Chris Lilley drops first episode of Mr G’s Room, reviving Summer Heights High character in podcast

After 18 years behind closed doors, Mr G is back, and the self-obsessed drama teacher isn’t afraid of controversy, even cracking a joke about North Korea in his new podcast.

Actor Chris Lilley as character "Mr G" from TV program Summer Heights High.

After 18 years behind closed doors, Mr G is back, and the self-obsessed drama teacher isn’t afraid of controversy, even cracking a joke about North Korea in his new podcast.

Chris Lilley has quietly dropped the first episode of a new podcast, Mr G’s Room, stepping back into character as Hellen ‘Greg’ Gregson, better known as Mr G from Summer Heights High.

The episode, which was spotted early by Confidential on Apple Podcasts ahead of its official April 23 release available via a $4.99 monthly subscription — kept things classic and potentially controversial despite “cancel culture” in full swing.

“Well well well this has been a long time coming, you and me both G-timers,” Lilley started the podcast in character.

“I will explain everything why I’ve been so aloof and out of the public eye for so long.

Lilley as Mr G.

“I’m just so happy to be back. I’m electrified to be with you guys today. I feel like I’m going to explode.”

Mr G first appeared in Lilley’s early sketch show Big Bite in 2003, but rose to fame in Summer Heights High (2007), where his wildly “inappropriate” antics made him both beloved and controversial here and overseas.

The show was instantly popular when it aired in 2008.

The show was pulled from Netflix in 2020 amid backlash over its depictions of race, sexuality, and disability, but Mr G remained one of its most quoted and discussed characters.

Social media, particularly TikTok, has helped keep his characters alive.

The podcast episode that runs for 23 minutes, mixes nostalgia with new material and may spark fresh debate.

Mr G reveals he’s no longer at Summer Heights High, instead teaching at a boys’ school, and promises a rewatch of his most infamous scenes – with commentary, behind-the-scenes secrets and to ultimately “expose” Summer Heights High.

Sounding just like a Married At First Sight contestant claiming a bad edit, Mr G is on a rampage and we are all in on the joke.

Lilley has already dropped his first podcast.

“I will be re-watching and giving you guys some little commentary, letting you in on some of the secrets and juicy behind the scenes goss ... I’ve been gagged for the last 15 years pretty much,” he said.

“I will be letting you know how I was edited to look bad, manipulated by the producers of the documentary and there was a lot that wasn’t true.

“My life being trapped at Alcatraz which is what I’ve been calling it. That and North Korea … I’m terrible.”

Mr G further kept things on-brand by reviving some of his iconic catchphrases, including “Coffee coffee before you teachy teach,” and “Muuuuum.”

After his intro, Mr G also said the podcast would serve as a masterclass in drama “for those that want to make it in the industry.”

Chris Lilley. Picture: Instagram

“Consider this your NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) or dare I say your Julliard (New York) equivalent,” Mr G said.

In true Mr G fashion, the episode ends with an original song from one of his infamous skits: IKEA the Musical – described as a “tragic and dark” tale about a Taiwanese woman locked in a basement, dreaming of visiting Australia’s first IKEA store.

While there will be haters that want to bring him down, this is Chris Lilley, Australia’s legendary comedian, in true form.

In a world that can feel a little too serious and where the term ‘snowflake’ gets thrown around like confetti — maybe it’s okay to have a laugh, as long as we’re not punching down.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Chris Lilley drops first episode of Mr G’s Room, reviving Summer Heights High character in podcast