Channel 9 axes NRL Footy Show after 25 years

STARS of The Footy Show have been left stunned by Channel 9’s decision to pull the plug on the Aussie icon after 25 years.

CHANNEL 9 has swung the axe on the NRL Footy Show.

Nine has confirmed an initial report inThe Daily Telegraph that network executives have decided the concept will not return in any format in 2019.

Former hosts of the show, including popular funnyman Beau Ryan, led the stunned reaction to the announcement.

Thank you 2 everyone that contributed to the Footy Show over the last 25 years.I grew up idolising Matty Johns,Sterlo,Chief & to work with Fatty was a dream come true.Erin & Big marn are legends.Thanks 4 the memories, & if anyone needs me I’ll be halfway up the Centrelink queue.. pic.twitter.com/BiZe3X4ebp

— Beau Ryan (@therealbeauryan) October 2, 2018

Wow!! https://t.co/CELVsCoRkt

— Darryl Brohman (@therealbigmarn) October 2, 2018

The network released a statement confirming it is moving to revolutionise its rugby league coverage after another year of disastrous ratings.

According to reports, Nine is yet to make a decision on the future of The AFL Footy Show, hosted by Eddie McGuire and Sam Newman.

Their decision on The NRL Footy Show, however, is final.

“It’s been an incredible ride for The Footy Show,” Nine director of sport Tom Malone said.

“A quarter of a century of laughs, controversy and first-class footy analysis. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this amazing era of live sports-entertainment television — from producers, editors, camera operators, the players, guests and of course the legendary hosts.

“Fatty holds the record for the longest serving host of any prime time Australian TV show – a tribute to both his understanding of the game, his authenticity, and not to mention his incredible comedic timing. In recent years, Erin has equally brought a new energy, perspective and showed her passion for the game.”

The iconic show has endured a death spiral in recent years with star host Paul Vautin punted to another role and the entire show being pushed to a later timeslot following the network’s live Thursday night NRL coverage.

Axed.

Nine executives made a series of moves to overhaul the show at the end of the 2017 season — promoting sports presenter Erin Molan to the host’s role and slashing the budget.

It has not been enough for the show to be granted a stay of execution.

Nine’s statement shows the move to weekly NRL games on Thursday nights forced the broadcaster to take major action.

They now plan to produce extended post-match broadcasts following its live NRL coverage on Thursday nights and Friday nights.

While the NRL Footy Show has proved to be a disaster in its new format, Nine’s other rugby league show, 100% Footy, hosted by James Bracey on a Monday night has been a success and will continue into a second season.

Host Molan will remain with Nine and The Telegraph reports the star is negotiating a new contract.

The announcement leaves the futures of several Nine stars uncertain.

Andrew Johns and Ryan Girdler were earlier this year promoted into regular roles on the Thursday night Footy Show, while popular panellist Darryl Brohman and funnyman Beau Ryan were demoted in the show’s re-vamp before the start of the 2018 season.

The announcement stunned sports commentators on Tuesday, including Brohman and Ryan.

Well I took a career risk in going back to the Footy show & unfortunately it hasn't paid off

Greatly appreciated being back at a major network & it's a shame the show just didn't work. Thanks to those who watched

Onto the next challenge

— Ben Wallace (@benno_wallace) October 2, 2018

Footy Show finally put out of its misery https://t.co/2b0KQYOTL2

— James Silver (@JamesSilver3) October 2, 2018

End of an era as Nine announces The NRL Footy Show won't return next year https://t.co/TZ5MP50GLL

— Simon King (@kingymoments) October 2, 2018

Breaking ... It’s all over! Channel Nine's The Footy Show axed after 25 years on air @NRL

— Darren Mara (@DazzMara) October 2, 2018

End of an era as Nine announces The NRL Footy Show won't return next year https://t.co/m9XydQKk4j

— Miranda Ward (@mirandaleigh90) October 2, 2018

Yes it run its course BUT - at it's best The Footy Show revealed the characters of rugby league and brought casual fans and women especially closer to the game. It was never for the die-hards but when it was good - it converted fans. https://t.co/2pJpnbWM1r

— Chris Garry (@ChrisGarry7) October 2, 2018

It comes 12 months since Nine headhunted former Footy Show and Fox Sports NRL boss Gary Burns to advise on the changes being made to the show.

Malone revealed in February that Burns and Footy Show executive producer Andy O’Brien were given a brief at the start of the year to “make The Footy Show cool again”.

For all their hard work, there was no saving the iconic Aussie program.

Channel 9’s attention will now turn to the future of the AFL Footy Show — with a decision expected in the next few weeks.

Channel 9 executives have been in discussions with McGuire’s production company Jam TV, which produces the show.

Sam Newman announced in the second last episode of the AFL season that he would not be returning in 2019.

Viewers will find out in a few weeks if the show will follow Newman out the back door.