Totally Wild is CANCELLED: Channel 10 axes long-running children’s TV show after almost 30 years on the air
Channel 10 has axed children’s program Totally Wild after almost 30 years on the air.
The network announced on Wednesday the long-running show wasn’t being renewed after 27 seasons.
Science program Scope is also being cancelled, reports TV Tonight.
Cut: Children’s program Totally Wild has been scrapped by Channel 10 after 27 seasons. Pictured: Presenters Stacey Thomson, Emily Dickson, Jack Kelly and Jesse Baird
The decision was made because Channel 10 is refocusing its children’s programming on drama rather than factual content.
In a note to staff on Wednesday, content boss Beverley McGarvey confirmed some presenters and crew would be losing their jobs.
The number of jobs affected is unclear, and there’s also no word on what will happen to Stacey Thomson, who has hosted Totally Wild since its inception in 1992.
What is Totally Wild? The children’s show on 10 Peach is presented as a news program, which focuses on Australia’s flora and fauna, the environment, science, technology and auction sports. Pictured: Presenter Jesse Baird
Other presenters include Jesse Baird, Emily Dickson, Jack Kelly and Brooke Marsden.
The show will continue to air twice a week on 10 Peach until July.
‘The children’s department will remain an integral part of the programming department and our broader business and will remain based at [Channel 10’s Brisbane station] TVQ,’ Ms McGarvey said in her email to staff.
Details: It is not yet clear how many jobs will be impacted, or what will happen to Totally Wild host Stacey Thomson (pictured), who has been with the show since its inception in 1992
‘Unfortunately, this means we will say goodbye to some incredibly talented colleagues and friends who have made important contributions to our business.
‘I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for the great work, commitment and enthusiasm the department staff have shown to their jobs and our company. It is in no way a reflection of their talent contribution or passion.’
Also on Wednesday, TV Tonight reported Channel 10 had axed four major shows from its 2021 line-up.
Gone! Playing for Keeps, which last aired in 2019, focused on the glamorous lives of the wives and girlfriends of the players in a fictional Melbourne footy team. It is another show that has been axed by Channel 10
AFL-themed drama series Playing for Keeps and reality shows Trial by Kyle, Celebrity Name Game and One Born Every Minute Australia have all been dumped.
Mystery drama My Life is Murder will, however, be returning to Channel 10, with production moving to New Zealand.
It is unlikely to appear on TV screens nationwide ‘much before the end of this year’, Channel 10’s Head of Programming, Daniel Monaghan, said.
End of an era: Celebrity Name Game, which was hosted by Grant Denyer (pictured), is also not returning