The YouTube Files – The Micallef Programme.

The Micallef Programme (ABC, 1998-2001)

It’s time to enter the crazy world of Australian TV comedy again. A while ago, in the early-2000s to be precise, I used to watch the Paramount Comedy Channel in the evening sometimes, thanks to the wonder of ITV Digital. I remember that they used to run a trail for a show that seemed to be rather unusual, but because this was shown in a late-night slot (well about 1am), I never saw this at the time, but I didn’t forget about it.

And once again, thanks to YouTube, I have finally seen some editions in full. Shaun Micallef is someone who had previously appeared in the sketch show Full Frontal (that I reviewed recently), and by the late-90s he got a comedy show of his own, where he could stretch his ideas a little further. The format of The Micallef Programme (or The Micallef P(r)ogram(me) as the hardcore fans call this, it’s a long story) is rather hard to describe really.

Although Micallef was a comedian, he could switch between doing satirical comment and silly sketches all in the same show. Also featuring would be an analysis of the news, along with some interviews. Some of these were with comedy characters, and some were with real people (and again, it’s unclear whether they were all in on the joke or not). And there would also be some parodies of TV shows and pop music currently in vogue.

He also had an ability for a rather bizarre turn of phrase to describe things, which added to the oddness. Most viewers didn’t really know what to make about all of this, and he comes across as one of those people where if he doesn’t receive millions of complaints about the content of his show, then he isn’t doing things properly. This didn’t stop him from winning a coveted Logie award (the Australian equivalent of a Bafta) or two though.

There were three series of The Micallef Programme, and all of the editions have been released on DVD down under, but not in the UK. He remains a fairly unknown figure in this country though, which is disappointing. In more recent years, he has contributed to more shows, including Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell, where once again his warped satirical analysis of the world has left many a senior public figure trembling or something.