On the Couch (Australian TV series)

On the Couch
Presented byGarry Lyon (2018-present)
Jonathan Brown (2015-present)
Nathan Buckley (2023–present)
Gerard Healy (2002- 2021)
Mike Sheahan (2002-2014)
Robert Walls (2002-2008)
James Hird (2009-2010)
Paul Roos (2011-2013, 2018-2019)
Jason Dunstall (2014-2017)
David King (2015-2017)
Nick Riewoldt (2020-2022)
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons21
No. of episodes500+
Production
Running time60 minutes
Original release
NetworkFox Footy Channel (2002-2006)
Fox Sports (2007-2011)
Fox Footy (2012-present)
Release2002 (2002) –
present
Related
Talking Footy

On the Couch is an Australian television program focusing on current issues in the Australian Football League. From its debut in 2002 until 2006, it was shown on the Fox Footy Channel, until the channel's demise. From 2007 to 2011 it was broadcast on Fox Sports, before moving to the relaunched Fox Footy from 2012 onwards. The show airs on Monday nights at 7:30pm, immediately following AFL 360.

Format

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The shows format follows an "informal chat" style in a set that resembles a lounge room. It focuses more on in-depth coverage, analysis and discussions of topics from the weekend as well as occasionally holding an interview with a player or coach during the 2nd half of the episode.

The concept and style is similar to the Seven Network program Talking Footy, which also featured Mike Sheahan as chief journalist during its original run from 1994 to 2004.

History

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Former players Gerard Healy and Robert Walls and journalist Mike Sheahan were the original presenters of the show. In 2009, James Hird replaced Walls on the couch.[1] When Hird left to pursue a coaching career with Essendon, Paul Roos replaced him.[2][3] In 2014, Roos left to coach the Melbourne Football Club and was replaced by long-time Fox Footy broadcaster and former player Jason Dunstall.

In 2015, Mike Sheahan announced that he was retiring from the show after 13 years. His replacement was recently retired Brisbane Lions triple-premiership player Jonathan Brown.[4] David King, who appeared occasionally in 2015, joined the series full-time in 2016. In July 2016, the original line-up of Healy, Sheahan and Walls returned for a special one-off episode before Fox Footy's 'Retro Round'.

In late 2021, Healy stepped down as host with Garry Lyon replacing him, the show also commenced airing before AFL 360.

Regular hosts and panellists

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Timeline of Hosts (by seating position)
Seat 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Host Gerard Healy Garry Lyon
Seat 1 Mike Sheahan Jonathan Brown
Seat 2 Robert Walls James Hird Paul Roos Jason Dunstall Garry Lyon Nick Riewoldt Nathan Buckley
Seat 3 David King Paul Roos Garry Lyon

Various Fox Sports commentators have filled in along the way including Jason Dunstall, Brian Taylor and Alastair Lynch.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "James Hird on the couch". Heralsdun.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  2. ^ [1] [dead link]
  3. ^ "Paul Roos says Nathan Buckley is better off without Collingwood Magpies coach Mick Malthouse". Heralsdun.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  4. ^ Ralph, Jon. "Jonathan Brown joins Fox Footy, should've considered retirement after heavy knock in 2011". Heraldsun.com.au. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
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