ABC TV chat show Frankly, hosted by Fran Kelly, axed after one season
Controversial Aussie TV show axed after outcry over host choice – as network issues blunt seven-word statement
The ABC has canceled Friday night chat show Frankly, hosted by journalist Fran Kelly, after one season.
A spokesman for the public broadcaster confirmed the decision on Tuesday, saying in a statement: “Frankly, this year is not coming back.”
Industry website TV tonightciting production sources, reports that the show has been “deprecated” and there are no plans to revive it.
Kelly, 64, said late last year she wasn’t sure her show would return in 2023 after criticism she was “too old” to host the series.
She admitted that at the time, ABC management had not even discussed plans to revamp the weekly half-hour arts and culture program.
The ABC has canceled Friday night chat show Frankly, hosted by journalist Fran Kelly, after one season. (Pictured: Kelly with actor Richard E. Grant on an episode of Frankly)
But she remained hopeful the showwhich had fairly unspectacular ratings during its 2022 run, would return the following year.
“We’re seeing the numbers grow slowly,” she said. “Since week two, they’ve actually gone up every week,” Kelly shared TV tonight on November 24.
“The social media are gangbusters,” the veteran journalist added.
Past guests have included AFL Legend and 2014 Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, comedian Will Anderson, actress Magda Szubanski and pop star Natalie Imbruglia.
Other guests included unusual choices such as biomedical engineer Jordan Nguyen, Ukrainian ballet dancer Vladyslava Ihnatenko and screenwriter Hannah Carroll.
A spokesman for the public broadcaster confirmed the decision on Tuesday, saying in a statement: “Frankly, this year is not coming back.” (Pictured: ABC headquarters in Ultimo)
Kelly, 64, (pictured) said late last year she wasn’t sure her show would return in 2023 after criticism she was ‘too old’ to host the series
Honestly launched on October 7, 2022 to 308,000 metro viewers. This audience stood out 259,000 two weeks later, but gradually started to pick up after that.
Kelly said audience feedback has been positive, though viewers complained that the show, which is only 35 minutes per episode, was too short.
During her TV Tonight interview, she also commented on the media brawl over the ABC’s decision to let her anchor a new primetime show.
Several critics, including Nine Culture reporter Thomas Mitchell, said the role should have gone to a “younger talent.”
Progressive journalist Osman Faruqi also condemned the decision, accusing the ABC of “giving up young people.”
Honestly launched on October 7, 2022 to 308,000 metro viewers. This audience fell to 259,000 two weeks later, but then began to pick up again. (Pictured: Kelly with Magda Szubanski)
Kelly took on the role after she retired from hosting ABC Radio National’s breakfast show after 17 years.
“I’m glad things have calmed down a bit,” she said of the age controversy. “I’m glad I was able to just get on with what I was trying to do with Frankly, and I’m glad it worked out.”
The final episode of the art show featured British actor Richard E. Grant, comedian Joel Creasey, and singers Vika and Linda Bull.