Sam Pang Tonight
Sam Pang Tonight premieres at 8:40 p.m. on Monday 17th March 2025 on Network 10 and 10 Play.
Sam Pang Steps Into the Spotlight with New Talk Show
Sam Pang isn't one to talk about himself-unless of course it's to boast about his golf game. But at last month's AACTA Awards he admits he was tempted to do a little self-promotion.
Surrounded by Hollywood heavyweights like Russell Crowe Sam Neill Bryan Brown Henry Cavill and Robbie Williams the sharp-witted comedian toyed with the idea of recruiting guests for the debut season of Sam Pang Tonight.
He even mustered the courage to approach legendary actor Jack Thompson-only to introduce himself say "I'm a big fan" and promptly walk away. "I lost my nerve" Pang says with a laugh. "I had to be careful not to just blatantly ask everyone to be on the show."
For the first time in his career the 51-year-old funnyman is stepping out on his own. After years of thriving in ensemble formats-whether as a panelist on Have You Been Paying Attention? or co-hosting The Front Bar alongside Andy Maher and Mick Molloy-Pang is taking center stage.
"I've been very lucky" he says. "Until now I've just had to sit there and not get in the way."
Now with the launch of his prime-time talk-and-variety show Pang is ready to bring his signature deadpan humor and quick wit to a new platform. Drawing from his years in breakfast radio where he's coaxed hilarious stories from AFL players Hollywood stars and reality TV personalities he's confident the format is due for a revival.
Australia hasn't had a major late-night talk show since Rove Live wrapped in 2009-a gap Pang finds baffling. "It's not like we studied the market or anything" he shrugs. "I've just always wanted to do one. I don't know why this country hasn't had one in so long. It's a bit like the Logies-why did they go 12 years without a host?"
Perhaps they were just waiting for the right one.
After successfully hosting the Logies-long considered a poisoned chalice-Pang is now channeling his comedic heroes. Taking inspiration from his all-time favorite David Letterman he'll kick off each episode with a monologue skewering the week's events before welcoming an array of guests.
One thing his show won't have? A house band. "I had this idea for a one-man band" he jokes. "Like one of those buskers with the drums and cymbals. But I don't think we have the budget for that."
Instead Sam Pang Tonight will stick to the essentials: a monologue a desk a studio audience and two carefully selected guests per episode. "I watch [Graham] Norton juggle three or four people on his couch and I'm not sure I could pull that off" he admits.
While veteran hosts like Letterman Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon have each put their own spin on the format Pang hopes his version will bring something fresh to 2025. "Maybe I'll throw in Ellen's dancing" he jokes. "Or Drew Barrymore's warmth and love-you know things I'm not really known for."
With a mix of celebrity interviews comedy segments and live crosses Pang is embracing the challenge. "We'll see what works and what doesn't" he says.
One thing's for sure-he's ready for his close-up.
Sam Pang Tonight premieres at 8:40 p.m. on March 17 on Network 10 and 10 Play.
❊ When ❊
Date: Monday 17th March 2025
Times: 8:40pm
❊ Web Links ❊
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