Iconic Australian television show "Hey Hey It's Saturday" is making a comeback, with host Daryl Somers announcing its return via a dedicated streaming platform. The new venture, dubbed Hey Hey TV, will feature over 800 classic episodes alongside new specials and original content.
Fans will need to subscribe to the Hey Hey TV platform to access the revived show. A Premium Membership costs $6.95 per month or $59.95 annually, offering unlimited access to the back catalogue and new footage. Somers, 75, stated that the decision to relaunch the show on a streaming service was driven by significant fan interest, evidenced by a Facebook following that has grown to over 850,000.
"Hey Hey It's Saturday" originally aired in 1971 and remained a weekend television staple for more than two decades before concluding in 1999. The show experienced a brief revival with 20 new episodes in 2010. During its original run, it hosted numerous high-profile international guests, including Will Smith, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Hanks.
Somers transitioned to hosting "Dancing with the Stars" from 2004 to 2007 and later returned for its revival seasons between 2021 and 2023, co-hosting with Sonia Kruger. He departed the series at the end of 2023, being succeeded by Dr. Chris Brown.
Several cast members have had notable career developments or faced personal challenges since the show's initial run. Co-star John Blackman passed away in 2024 after a battle with cancer. Red Symons, a judge on the show's "Red Faces" segment, has maintained a low profile since his career in radio. Co-host Livinia Nixon continues to present for various Channel Nine programs, including "Getaway" and "Postcards." Wilbur Wilde, a saxophonist and co-star, remains active as a live performer following his recovery from mouth cancer. Co-host Jacki MacDonald can be heard on Brisbane commercial radio station 4BC.
