It’s an old format that’s been revived, but 20 To One is what this world needs, its new hosts say

THIS lighthearted countdown show has been done before. It was on air for ages, until being shelved seven years ago. But its new hosts say we need it more than ever.

THIS uncertain and ever-changing world needs a bit of a laugh at the moment.

That’s why best mates, radio duo and now television co-hosts Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald and Michael “Wippa” Wipfli were so drawn to the reboot of kitsch countdown show 20 To One on Channel Nine.

It’s seven years since the variety show was on air, then hosted by small screen legend Bert Newton.

“The show is pretty straightforward,” Wippa says. “We take the 20 best of something and go through them, counting down. It’s a good laugh.”

Episode one is devoted to viral sensations, from Grumpy Cat to the charity focused Ice Bucket Challenge. Fitzy and Wippa host while a host of Aussie celebs stop by to share their thoughts.

“You think about the big question of last year and it was whether that dress was blue and black or white and gold,” Wippa says. “Fitzy and I are still arguing about it.”

Logies Awards at Crown Casino , Melbourne .Fitzy and Whippa Picture Julie Kiriacoudis

The timing of 20 To One’s resurrection is no coincidence.

Given the popularity of rival Seven’s funny cat and dog video clip specials last year, it seemed the time was right for family friendly programming.

Indeed, across the landscape, shows that people can watch as a family seem to be working, whether it’s the Great Australian Spelling Bee, You’re Back In The Room or Gogglebox.

“The world is so fast-paced and there’s stuff on the news you don’t necessarily want to see at the end of a long day,” Wippa says.

“I think it’s exactly why Gogglebox just won a Logie over a show like Australian Story. With our show, you can put your feet up and have a laugh.”

Fitzy and Wippa host 20 To One on Nine EMBARGOED WEDNESDAY MAY 25

There’s plenty more material now for a show like this to examine, Fitzy says. After all, the world has changed a lot in seven years.

“We’re looking at viral sensations, OMG moments, epic fails, the best celebrity couples … we’ve got a mix of everything and the internet and social media means there’s so much content,” he says.

The pair were intimately involved in putting the show together, offering suggestions for episodes and helping to frame the countdown.

But there were some topics that were left on the brainstorming room floor.

“I was pushing for 20 To One most successful Big Brother housemates,” Wippa says.

“We just couldn’t get 20 though. Fitzy wanted to put himself in at one, two and three to fill it out, but it didn’t get off the ground.”

Fitzy and Wippa are doing a 20km walk from Pyrmont to Parramatta for the March Charge charity event.

Despite adding another commitment to their schedule, the two friends are at no risk of getting sick of each other.

“I just switch off sometimes,” Wippa jokes.

“How long can you put up with someone who adds a K to the end of the word ‘something’?”