Hey Hey, It’s Nine’s Best Idea Yet

Even though there’s still a fair whack of the year left to go, it’s probably safe to say that 2008 hasn’t been as “two-thousand-and-great” as Channel Nine would’ve hoped; between bonings, cancellations, court orders and Sam Newman, it’s been an annus horribilis that even the battle scarred Queen Liz would’ve shuddered at. Thus, I don’t want to jinx things for our “friends” over at Nine HQ, but the latest whisperings in this godforsaken world could well point towards one of the best ideas the network has come up with in a while: bringing back Hey Hey, It’s Saturday! Yes, with Daryl Somers newly exited from Dancing With The Stars, he’s looking for a gig, and word on the street is that a series of Hey Hey clip shows could turn into a revival.

After turning his back on an offer from Foxtel to create a one-off Hey Hey It’s Saturday reunion, Somers is apparently back in discussions with Nine boss David Gyngell about refronting the show.

Meeting the network CEO last week at Nine’s Melbourne headquarters, it is believed the veteran now stands to host a series of “best of” Hey Hey specials for Nine’s 2009 schedule.

Industry insiders claim Foxtel made the initial offer to Somers, but when Nine heard of the reunion plans it contacted the one-time star to entice him back to his old TV stomping ground.

This is excellent news; what Australian television needs, obviously, is more innuendo, questionable talent, hilarious subtitles, wacky sound effects and comedic voiceovers. To help get YOU as excited as I am about this (theoretical) news, let’s take a trip down memory lane with some vintage 1984 Hey Hey action:

“Potential Adults”! Comedy platinum! I hope you’re taking notes, Chris Lilley.