Renowned Australian comedian and television host Shaun Micallef has shared his candid views on sentimentality in his career as he prepares to premiere the second season of his show, Shaun Micallef’s Eve of Destruction, on August 13, 2023. Micallef, who recently finished as a runner-up on Dancing with the Stars, has made it clear that he does not hold on to sentimental attachments regarding his work, despite his status as a beloved figure in Australian comedy.
In a recent conversation backstage at the ABC studios in Melbourne, Micallef discussed his relationship with his creations. He expressed a certain detachment, saying, “I become very disenchanted, very quickly, with anything I’ve done. You’re in love with it when you do it, but then afterwards, I can look at it reasonably objectively.” This perspective provides insight into the mindset that has allowed him to thrive in the industry for nearly four decades.
Micallef’s career includes a ten-year run on the political satire program Mad As Hell, a show that earned him recognition as one of Australia’s sharpest political satirists. Despite the accolades, he remains critical of his own work, stating, “There’s nothing that I’ve made that will last.” His collaborator, Michael Ward, humorously warned against questions of sentimentality, underscoring Micallef’s pragmatic approach to his legacy.
As Micallef embarks on a new venture with Eve of Destruction, the format marks a departure from his previous work. The show invites guests to discuss their most treasured possessions, a concept that may seem light-hearted compared to the biting satire of Mad As Hell. He acknowledges this change, noting, “It’s more in the conversation. And that’s harder.” The shift reflects Micallef’s desire to explore different avenues of connection with his audience.
Exploring New Directions
Micallef’s willingness to experiment is evident in his diverse portfolio, which includes everything from parodies of iconic figures like David Byrne to engaging in documentary-style explorations of complex topics. The comedian emphasizes a commitment to pushing boundaries, saying, “I just keep looking for things I haven’t done and see where that takes me.” This adventurous spirit is part of what has kept his content fresh and engaging over the years.
The new season of Eve of Destruction will feature a lineup of esteemed guests, including comedians Frank Woodley and Rhys Nicholson, Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, and actor Lisa McCune. Unlike his previous shows, where scripts dictated the flow, Micallef plans to engage in more spontaneous dialogue. He explained that he aims to create an environment where guests feel comfortable sharing their stories without the constraints of a scripted format.
Micallef’s transformation into a more conversational host mirrors his own evolution as a performer. He stated, “I’m not – and I’m not – an interviewer, but I was just interested in helping other people tell whatever story they wanted to tell.” This approach signifies a shift from being the central figure to creating space for others to shine.
While he remains critical of his work, Micallef finds sentimentality in personal moments, particularly reflecting on his family life. He expressed gratitude for being present during his children’s formative years, acknowledging, “I remember my parents saying, ‘Oh, it’ll be over pretty soon’. But you turn around and they’re 27 and driving away.” This poignant observation highlights the balance between his professional and personal life.
Political Satire and the Current Landscape
The conversation also touched on the state of political satire in Australia and abroad. Micallef noted the challenges faced by satirists in the current climate, contrasting it with his experience on Mad As Hell. He remarked, “There was never any expectation that, politically, we’d be on one side or the other.” This flexibility allowed him to engage with issues freely, a luxury that he suggests may not be available in other markets, particularly in the United States.
Reflecting on the broader implications of political satire, Micallef indicated that the absence of sharp political commentary might leave a gap in public discourse. He observed, “Maybe what’s missing is the anger, because it’s all a bit jolly now.” For Micallef, the role of satire is to resonate with audiences’ frustrations and provide an outlet for their concerns.
As Shaun Micallef’s Eve of Destruction prepares for its premiere, audiences can expect a blend of light-hearted conversation and deeper reflections. Micallef’s journey from a critical, politically charged comedian to a facilitator of narratives showcases his adaptability and commitment to keeping his work relevant in an ever-changing landscape.
With the new season set to air at 20:30 on ABC, viewers can anticipate a refreshed perspective from one of Australia’s most enduring comedic talents.
