. Looks like it’s in a cupboard #sampangtonight,” said another.

Another viewer agreed, writing: “Is this filmed in Sam’s living room? The set is so cheap and nasty. #sampangtonight.”

Not everyone was quite so negative, however, with some noting that the show did show some promise and could have legs one it gets into the swing of the series.

“Lacklustre so far but I’m sure it’ll get better,” remarked one fan, while another urged other fans to give Pang a chance to “settle in”.

“He’s doing great. Good to see someone bringing this format back to Australian television. Give it a chance!”

“Give the man half a chance!” chimed in another. “You know you love him.”

While a third viewer praised the debut episode, saying: “Really enjoyed that tonight! Sam Pang did great for he’s first ever talk show & will only get better from here.”

Another agreed, adding Pang did a great job on what was bound to be a nervewracking episode: “Great to see Jack Thompson on @sampangtonight. Great balance Sam, heading in the right direction.”

Finally, another impressed fan tweeted: “Get rid of the canned laughter and it’s a 10 from me #SamPangTonight”.

Sam Pang Tonight airs weekly on Channel 10 and 10 Play.

Originally published as ‘Awkward’: Viewers deliver verdict on Sam Pang Tonight as he makes Channel 10 debut