‘Absolute cr**:’ Seven slammed after controversial comedy segment’s Friday night debut

Channel Seven’s decision to add a comedy segment to Friday night’s news bulletin has copped a blasting from viewers, who have labelled it “garbage”, “rubbish” and “utterly embarrassing”.

Mark Humphries has joined 7 News. Picture: Supplied/Channel 7

Viewers have taken to social media to savage Channel Seven after the debut of a much-hyped comedy segment in the Friday night news bulletin.

Clever comic Mark Humphries was recruited recently to provide a humorous and satirical take on the news of the week in a segment titled The 6.57pm News.

The segment launched on Friday and will air each Friday night at 6.57pm as part of Seven’s evening bulletin.

Despite Seven limiting comments on its social media, viewers still managed to let rip, giving the concept the thumbs down.

“How utterly embarrassing. Felt sorry for Peter Mitchell having to introduce this absolute crap. A-grade garbage,” wrote one Facebook follower.

“What the. Please tell me that was a one off??,” commented another.

“What a joke Channel 7 has become,” added another.

“What luminary thought this was a good idea??,” asked a viewer.

“What a load of rubbish that was, if that’s a nightly thing it will (be) Channel 9 from now on,” posted another.

Mark Humphries hosted the Channel 10 show Pointless with Dr Andrew Rochford. Picture: 10

On X sentiments were similarly disparaging.

“At least everyone now has time to have a crap and make a hot chocolate before Home and Away starts,” wrote an X-er going by the name of Moondog.

“Better than The Project,” added another wit.

On a more positive note @AussieGrobie wrote: “Made me think of Clarke and Dawe in their brilliance.”

But then that was countered by @Hellsing131313 who was not impressed: “whoever came up with this idea … Fire. And then fire whoever hired them.”

Humphries took aim at gaffe prone US president Joe Biden in his 2 minute 40 second segment.

Anthony De Ceglie, Seven’s director of news and current affairs, said of his bizarre plan to turn news into a variety hour: “Mark’s new segment will use satire to cut through political spin and translate current affairs in the universal news language of taking the piss.”

Furthering his “taking the piss” plans, De Ceglie is also introducing an astrology report to the news bulletin.

On Saturday Seven was claiming the comedy injection into its Friday news to be a success.“Last night, 7News’ audience was up week on week nationally and across the capital cities between 6.55pm and 7pm,” a spokesperson said.