Revamped Footy Show plummets in ratings
Last night, The NRL Footy Show returned to Aussie screens with a new main host and panel layout.
However, viewers were left unsatisfied with the many changes that had been made to the show, including the replacement of prior main host Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin with Erin Molan.
Disappointed viewers took to social media after the episode had aired to criticise the show, with many fans vowing to never tune in again.
NRL player and fan favourite comedian Beau Ryan was even unable to save the dynamic.
The backlash of the episode was so intense that an Instagram photo for the Footy Show promoting its return, had to have the comments section disabled.
The term “bring back the fat”, a reference to Vautin’s nick name, began to emerge online, while others said the new panel layout reminded them of a councillors meeting.
“Watched it, disappointing, boring as hell. Bring back the Fat!!!,” one viewer wrote.
Another congratulated Molan on scoring the role but was unimpressed with the delivery.
“It's international women’s day but damm @Erin_Molan really? (sleeping emojis).”
Other viewers discussed the difference in energy levels, saying that Vautin’s charisma was clearly missing.
“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,” one viewer wrote.
The show also took an awkward turn when Beau Ryan was left without a chair and was forced to kneel next to the other panellists.
#footyshow cringeworthy. poor Beau is kneeling next to the blokes who have chairs...
— Adam Williams (@adambou) March 8, 2018
Molan first joined the NRL Footy Show in 2012 and became a full-time host alongside Beau Ryan in 2015.
Vautin began his long stint on the Footy Show in 1994 with Peter Sterling.
Last year while he was on a holiday with his family, the 58-year-old received the news that his role on the show would not continue.
“In the end nothing lasts forever,” Vautin 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.”
Did you watch last night’s episode of The NRL Footy Show? If so, share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.