The highly anticipated return of the NRL Footy Show has been bashed by disappointed viewers who slammed the new format and host for being ‘boring’.
Erin Molan replaced Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin as main host of the hit Nine Network program this year, but the change in panel dynamic seemed too drastic for many.
Unsatisfied viewers took to social media during and after the airing of the first episode of the season, with hundreds vowing never to tune in again.
Not even renowned funnyman former NRL player and co-host Beau Ryan, who previously co-hosted alongside Vautin, could save the show.
The highly anticipated return of the NRL Footy Show has been bashed by disappointed viewers who slammed the new format and host Erin Molan (pictured) for being ‘boring’
Not even renowned funnyman former NRL player and co-host Beau Ryan (pictured), who previously co-hosted alongside Vautin, could save the show
Backlash following the program was understood to be so bad the comments on a photo sprucing it’s return on Instagram had to be turned off.
Some campaigned for producers to ‘bring back the fat’ – a reference to Vautin’s nick name – while others compared the new layout to the scene of a councilors meeting.
‘Watched it, disappointing, boring as hell. Bring back the Fat!!!,’ one viewer wrote.
Another celebrated Molan’s hosting gig but was unimpressed at her delivery.
‘It’s international women’s day but damm @Erin_Molan really? (sleeping emojis).’
Plenty others also took aim at the notable difference in energy on the discussion panel, saying they missed the charisma Vautin brought to the show.
Someone blasted the program for being an ‘absolute disgrace’, claiming it had been forever ruined.
Some campaigned for producers to ‘bring back the fat’, while others compared the new layout to the scene of a councilors meeting
Someone blasted the program for being an ‘absolute disgrace’, claiming it had been forever ruined.
‘I have always watched the footy show but tonight I’m sorry but Erin you are so boring awkward and in no way a capable host. Why do you have a pen in your hand all the time what was with the clip boards the old coffee table that looked like something from the salvos #NRLFootyShow.’
‘Channel 9 has absolutely butchered both footy shows. NRL footy show did not need change. Was a great show with Fatty. Don’t think i’ll bother watching that dribble again.’
‘This is the most boring footy show I have ever watched on Channel 9 before I can’t believe they let Fatty go. He is the best host on the footy show. I miss his laughter and entertainment on the show. I wish he didn’t leave and it’s not the same without him.’
Viewers of the program took aim at the boring content and new clinical layout of the panel
Molan first joined the NRL Footy show in 2012, before becoming a full-time host alongside Beau Ryan in 2015.
Renowned as one of Australian TV’s longest serving hosts, Vautin began his run on the show in 1994 with Peter Sterling.
He received the news his 23-year stint would not be extended while on a family holiday last year.
‘In the end nothing lasts forever,’ the 58-year-old wrote to WSFM’s Brendan Jones.
‘I had a great run, especially for a short, chubby, red-head who played for both Manly and Queensland.