Thank God You're Here
Encyclopedia
Thank God You're Here is an Australian television improvised comedy program created by Working Dog Productions
, which premiered on Network Ten
on 5 April 2006, and aired for the first three seasons with Seven
for the fourth season. 41 episodes as of 8 July 2009.
Each episode involves performers walking through a door into an unknown situation, greeted by the line "Thank God you're here!". They then had to improvise their way through the scene. At the end of each episode a winner was announced. It was the most successful new show in Australia of 2006, attracting an average of 1.7 million viewers after the first few episodes.
The show is hosted by Shane Bourne
, and is judged by Tom Gleisner
. The format was sold for recreation in a number of countries.
At least twice during each episode (to cover set-up and costuming for the live audience), footage is shown of each of the four participants performing a challenge, often on location, which was filmed earlier in the week. These include a commentary booth where the contestants have to comment on an unfamiliar subject, an office where they are being interviewed or interrogated (by police, customs officials, etc), showing customers things for sale (cars, boats, pianos, houses, etc), or advertisements (e.g. slimming products, housing developments, etc). The other characters in these scenes are generally played by members of the ensemble cast. The third series also introduced an additional segment in which Gleisner highlights a "real life" Thank God You're Here-style situation, such as the infamous Guy Goma BBC interview and frequently, that of politicians forced to improvise answers under pressure. The fourth season introduced a different segment, where Gleisner points out that he believes an Australian Cricket player is able to endorse anything, and presents a falsified advertisement where a retired Australian Cricketer (Damien Fleming
) attempts to endorse an also falsified company of a completely random field (such as a french restaurant or Sewerage processing plant). Running gags in these segments include the cricketer comparing selecting such a company with his medium pace bowling, the use of "Jargon" which actually is completely made-up, comparing the reliability (or other value) with his own bowling style, and a man named "Steve" who is provoked to agree with this previous statement ("bit like my bowling, eh, Steve?")
Finally, when all the contestants have played in a scene by themselves, all four enter a final scene together for the "all-in group challenge". At the end of the show, the judge declares a winner; this choice is entirely at the judge's discretion, and is largely arbitrary. Honorable and dishonorable mentions are also given, usually to contestants who do not win so that the judge can comment on their performances. The winner receives a trophy in the shape of the programme's blue door logo.
There are variations on the standard setup: occasionally the greeting will be slightly changed to better suit the setting (i.e. "Thank the gods you're here!" for a scene featuring Viking
s or "Thank God you're alive" in a scene featuring a car accident), and often an alternative entrance will be built into the set. These are often used for comic effect, as in the aforementioned car accident scenario where the contestant (Matthew Newton
) climbed through the back of the set and emerged from the door of a wrecked car embedded in the wall of a second-storey flat.
Improvisation experience is preferred so that the cast can react appropriately and immediately to the improvisations of the guest stars, though in most cases this improvisation is limited. This ensemble is also used in many of the mid-week assignments, fulfilling the roles of customers or members of the public with whom the guests must interact in a real-life setting.
The following are regular ensemble cast members who have appeared or currently appear on the show.
Several special guests have also appeared, either playing themselves or as part of the ensemble cast for a scene. Special guests have included Dan O'Connor, Kimberley Davies
, Simon Burke
, Natalie Bassingthwaite, Mark Holden
, Joan Sydney
, Kate Ceberano
, The Veronicas
, Mick Molloy
, Nikki Webster
and Alan Fletcher
to name a few. Other guests including Don Burke
and Suzie Wilks
have appeared as mock presenters in the locational challenges.
(a suburb in the outskirts of Melbourne) which are rented by ATV-10
.
The second series of the show ran from 6 September to 8 November 2006, at a 7:30 pm AEST
timeslot. The ratings for the second season place the show in the top three shows watched in Australia boosting the ratings of follow-up show House
on the network and placing the show up with ratings juggernaut Border Security: Australia's Front Line
which broadcasts on the Seven Network
. Thank God You're Here received an average of two million viewers every week.The new season will air on the seven network.
For the last episode of 2006 (8 November), had received ratings of 1.85 million viewers nationally.
The final episode of Season One, in which the actor Angus Sampson
won, had 2.13 million viewers nationally.
The first episode of Series Three was filmed on 21 June 2007. Guests for this episode included Stephen Curry, Josh Lawson
, Peter Helliar
and Cal Wilson
. Series Three had begun at the same 7:30 pm time slot on Wednesday 11 July 2007.
With Global Television Studios in Nunawading getting ready to shut down, Series 4 started filming at Melbourne Showgrounds in Flemington, in the shed normally used as the Poultry Pavilion. With the move from Nunawading also comes a move from Global to Cutting Edge as the broadcast provider. Shooting started Thursday 19 March 2009, in front of a live audience of 500 people. At the recording of episode 2 on 26 March, Tom Gleisner told the audience they couldn't find an available studio big enough for all their sets and large studio audience, so started looking at other types of venues, and found what they needed at the showgrounds. Portable buildings have been set up outside the pavilion as offices, etc. Another vacant pavilion is used to house the audience before taping. The new venue is an issue for audio, as there is no soundproofing, so the nearby railway line often interferes with scenes, and Tom said if it rains, they are "stuffed".
Recording of a single episode is done between 7:30pm and 10:30pm. Each segment is recorded "as if live", but with longer breaks between acts for set changes and costuming. Some retakes are done after the initial recording is done to correct any errors made by the hosts during the initial recording, or to cover sounds picked up from outside the studio. The guest scenarios are recorded non-stop, and are longer than what will be seen on TV.
" (June, 1989) by Sydney based rock band, Hoodoo Gurus
. A piece used throughout the interludes of the first Season of the show is "Don't You Know Who I Am", performed by Small Mercies
.
In the second season, new music was also used in addition to the main themes:
In the third season, more new music was used in addition to the main themes:
and Judge Tom Gleisner
appeared on Rove Live on 11 April 2006, to promote the show after the first episode had screened. After an interview with Rove McManus
, they participated in a game McManus called Where The Bloody Hell Have You Been, a play on words of the Australian tourism campaign, So Where The Bloody Hell Are You?
. In this game they had to perform, without preparation, a situation involving a funeral, and the reading of an improvised eulogy, following exactly the same format as Thank God You're Here.
for worldwide distribution and has subsequently been sold for creation in 17 countries including the United States. International versions are required to use the same sketch premises used on the original Australian version and if one wants to alter one of their episodes in some way, such as taping a Christmas-themed episode, they must go through FremantleMedia
for permission to do so.
Working Dog Productions
Working Dog Productions is a small film and television production company based in Melbourne, Australia. It was originally known as Frontline Television Productions Pty Ltd...
, which premiered on Network Ten
Network Ten
Network Ten , is one of Australia's three major commercial television networks. Owned-and-operated stations can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, while affiliates extend the network to cover most of the country...
on 5 April 2006, and aired for the first three seasons with Seven
Seven Network
The Seven Network is an Australian television network owned by Seven West Media Limited. It dates back to 4 November 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Melbourne and Sydney.It is currently the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach...
for the fourth season. 41 episodes as of 8 July 2009.
Each episode involves performers walking through a door into an unknown situation, greeted by the line "Thank God you're here!". They then had to improvise their way through the scene. At the end of each episode a winner was announced. It was the most successful new show in Australia of 2006, attracting an average of 1.7 million viewers after the first few episodes.
The show is hosted by Shane Bourne
Shane Bourne
Shane Bourne is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor and a television host.-1980's / 1990's:...
, and is judged by Tom Gleisner
Tom Gleisner
Tom Gleisner is an Australian director, producer, writer, comedian, occasional actor and author. He was educated at Xavier College in Melbourne, Australia.-Television, radio and film:...
. The format was sold for recreation in a number of countries.
Synopsis
Each contestant is dressed in appropriate costume, has some brief banter with the host, and is then invited to "walk through the blue door" onto a hidden set. They are greeted by the ensemble cast, in character, with the line "Thank God you're here!", and must then attempt to improvise their role in the scene. Typically they will be asked in-character questions by the ensemble cast and challenged to provide information about the scene, including the names of characters or objects.At least twice during each episode (to cover set-up and costuming for the live audience), footage is shown of each of the four participants performing a challenge, often on location, which was filmed earlier in the week. These include a commentary booth where the contestants have to comment on an unfamiliar subject, an office where they are being interviewed or interrogated (by police, customs officials, etc), showing customers things for sale (cars, boats, pianos, houses, etc), or advertisements (e.g. slimming products, housing developments, etc). The other characters in these scenes are generally played by members of the ensemble cast. The third series also introduced an additional segment in which Gleisner highlights a "real life" Thank God You're Here-style situation, such as the infamous Guy Goma BBC interview and frequently, that of politicians forced to improvise answers under pressure. The fourth season introduced a different segment, where Gleisner points out that he believes an Australian Cricket player is able to endorse anything, and presents a falsified advertisement where a retired Australian Cricketer (Damien Fleming
Damien Fleming
Damien William Fleming is a former Australian cricketer who played in 20 Tests and 88 ODIs from 1994 to 2001....
) attempts to endorse an also falsified company of a completely random field (such as a french restaurant or Sewerage processing plant). Running gags in these segments include the cricketer comparing selecting such a company with his medium pace bowling, the use of "Jargon" which actually is completely made-up, comparing the reliability (or other value) with his own bowling style, and a man named "Steve" who is provoked to agree with this previous statement ("bit like my bowling, eh, Steve?")
Finally, when all the contestants have played in a scene by themselves, all four enter a final scene together for the "all-in group challenge". At the end of the show, the judge declares a winner; this choice is entirely at the judge's discretion, and is largely arbitrary. Honorable and dishonorable mentions are also given, usually to contestants who do not win so that the judge can comment on their performances. The winner receives a trophy in the shape of the programme's blue door logo.
There are variations on the standard setup: occasionally the greeting will be slightly changed to better suit the setting (i.e. "Thank the gods you're here!" for a scene featuring Viking
Viking
The term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to...
s or "Thank God you're alive" in a scene featuring a car accident), and often an alternative entrance will be built into the set. These are often used for comic effect, as in the aforementioned car accident scenario where the contestant (Matthew Newton
Matthew Newton
Matthew Newton is an Australian stage and screen actor. Born in Melbourne, he is the son of television personalities, Bert and Patti Newton, brother of Lauren Newton, brother-in-law of Matt Welsh and uncle to Sam Albert and Eva Eunice Newton Welsh.-Acting:Newton has performed in Australia and...
) climbed through the back of the set and emerged from the door of a wrecked car embedded in the wall of a second-storey flat.
Ensemble cast
Although their parts are thoroughly scripted, the actors who interact with the guest stars in each scenario are drawn from an ensemble of experienced improvisational actors.Improvisation experience is preferred so that the cast can react appropriately and immediately to the improvisations of the guest stars, though in most cases this improvisation is limited. This ensemble is also used in many of the mid-week assignments, fulfilling the roles of customers or members of the public with whom the guests must interact in a real-life setting.
The following are regular ensemble cast members who have appeared or currently appear on the show.
- Heidi ArenaHeidi ArenaHeidi Arena is an Australian actress who is best known as a core cast member of the improvisational comedy Thank God You're Here and the comedy series The Librarians. She also appeared in the series Blue Heelers and in a supporting role on the comedy drama series Last Man Standing.-External links:...
(All series) - Daniel Cordeaux (All series)
- Ed KavaleeEd KavaleeEdward Robert Kavalee is an Australian actor and radio host. He is currently co-host of a comedy program on the Nine Network, The Joy of Sets, with Tony Martin....
(All series) - Nicola ParryNicola ParryNicola Parry is an Australian actress who is best known for her roles in the hit comedies Thank God You're Here, The Hollowmen and Swift and Shift Couriers. She is an alumnus of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She also appeared in the ABC 1 miniseries Sleuth 101, as part of the...
(All Series) - Ben AndersonBen Anderson (actor)Ben Anderson is an Australian actor from Melbourne, Australia. He is best known on Australian TV for his role on popular soap Neighbours as lawyer Tim Collins...
(Season 2 - present) - Andrew Bayly (Season 1, Episode 2 - present)
- Isabella DunwillIsabella DunwillIsabella Dunwill is an Australian actress best known for her role in iconic Australian soap opera Neighbours.Initially signing on for a two-episode role as Geri Hallett, she would become a recurring cast member between 1998 and 2001...
(Season 2) - Simon Dowling (Season 1, Episode 3 - present)
- Rebekah Foord (Season 1, Episode 3 - Season 3, Episode 1)
- Roz HammondRoz HammondRosalind Hammond was born in Western Australia, often credited as Ros or Roz, is an Australian comic actress and writer.Her television appearances include 3 series of The Micallef Programme...
(Season 3 - present) - Simon Russell (Season 2 - present)
Several special guests have also appeared, either playing themselves or as part of the ensemble cast for a scene. Special guests have included Dan O'Connor, Kimberley Davies
Kimberley Davies
Kimberley Davies is an Australian actress most famous for playing Annalise Hartman on the Australian soap opera Neighbours from 1993 to 1996...
, Simon Burke
Simon Burke
Simon Burke is an Australian actor. Burke began his acting career as a 13 year-old in the Australian film, The Devil's Playground for which he was awarded Best Actor at the 1976 Australian Film Institute Awards....
, Natalie Bassingthwaite, Mark Holden
Mark Holden
Mark Holden is an Australian singer, television personality and barrister. He was one of a panel of three judges on the television series Australian Idol.-Acting career:...
, Joan Sydney
Joan Sydney
Joan Sydney is a British actress best known for her work on Australian television, with more than 40 years experience mainly in the genres of soap operas and television serials, but also appearing in mini-series and theatre productions, including "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", "Talking Heads" and "Dirty...
, Kate Ceberano
Kate Ceberano
Kate Ceberano is an Australian singer. She achieved success in the soul, jazz and pop genres as well as in her brief forays into musicals with Jesus Christ Superstar and film...
, The Veronicas
The Veronicas
The Veronicas are an Australian electrorock, pop-punk and rock band. Twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso formed the band in 1999 in Brisbane. They have their own line of clothing which was released in 2007....
, Mick Molloy
Mick Molloy
Michael "Mick" Molloy is an Australian comedian, writer and producer who has been active in the fields of radio, television, stand-up and film.-Biography:...
, Nikki Webster
Nikki Webster
Nikki Webster is an Australian pop performer. She is best known for her starring role in the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony and her single "Strawberry Kisses".-Recording career:...
and Alan Fletcher
Alan Fletcher
Alan Fletcher is an Australian actor and musician, best known for his role as Karl Kennedy in long-running soap opera Neighbours. Fletcher was educated at Wesley College, Perth.-Career:...
to name a few. Other guests including Don Burke
Don Burke
Donald William "Don" Burke OAM is an Australian television personality and author. He is best known as the long time host of Burke's Backyard, a lifestyle program which ran for 17 years from 1987 to late 2004 on the Nine Network. It has returned several times over recent years with a number of...
and Suzie Wilks
Suzie Wilks
Suzie Wilks is an Australian TV lifestyle presenter and host of six prime time television shows since 1997.- Professional life :...
have appeared as mock presenters in the locational challenges.
Most Appearances
| Contestant | Appearances | Show wins |
|---|---|---|
| Angus Sampson Angus Sampson Angus Murray Lincoln Sampson is an Australian actor, voice-over artist, director and writer based in Los Angeles and Melbourne.-Early life:Sampson was born in Sydney, Australia. A former ward of the state, he was educated at the Trinity Grammar School in Sydney prior to winning a place at The... |
11 | 3 |
| Hamish Blake Hamish Blake Hamish Donald Blake is an Australian comedian, actor, author and bodybuilder from Melbourne, Australia. Since 2003, he has worked with Andy Lee as part of the comedy duo Hamish and Andy. The pair have performed live and on television and radio, most notably with their drive-time radio program... |
10 | 2 |
| Josh Lawson Josh Lawson Joshua Lawson is an Australian actor. He grew up in Brisbane and attended St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace. He graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2001. He also spent one year studying improvisation techniques in Los Angeles at The Second City, The Groundlings, ACME... |
9 | 3 |
| Julia Zemiro Julia Zemiro Julia Zemiro is an Australian television presenter, radio host, actor, singer and comedian.- Early life :... |
8 | 2 |
| Fifi Box Fifi Box Fifi Box is an Australian radio broadcaster and television personality, formerly hosting The Shebang with Marty Sheargold on Triple M, and presenter on the Seven Network's Sunrise program.... |
7 | 1 |
| Peter Rowsthorn Peter Rowsthorn Peter Rowsthorn is an Australian comedy actor best known for his TV work, particularly as Brett Craig in the hit series Kath & Kim and as Warren Cronkshonk in hospital spoof Let The Blood Run Free... |
7 | 2 |
| Cal Wilson Cal Wilson Cal Wilson is a New Zealand stand-up comedian and radio and television personality. She currently lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is well known in Australia through her appearances on television and radio.-Biography:... |
7 | 3 |
| Merrick Watts Merrick Watts Merrick Watts is a Australian comedian, radio host and television presenter. He is best known for performing stand-up comedy and radio works as part of the comedy duo Merrick and Rosso with Tim Ross.... |
7 | 3 |
| Shaun Micallef Shaun Micallef Shaun Patrick Micallef is an Australian actor, comedian and writer. After ten years of working in insurance law as a solicitor in Adelaide, Micallef moved to Melbourne to pursue a full-time comedy career in 1993... |
7 | 2 |
| Frank Woodley Frank Woodley Frank Woodley is an Australian comedian who is best known for his work alongside Colin Lane as part of the comedic duo, Lano and Woodley. The two performed together for almost 20 years in live shows, a television series and an album of comedic songs, before deciding to pursue individual careers... |
6 | 1 |
| Akmal Saleh Akmal Saleh Akmal Saleh is an Australian comedian and actor. He was born in Egypt and arrived in Sydney, Australia with his family in 1975 at the age of 11. He has been performing stand-up comedy since the early 1990s and his live shows have toured comedy festivals both within Australia and internationally... |
6 | 1 |
| Tony Martin Tony Martin (comedian) Tony Francis Martin is a comedian and writer from Te Kuiti, New Zealand who has had a successful TV, radio, stand-up and film career in Australia.- Career :... |
6 | 1 |
| Bob Franklin Bob Franklin Robert "Bob" Andrew Franklin is a Welsh-born comedian who has lived in Australia since 1989.Franklin frequently appears with Jimeoin. His humour includes short, bizarre poetry readings and lots of long pauses for comic effect... |
5 | 3 |
| Rebel Wilson Rebel Wilson Rebel Wilson is an Australian actress, writer, and stand-up comedienne, known for her roles in the television series Pizza and Bogan Pride and the film Bridesmaids.-Early and personal life:... |
4 | 1 |
| Anh Do Anh Do Anh Do is a Vietnamese Australian author, actor and stand-up comedian.He has appeared on many Australian TV shows such as Thank God You're Here and Good News Week, and was runner-up on Dancing With The Stars in 2007. He studied a combined Business Law degree at the University of Technology, Sydney... |
4 | 1 |
| Matthew Newton Matthew Newton Matthew Newton is an Australian stage and screen actor. Born in Melbourne, he is the son of television personalities, Bert and Patti Newton, brother of Lauren Newton, brother-in-law of Matt Welsh and uncle to Sam Albert and Eva Eunice Newton Welsh.-Acting:Newton has performed in Australia and... |
3 | 1 |
| Dave Hughes Dave Hughes David William "Hughesy" Hughes is an Australian stand-up comedian, radio and television presenter. He is currently co-host on the Network Ten's The Project and Before the Game as well as the breakfast radio show Hughesy and Kate.-Television:Hughes co-hosted the ABC comedy talk show The Glass House... |
3 | 1 |
| Arj Barker Arj Barker Arjan Singh , known by the stage name Arj Barker, is an American stand-up comedian and actor from San Anselmo, California. He has toured in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. He was born to an engineer father and artist mother, and is half-Indian, half-European... |
3 | 2 |
| Kate Langbroek Kate Langbroek Katherine Elizabeth Wilhelmina Beuving Langbroek is an Australian television and radio personality of Jamaican, Jewish and Dutch heritage... |
3 | 1 |
| Alan Brough Alan Brough Alan Brough is a New Zealand actor and comedian.Brough worked as an actor in Wellington and Auckland, mainly in live theatre... |
3 | 1 |
| Glenn Robbins Glenn Robbins Glenn Maxwell Robbins is an Australian comedian, writer and actor.Robbins attended Strathmore Secondary College and graduated in 1975... |
2 | 0 |
| Robyn Butler Robyn Butler Robyn Butler is an Australian writer, actor and producer who is best known for her starring role in the television comedy series The Librarians. Butler hosted a radio program called Tough Love on the Triple M network... |
2 | 0 |
| Ryan Shelton Ryan Shelton Ryan Shelton is an Australian comedian, actor, radio presenter, television personality, host and writer.- Biography :He attended St Leonards College for some of his schooling, where he met Hamish Blake... |
2 | 0 |
| Tahir Bilgic Tahir Bilgiç Tahir Bilgiç is an Australian comedian, film and television actor, of Turkish descent. He is best known for his role in the sitcom Pizza.-Career:... |
2 | 0 |
| Colin Lane Colin Lane Colin Stuart Lane is a comedian and actor, best known for being one-half of former comedy duo, Lano and Woodley.-Lano and Woodley:... |
2 | 1 |
| Kate Jenkinson Kate Jenkinson Kate Jenkinson is an Australian actress, best known for her various roles on the Network Ten comedy The Wedge.Kate graduated from WAAPA in 2004 winning the Nigel Rideout Award and has since been working constantly in drama and comedy on both stage and screen.In 2005 Kate was nominated for the Best... |
2 | 0 |
| Jo Stanley Jo Stanley Joanne "Jo" Stanley is an Australian television and radio personality.Stanley has appeared as the host of Network Ten's Bread TV program, a show that focuses on small business and is currently the host of The Matt and Jo Show on Austereo's FOX FM, a show she joined in 2003.- Biography :She... |
2 | 0 |
| Peter Hellier | 2 | 0 |
| Stephen Curry Stephen Curry Stephen Curry is an Australian comedian and actor who has appeared in many television drama and comedy series, and in feature films.-Television career:He gained early drama experience at Track Youth Theatre.... |
2 | 0 |
| Nish NISH NISH is United States non-profit agency that supports other agencies which provide employment opportunities for people who are blind or disabled.-Background:... |
2 | 0 |
| Carl Barron Carl Barron Carl Barron is an Australian comedian. His style is based on observational humour. He was born in Longreach, Queensland, the son of a sheep shearer, and formerly worked as an apprentice roof tiler. Barron has released three DVDs, entitled Carl Barron LIVE!, Carl Barron: Whatever Comes Next and... |
2 | 1 |
| Josie Long Josie Long Josie Long is an English comedian.-Background:Long spent her early life in Orpington, South East London, where she attended Newstead Wood School for Girls in Swift House. She also attended GIFT Ltd. summer schools. She began performing stand-up comedy at 14, winning the BBC New Comedy Awards at... |
2 | 1 |
| Felicity Ward Felicity Ward Felicity Ward is an Australian comedian, best known for her TV appearances on Spicks and Specks, Thank God You're Here, Good News Week and as a writer/performer in the Channel 10 Network television programme The Ronnie Johns Half Hour... |
2 | 0 |
| Toby Truslove Toby Truslove -Career:In 2001, Truslove appeared on television drama series Crash Palace as Bryan Rossiter. He has since made guest appearances on Australian TV series including All Saints, McLeod's Daughters, The Matrix, The Strip, Thank God You're Here and The Librarians. In 2011 he stars in two ABC 1 comedy... |
2 | 0 |
| Santo Cilauro Santo Cilauro Santo Cilauro is an Australian television and feature film producer, screenwriter, actor, author, comedian and cameraman, a co-founder of The D-Generation... |
1 | 0 |
| Tanya Bulmer | 1 | 0 |
| Dalian Evans | 1 | 0 |
| Bianca Dye | 1 | 0 |
| Russell Gilbert Russell Gilbert Russell Gilbert , is an Australian comedian and actor from Footscray, Victoria.-Television:He has appeared in several Australian TV comedies, first attracting notice as 'Russ the Postie' on The Comedy Company , which led to a nine year stint on Hey Hey It's Saturday... |
1 | 0 |
| Anthony Field Anthony Field Anthony Donald Field AM is an Australian musician and actor. He is best known as a member of the children's group The Wiggles and the 1980s and 90s band The Cockroaches with his brothers, Paul and John and another future Wiggle, Jeff Fatt.Field was the youngest of seven children, and grew up in... |
1 | 1 |
| Andrew G Andrew G Andrew Günsberg , commonly known as Andrew G, is a British-born Australian television and radio presenter who is best known as the host of the reality series Australian Idol. He was also the compere of Network Ten's game show The Con Test, and for three years co-hosted the Sydney New Year's Eve... |
1 | 0 |
| Jimeoin Jimeoin Jimeoin McKeown, who performs under the name Jimeoin , is a stand-up comedian and actor from Northern Ireland. He came to public attention between 2005 and 2008 while performing an "over the top" comedy tour Australia's outback and major cities, which was filmed for the BBC Northern Ireland... |
1 | 1 |
| Stephen K Amos | 1 | 0 |
| Eddie Ifft Eddie ifft Eddie Ifft is an American stand-up comedian and sitcom writer. He lives in Venice, California.Ifft graduated with honors from Fox Chapel Area High School in 1992... |
1 | 0 |
| Julia Morris Julia Morris Julia Morris is an Australian writer, comedian, actress, television presenter and television producer who has worked extensively in Australian and British television and radio. She has toured widely with her solo stand-up comedy shows. In Australia, she is best known as one of the stars of the... |
1 | 0 |
| Ross Noble Ross Noble Ross Markham Noble is an English stand-up comedian, brought up in Cramlington, Northumberland, England.Noble rose to mainstream popularity through making appearances on British television, particularly interviews and on celebrity quiz shows such as Have I Got News for You... |
1 | 1 |
| Matt Tilley Matt Tilley Matthew "Matt" "Old Mate" Vernon Thompson Tilley is an Australian radio presenter and comedian who has worked for Melbourne radio station FOX FM since 1990.-Biography:... |
1 | 0 |
| Sean Choolburra | 1 | 0 |
| Adam Hills Adam Hills Adam Hills is an Australian comedian and television presenter. He has appeared on Australian and British television and is best known for his role hosting the Australian ABC music trivia show Spicks and Specks... |
1 | 0 |
| Franklin Ajaye | 1 | 0 |
| Heath Franklin Heath Franklin -Career:He is most recognized for his characters from The Ronnie Johns Half Hour sketch comedy TV show; and for his appearances as himself on ABC TV's Spicks and Specks, Working Dog's Thank God You're Here and in New Zealand, as regular guest panellist on 7 Days.... |
1 | 0 |
| Jordan Raskopoulos Jordan Raskopoulos Jordan Raskopoulos is an Australian comedian, actor and singer best known for his role as a writer and performer on the Network Ten sketch comedy show The Ronnie Johns Half Hour as lead singer for the comedy rock group, The Axis of Awesome and as a team captain on the SBS sports panel show The... |
1 | 1 |
| Rhys Darby Rhys Darby Rhys Montague Darby is an actor and stand-up comedian from New Zealand, known for his energetic physical comedy routines, telling stories accompanied with mime and sound effects of things such as machinery and animals... |
1 | 0 |
| Rob Carlton Rob Carlton Rob Carlton is an Australian actor and writer. He is best known for writing and starring in the comedy series Chandon Pictures. He also had starring roles in the comedy satire The Hollowmen and the children's television series Ocean Star.... |
1 | 0 |
| Tom Gleeson Tom Gleeson Tom Gleeson is an Australian stand-up comedian and radio presenter.Gleeson was born in Gunnedah, New South Wales before moving to Sydney at a young age. He attended St. Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, graduating from the Catholic GPS school in 1991... |
1 | 0 |
Episode guide
| Season | Ep # | Season Premiere | Season Finale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 10 | 5 April 2006 | 7 June 2006 |
| Season 2 | 10 | 6 September 2006 | 8 November 2006 |
| Season 3 | 11 | 11 July 2007 | 26 September 2007 |
| Season 4 | 10 | 29 April 2009 | 8 July 2009 |
Production and broadcast schedule
The show is first shown in April 2006 and it was filmed at Global Television Studios in NunawadingNunawading, Victoria
Nunawading is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 19 km east from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Whitehorse...
(a suburb in the outskirts of Melbourne) which are rented by ATV-10
ATV-10
ATV is a television station in Melbourne, Australia, part of Network Ten - one of the three major Australian commercial television networks.-History:...
.
The second series of the show ran from 6 September to 8 November 2006, at a 7:30 pm AEST
Time in Australia
Australia uses Standard time, i.e: the same well defined time for a region. The proper names of Australia's time zones are Australian Western Standard Time , Australian Central Standard Time , and Australian Eastern Standard Time...
timeslot. The ratings for the second season place the show in the top three shows watched in Australia boosting the ratings of follow-up show House
House (TV series)
House is an American television medical drama that debuted on the Fox network on November 16, 2004. The show's central character is Dr. Gregory House , an unconventional and misanthropic medical genius who heads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in...
on the network and placing the show up with ratings juggernaut Border Security: Australia's Front Line
Border Security: Australia's Front Line
Border Security: Australia's Front Line is an Australian television programme that airs on the Seven Network. The show follows the work of officers of Australian Customs and Border Protection, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship as...
which broadcasts on the Seven Network
Seven Network
The Seven Network is an Australian television network owned by Seven West Media Limited. It dates back to 4 November 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Melbourne and Sydney.It is currently the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach...
. Thank God You're Here received an average of two million viewers every week.The new season will air on the seven network.
For the last episode of 2006 (8 November), had received ratings of 1.85 million viewers nationally.
The final episode of Season One, in which the actor Angus Sampson
Angus Sampson
Angus Murray Lincoln Sampson is an Australian actor, voice-over artist, director and writer based in Los Angeles and Melbourne.-Early life:Sampson was born in Sydney, Australia. A former ward of the state, he was educated at the Trinity Grammar School in Sydney prior to winning a place at The...
won, had 2.13 million viewers nationally.
The first episode of Series Three was filmed on 21 June 2007. Guests for this episode included Stephen Curry, Josh Lawson
Josh Lawson
Joshua Lawson is an Australian actor. He grew up in Brisbane and attended St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace. He graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2001. He also spent one year studying improvisation techniques in Los Angeles at The Second City, The Groundlings, ACME...
, Peter Helliar
Peter Helliar
Peter Jason Matthew Helliar is an Australian comedian, actor and writer. Most famous for his work on television as Rove McManus' sidekick on The Loft Live from 1997 to 1998 and on Rove from 1999 and 2009...
and Cal Wilson
Cal Wilson
Cal Wilson is a New Zealand stand-up comedian and radio and television personality. She currently lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is well known in Australia through her appearances on television and radio.-Biography:...
. Series Three had begun at the same 7:30 pm time slot on Wednesday 11 July 2007.
With Global Television Studios in Nunawading getting ready to shut down, Series 4 started filming at Melbourne Showgrounds in Flemington, in the shed normally used as the Poultry Pavilion. With the move from Nunawading also comes a move from Global to Cutting Edge as the broadcast provider. Shooting started Thursday 19 March 2009, in front of a live audience of 500 people. At the recording of episode 2 on 26 March, Tom Gleisner told the audience they couldn't find an available studio big enough for all their sets and large studio audience, so started looking at other types of venues, and found what they needed at the showgrounds. Portable buildings have been set up outside the pavilion as offices, etc. Another vacant pavilion is used to house the audience before taping. The new venue is an issue for audio, as there is no soundproofing, so the nearby railway line often interferes with scenes, and Tom said if it rains, they are "stuffed".
Recording of a single episode is done between 7:30pm and 10:30pm. Each segment is recorded "as if live", but with longer breaks between acts for set changes and costuming. Some retakes are done after the initial recording is done to correct any errors made by the hosts during the initial recording, or to cover sounds picked up from outside the studio. The guest scenarios are recorded non-stop, and are longer than what will be seen on TV.
Music
The main theme is "Come AnytimeCome Anytime
"Come Anytime" was a single by iconic Australian rock group Hoodoo Gurus which reached #27 on the ARIA Singles Charts and #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks. It was released on RCA Records in June, 1989; and was written by Dave Faulkner. B side "Cajun Country" was also written by Faulkner."...
" (June, 1989) by Sydney based rock band, Hoodoo Gurus
Hoodoo Gurus
Hoodoo Gurus are an Australian rock band, formed in Sydney in 1981, by the mainstay Dave Faulkner and later joined by Richard Grossman , Mark Kingsmill , and Brad Shepherd...
. A piece used throughout the interludes of the first Season of the show is "Don't You Know Who I Am", performed by Small Mercies
Small Mercies
Small Mercies is a rock band from Brisbane, Australia. The band formed in 1997 , and its current lineup is Steve Blaik, Danny Procopis, Marty O'Brien, and Jeff Reeves....
.
In the second season, new music was also used in addition to the main themes:
- "Reminder" by KisschasyKisschasyKisschasy are an Australian rock band formed in Victoria, Australia, in 2002. Since forming, their line-up has consisted of lead vocalist Darren Cordeux, bassist Joel Vanderuit, guitarist Sean Thomas and drummer Karl Ammitzboll....
- "Pellet Gun" by Small MerciesSmall MerciesSmall Mercies is a rock band from Brisbane, Australia. The band formed in 1997 , and its current lineup is Steve Blaik, Danny Procopis, Marty O'Brien, and Jeff Reeves....
In the third season, more new music was used in addition to the main themes:
- "Everlasting" by Horsell CommonHorsell CommonHorsell Common are an Australian band from Melbourne, Victoria. They made their live debut in early 2002, following this up with a string of EPs, and released their first full-length album The Rescue on 29 September 2007...
, - "Beautiful Disguise" by Tokenview
DVD releases
Seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the show have been released on DVD in Australia. There are currently no plans to release the DVDs in other countries. Season 1 was released on 8 November 2006, Season 2 was released on 23 August 2007, Season 3 was released on 28 November 2007 and Season 4 was released on 5 November 2009.| Thank God You're Here — The Complete Series One | ||
| Set Details | Special Features | |
|
Frank Woodley Frank Woodley is an Australian comedian who is best known for his work alongside Colin Lane as part of the comedic duo, Lano and Woodley. The two performed together for almost 20 years in live shows, a television series and an album of comedic songs, before deciding to pursue individual careers... performance from the pilot |
|
| Release Dates | ||
| Region 4 | ||
| 8 November 2006 | ||
| Thank God You're Here — The Complete Series Two | ||
| Set Details | Special Features | |
|
No Special Features are included. |
|
| Release Dates | ||
| Region 4 | ||
| 23 August 2007 | ||
| Thank God You're Here — The Complete Series Three | ||
| Set Details | Special Features | |
|
No Special Features are included. |
|
| Release Dates | ||
| Region 4 | ||
| 28 November 2007 | ||
| Thank God You're Here — The Complete Series One, Two & Three | ||
| Set Details | Special Features | |
|
As per Series One release. |
|
| Release Dates | ||
| Region 4 | ||
| 28 November 2007 | ||
| Thank God You're Here — The Complete Series Four | ||
| Set Details | Special Features | |
|
Uncut, extended scenarios from during the week. |
|
| Release Dates | ||
| Region 4 | ||
| 5 November 2009 | ||
Awards
- Most Outstanding Comedy Program Logie, 2007
- Most Popular Light Entertainment Program Logie, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 (nominated)
Show promotion
Host Shane BourneShane Bourne
Shane Bourne is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor and a television host.-1980's / 1990's:...
and Judge Tom Gleisner
Tom Gleisner
Tom Gleisner is an Australian director, producer, writer, comedian, occasional actor and author. He was educated at Xavier College in Melbourne, Australia.-Television, radio and film:...
appeared on Rove Live on 11 April 2006, to promote the show after the first episode had screened. After an interview with Rove McManus
Rove McManus
John Henry Michael "Rove" McManus is an Australian comedian, television presenter, producer and media personality. He was the host of the self-titled variety show Rove, and is the owner of the production company Roving Enterprises...
, they participated in a game McManus called Where The Bloody Hell Have You Been, a play on words of the Australian tourism campaign, So Where The Bloody Hell Are You?
So where the bloody hell are you?
So where the bloody hell are you? is a A$180 million advertising campaign launched in 2006 by Tourism Australia created by the Sydney office of the London advertising agency M&C Saatchi....
. In this game they had to perform, without preparation, a situation involving a funeral, and the reading of an improvised eulogy, following exactly the same format as Thank God You're Here.
Board game
In December 2009 the "Thank God You're Here" board game was released. It contains 70 different scenarios which can be acted out in the home, in a similar format to the show. The board game is being distributed in selected stores only, including What's New.Distribution
The format has been sold to FremantleMediaFremantleMedia
FremantleMedia, Ltd. is the content and production division of Bertelsmann's RTL Group, Europe's second largest TV, radio, and production company...
for worldwide distribution and has subsequently been sold for creation in 17 countries including the United States. International versions are required to use the same sketch premises used on the original Australian version and if one wants to alter one of their episodes in some way, such as taping a Christmas-themed episode, they must go through FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia, Ltd. is the content and production division of Bertelsmann's RTL Group, Europe's second largest TV, radio, and production company...
for permission to do so.
| Country | Name | Host | Channel | Language | Premiere | Website | Judge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Australia |
Thank God You're Here | Shane Bourne Shane Bourne Shane Bourne is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor and a television host.-1980's / 1990's:... |
Network Ten Network Ten Network Ten , is one of Australia's three major commercial television networks. Owned-and-operated stations can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, while affiliates extend the network to cover most of the country... 2006–2007 Seven Network Seven Network The Seven Network is an Australian television network owned by Seven West Media Limited. It dates back to 4 November 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Melbourne and Sydney.It is currently the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach... 2009 - |
English | 5 April 2006 | Link | Tom Gleisner Tom Gleisner Tom Gleisner is an Australian director, producer, writer, comedian, occasional actor and author. He was educated at Xavier College in Melbourne, Australia.-Television, radio and film:... |
|
 Belgium |
GodzijDank | Matthias Coppens | vtm VTM The abbreviation VTM may refer to::* Vampire: The Masquerade, a popular role-playing game* Virginia Tech massacre* vtm, the main commercial television station in Flanders, Belgium... |
Dutch | 16 March 2007 | Link | ||
 Canada >  Quebec |
Dieu merci! Dieu merci! Dieu merci! is a French language Quebec television series based on the Australian series, Thank God You're Here. This version debuted the 27 September 2007 on TVA Sundays at 7 PM, and differed in that it featured actors, singers and other artists.During its fall upfronts, TVA announced the show as... |
Éric Salvail | TVA TVA (TV network) TVA is a privately owned French language television network in Canada. The network is currently owned by Groupe TVA Inc. , a publicly traded subsidiary of Quebecor Media... |
French | 27 September 2007 | Link | Gaston Lepage | |
 Czech Republic |
Konečně jsi tady | Josef Carda | TV Prima TV Prima TV Prima is a Czech private television station. Its channel is broadcast from Prague. Its current owner is FTV Prima, spol. s r. o., general manager Marek Singer.... |
Czech | 4 March 2007 | Link | ||
 Denmark |
Gu' ske lov du kom | Mads Vangsø Mads Vangsø Mads Vangsø is a Danish comedian.Mads Vangsø gained popularity with "Tæskeholdet" alongside Jan Gintberg, Søren Søndergaard and Casper Christensen. "Tæskeholdet" was a huge success on P3 , and even appeared on television following the enormous popularity... |
TV3 TV3 (Denmark) TV3 Denmark is a Danish television station.TV3 is one of the channels owned by the Viasat Corporation. The sister channel is TV3+. The channels shows a lot of American and British shows, such as: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, NCIS, Las Vegas, Bones, Two And A Half Men, Prison Break, American Idol... |
Danish | 30 September 2006 | Link | Sebastian Dorset and Hella Joof Hella Joof Hella Joof is a Danish actress and director. She was born to a Danish mother and a Gambian father.Joof directed En kort en lang , Oh Happy Day and Fidibus and is considered one of Denmark's more important directors... , third season Søs Egelind and Sidse Babett Knudsen Sidse Babett Knudsen Sidse Babett Knudsen is a Danish actress who has worked in theater, television, and film. Knudsen made her screen debut in the 1997 improvisational comedy Let's Get Lost, for which she received both the Robert and Bodil awards for Best Actress.Following the critical success of her debut, Knudsen... |
|
 Estonia |
Jumal tänatud, et sa siin oled! | Andrus Vaarik Andrus Vaarik Andrus Vaarik is an Estonian film, television, and theater actor and theater director.One of his notable parts was that of Ivan Orav.... |
Kanal 2 Kanal 2 Kanal 2 is a privately owned Estonian television channel. Its literal name in English is "Channel 2".First broadcasts were aired on October 1, 1993.- Television series :Daytime* Victoria * Julia – Wege zum Glück ... |
Estonian Estonian language Estonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities... |
6 October 2007 | Eino Baskin | ||
 Germany |
Gott sei Dank ... dass Sie da sind! | Knacki Deuser | ProSieben | German | 30 November 2006 | Link | ||
 Indonesia |
Akhirnya Datang Juga | Winky Wiryawan - Trans TV, Narji 'Cagur' - Trans TV, Olga Syahputra Olga Syahputra Yoga Syahputra or better known as Olga Syahputra is an actor, comedian, and host Indonesia. Olga often play transvestites. But Olga dismissed if he has the orientation sex deviate.- Career :... - Trans TV, Boy William - MNCTV |
TRANS TV Trans TV Trans TV is an Indonesian national television station based in South Jakarta. Owned by Chairul Tanjung, it began broadcasting on 15 December 2001 based in Jakarta. On 15 December 2006 based in Jakarta due to its half ownership by Trans Corporation, a company that also owned Trans 7... , MNCTV MNCTV MNCTV is an Indonesian private television channel which headquarter's based in East Jakarta. TPI was established by Tutut Soeharto . It began broadcasting on the 23rd of January 1991... |
Indonesian Indonesian language Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia. Indonesian is a normative form of the Riau Islands dialect of Malay, an Austronesian language which has been used as a lingua franca in the Indonesian archipelago for centuries.... |
21 October 2007 (Trans TV), 21 Mei 2011 (MNC TV) | Link | Didi Petet Didi Petet Didi Petet is an Indonesian actor and TV and film director best known for starring as Emon in the Catatan si Boy series of films in the late 1980s and early 1990s.-Filmography:*Catatan si boy .... Emon... - Trans TV, Parto Patrio, Desy Ratnasari - Trans TV, Desy Ratnasari, Jaja Miharja - MNCTV |
|
 Israel |
Tov Shebata | Moni Moshonov Moni Moshonov -Biography:Shlomo Moshonov was born in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1951. He immigrated to Israel with his family at the age of four.His father, Moshe, who studied law in Sofia, sold textiles in the Ramla market. Moshonov grew up in Ramla. He did his military service in an IDF entertainment troupe... |
Arutz 10 | Hebrew | 5 June 2007 | Tomer Sharon | ||
 Italy |
Grazie Al Cielo Sei Qui! | Leonardo Manera | La7 La7 La7 is an Italian television channel owned by Telecom Italia Media and operated by Telecom Italia.-History:In 2001, Lorenzo Pellicioli and Roberto Colaninno, of Telecom Italia announced they had acquired Telemontecarlo, in order to create a strong competitor against the six other national channels... |
Italian | 22 March 2009 | Link | ||
 Lithuania |
Ačiū Dievui, atėjai | Egidijus Sipavičius | TV3 TV3 Lithuania TV3 is a television channel owned by Modern Times Group and targeted at a Lithuanian-speaking audience. It was founded on May 7, 1992 and launched on April 11, 1993 as "Tele-3" before being renamed "TV3" in 1996.... |
Lithuania Lithuania Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark... n |
1 September 2007 | Arkadijus Vinokuras | ||
 Netherlands |
Gelukkig Je Bent Er | Carlo Boszhard Carlo Boszhard Carlo Boszhard is a Dutch TV personality, singer, impersonator, and host. His brother is Ron Boszhard.-Career:His career started in 1989, hosting a part of the AVRO program "Pauze TV" . In 1990, he switched to RTL 4, where he would present "De gek van de week-show" , which wasn't successful... |
RTL 4 RTL 4 RTL 4 is a commercial television station in the Netherlands. It is the most-watched commercial station in the country, popular especially with those aged between 20 and 49. The station has three sister tv channels: RTL 5, RTL 7 and RTL 8... |
Dutch | September 2006 | Link | ||
 Portugal |
Ainda Bem Que Apareceste | Virgílio Castelo | RTP1 | Portuguese | October 2008 | Link | Nilton Nílton Nílton de Oliveira Silva or simply Nílton , is a Brazilian central back. He currently plays for América de Rio de Janeiro.-Career:... |
|
 Russia |
Слава Богу, ты пришёл! | Михаил Шац | STS | Russian | 24 September 2006 | Link | Andrey Urgant | |
 Spain |
Por Fin Has Llegado | Josema Yuste | TVE1 | Spanish | 14 September 2007 | Link | David Fernandez | |
 Sweden |
Tack Gode Gud | David Hellenius David Hellenius David Hellenius is a Swedish comedian and television presenter, often co-operating with Peter Magnusson.Hellenius started his television carrier at ZTV. In 2004, he led the first season of the Swedish Idol series, "Idol 2004", on TV4 with Peter Magnusson. Hellenius and Magnusson were later joined... |
TV4 | Swedish | 21 March 2007 | Link | ||
 United Kingdom |
Thank God You're Here Thank God You're Here (UK TV series) Thank God You're Here was a partially improvised comedy based on the original Australian show with the same name. In the show, four guests are placed into a scene they have no knowledge about and have to improvise... |
Paul Merton Paul Merton Paul Merton is a British comedian, writer, actor and television presenter. Known for his improvisation skill, his humour is rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
English | 12 January 2008 | Link | ||
 United States |
Thank God You're Here Thank God You're Here (U.S. TV series) Thank God You're Here is a partially improvised comedy television program based on the Australian TV show, broadcast by NBC. The show was hosted by David Alan Grier and presided over by judge Dave Foley. The pilot was shot on November 9, 2006 and NBC initially ordered six episodes. The show... |
David Alan Grier David Alan Grier David Alan Grier , also known as "D.A.G." , is an American actor and comedian known for his work on the sketch comedy television show In Living Color.-Early life:... |
NBC NBC The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago... |
English | 9 April 2007 | Link | Dave Foley Dave Foley David Scott "Dave" Foley is a Canadian comedian, writer, director, and producer best known for his work in The Kids in the Hall, NewsRadio, A Bug's Life, and Celebrity Poker Showdown... |
- The Czech version of the show, "Konečně jsi tady" was first aired on TV Prima on 4 March 2007. The show was later put on hold to change it to better suit the Czech viewers.
- The Dutch version, "Gelukkig Je Bent Er" broadcast its first episode on RTL 4RTL 4RTL 4 is a commercial television station in the Netherlands. It is the most-watched commercial station in the country, popular especially with those aged between 20 and 49. The station has three sister tv channels: RTL 5, RTL 7 and RTL 8...
in late September 2006, followed by "Gu' ske lov du kom" on Danish TV3TV3 (Denmark)TV3 Denmark is a Danish television station.TV3 is one of the channels owned by the Viasat Corporation. The sister channel is TV3+. The channels shows a lot of American and British shows, such as: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, NCIS, Las Vegas, Bones, Two And A Half Men, Prison Break, American Idol...
a few days later.
- The German version, "Gott sei Dank... dass Sie da sind!", piloted in July 2006, premiered on 30 November 2006, in primetime on German channel ProSieben, produced by local Fremantle daughter Grundy LE, but managed only to attract a small audience. It was cancelled after 6 episodes.
- The Russian version of the show, “Slava Bogu, ty prishyol” was first aired on STS channel on 24 September 2006. Five seasons with the last shown in 2010 spring have been produced.
- The Swedish version, "Tack gode Gud" was first aired on TV4 on 21 March 2007. It follows the same format as the Australian version and regularly uses similar scenarios.
- The U.S. version was picked up by NBCNBCThe National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
after a pilot was shot on 9 November 2006, overseen by Rob SitchRob SitchRobert Ian Sitch , is an Australian director, producer, screenwriter, actor and comedian.-Early life:Sitch attended St Kevin's College and graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Melbourne, where he resided at Trinity College. He worked at the Royal Womans Hospital...
, who flew to Los Angeles. It was hosted by American actor and comedian David Alan GrierDavid Alan GrierDavid Alan Grier , also known as "D.A.G." , is an American actor and comedian known for his work on the sketch comedy television show In Living Color.-Early life:...
and judged by Canadian actor and comedian Dave FoleyDave FoleyDavid Scott "Dave" Foley is a Canadian comedian, writer, director, and producer best known for his work in The Kids in the Hall, NewsRadio, A Bug's Life, and Celebrity Poker Showdown...
. The program premiered on 9 April 2007 with two back-to-back episodes (including the pilot). It followed the Australian format closely, with the additional quirks of the guests swearing they had not seen the sets or costumes at the start of the show, and host Grier appearing in a cameo for one scenario each episode. Though it managed to attract some fairly high-profile guests, including Tom GreenTom GreenMichael Thomas "Tom" Green is a Canadian actor, rapper, writer, comedian, talk show host and media personality. Best known for his shock humour brand of comedy, Green found mainstream prominence via his MTV television show The Tom Green Show...
, Fran DrescherFran DrescherFrancine Joy "Fran" Drescher is an American film and television actress, comedian, screenwriter, director, producer, author, singer, talk show host, political lobbyist and health activist...
and Wayne KnightWayne KnightWayne Eliot Knight is an American actor, comedian, and voice actor perhaps best known for his role as Newman in the TV sitcom Seinfeld...
(who appeared twice), NBC announced it had cancelled the show after just seven episodes on 14 May 2007.
- The UK versionThank God You're Here (UK TV series)Thank God You're Here was a partially improvised comedy based on the original Australian show with the same name. In the show, four guests are placed into a scene they have no knowledge about and have to improvise...
premiered on 12 January 2008 on ITVITVITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
. The show was made by Talkback Thames, a FremantleMediaFremantleMediaFremantleMedia, Ltd. is the content and production division of Bertelsmann's RTL Group, Europe's second largest TV, radio, and production company...
company. Paul MertonPaul MertonPaul Merton is a British comedian, writer, actor and television presenter. Known for his improvisation skill, his humour is rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy...
was both the host and also featured in his own scenes. Hamish BlakeHamish BlakeHamish Donald Blake is an Australian comedian, actor, author and bodybuilder from Melbourne, Australia. Since 2003, he has worked with Andy Lee as part of the comedy duo Hamish and Andy. The pair have performed live and on television and radio, most notably with their drive-time radio program...
has appeared on the first two episodes of Season 1.