Quizzical will see Joe Hildebrand and Lucy Zelić lead teams through news and pop culture trivia battles.
There’s a new quiz show heading to Australian television, and in a bold programming move, Sky News Australia appears ready to test whether anyone at home has actually been paying attention to the news this week.
The network has announced Quizzical, a new current affairs quiz series premiering on Sunday 17 May, with James Macpherson stepping in as host and referee for what could quickly become Australia’s most politically awkward game night.
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Running for eight weeks, the show will see teams led by Joe Hildebrand and Lucy Zelić battle it out over questions covering politics, international affairs and popular culture — essentially combining a pub trivia night with the emotional stability of a Sunday panel show.
Each episode will feature guest players joining the captains as they attempt to prove they can still recognise an actual headline after a week of doomscrolling and group chats.
James Macpherson says the show is designed to separate people who genuinely followed the news from those who simply absorbed fragments of outrage online.
“Quizzical is going to be fast paced, a lot of fun and informative all at the same time.
We’ll find out who’s been following the news of the week as opposed to just making stuff up based on vibes, half-remembered tweets and something their cousin posted on Facebook at 2am.
I’m especially looking forward to seeing everyone’s Sky News favourites in a different setting where they are working together, and against each other, to see who’s most up to date.
It’s the perfect way for people to unwind on a Sunday night, catching up on the news of the week in a light-hearted, highly entertaining format.”
Naturally, one major question remains unanswered: who exactly will be responsible for fact-checking the contestants?
Sky News is yet to confirm if any members of its infamously sketchy after-dark lineup will take on a research role — although producers may want to keep a backup buzzer nearby just in case the “facts” become negotiable after 8pm….,
The format promises plenty of crossover between news and entertainment, giving viewers a chance to watch familiar Sky personalities compete in an environment where interrupting your opponent hopefully won’t count as a correct answer.
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And if nothing else, Quizzical may finally answer one of Australian media’s great unanswered questions: can a current affairs debate become even louder when points are involved?
Quizzical premieres Sunday 17 May at 8:30pm AEST on Sky News Australia, streaming via SkyNews.com.au and the Sky News Australia app.
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