How 34 years ago, Australia’s ‘naughtiest’ show was pulled off air mid-broadcast

Almost 35 years ago, Australians witnessed a show so crude, it was famously pulled off air mid-episode.

Then network owner Kerry Packer, was so offended at the time, he rang master control and demanded they “get this shit off the air”.

The cheeky piece of Aussie television history was revisited in part two of the documentary 70 Years of Television.

The show pulled from air was none other than Australia’s Naughtiest Home Videos, hosted by comedian and presenter Doug Mulray.

The bold Channel Nine TV special premiered on September 3, 1992 and was only about 34 minutes into its one-hour broadcast before Packer pulled the plug.

After Packer’s call, the broadcast abruptly cut to a Channel Nine logo and a brief message that announced: “We apologise for this interruption”.

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“Unfortunately, a technical problem prevents us continuing our scheduled program for the moment. In the meantime, we bring you a brief alternative program.”

It’s a move that, as far as we know, has yet to be repeated in Aussie television.

And just like that, reruns of Cheers began.

Inspired by the successful family-friendly version, Australian’s Funniest Home Videos, the one-off spin-off followed a similar format.

Aussie would send in home videos, only these videos were far too explicit in Packer’s eyes.

He was probably right, coming from a host who reportedly set a goal to “offend” half a million viewers during the premiere episode.

“To those of you who find the following compilation offensive, please put on your rubber gloves because believe me, they’re going to get a lot worse,” Mulray smiled.

The one-off special was aimed at a late-night adult audience.

Between nudity and repulsive dares, we’ll leave it to your imagination on just how tasteless the program was branded.