Sam Pang has confirmed he will not return as host of the Logie Awards after three successful years leading the ceremony.
After three years of sharp monologues, brutal celebrity roasts and ratings success for Channel 7, comedian Sam Pang has confirmed he will not return to host the 66th TV WEEK Logie Awards in August.
According to reporting by The Sydney Morning Herald, Pang said he was approached by Seven to return as master of ceremonies for the ceremony on Sunday, August 16, but ultimately decided to step away from the role.
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“I’ve had three great years, and it was wonderful, but I’m just not going to do it this year,” Pang told the publication.
The comedian added the discussions with the network were handled amicably.
“It was very amicable. I’m well aware I may never do it again, and whoever does it I’m sure will do a great job, but I just thought three was a nice number.”
The decision marks the end of one of the most successful hosting eras the Logies have seen in recent years, with Pang widely credited by viewers and critics for revitalising the annual television awards event.
With the hosting commitment now off his schedule, industry speculation is already turning toward what could be next for Pang.
The move to walk away from the Logies is expected to allow the comedian more time to focus on his own Network 10 tonight show Sam Pang Tonight, which is expected to return in Q4 this year.
At the same time, Pang continues to juggle regular appearances on Seven’s The Front Bar, 10’s Have You Been Paying Attention?, along with the upcoming ABC comedy-drama Ground Up.
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His decision to step away from hosting duties is also likely to intensify speculation that 2026 could finally be the year he secures a long-awaited and highly deserved Gold Logie nomination.
Despite becoming one of the most recognisable personalities on Australian television through his work across both Seven and 10, Pang has never received an individual nomination — something many television insiders and viewers have long questioned.
This author has frequently speculated that the comedian’s split loyalties between rival commercial networks may have complicated support for a nomination campaign in previous years.
Since taking over hosting duties in 2023, Pang transformed the tone of the ceremony away from the more formal presentation style of previous years, replacing it with a sharper, roast-style comedy format packed with industry in-jokes, self-deprecation and regular digs at the networks and stars in attendance.
His opening monologues quickly became must-watch television and generated significant social media attention, with several jokes going viral during both the 2023 and 2024 ceremonies.
Among the most talked-about moments was Pang’s opening line in 2023, where he addressed diversity in Australian television while simultaneously taking aim at his host broadcaster.
“Let’s be honest, it’s just great to have an Asian on Channel Seven who isn’t trying to smuggle live birds through border security.”
The joke drew huge laughter inside the room and widespread praise from television critics.
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Pang also repeatedly targeted Today host Karl Stefanovic, referencing his infamous public argument in Noosa with Michael Clarke.
“Karl Stefanovic said yes [to hosting], as long as the show was held in a park in Noosa.”
In another memorable moment, Pang mocked the silence that followed one of Stefanovic’s jokes during the telecast.
“I don’t want to say Karl’s joke sank… but OceanGate are offering expeditions to visit it.”
Other standout moments included recurring jokes about Home and Away veteran Ray Meagher, as well as a swipe at Robert Irwin’s rapid rise to Gold Logie contention after less than a year hosting I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
“A win for Robert would be a fitting reward for his long, hard eight months in the industry.”
Perhaps his boldest moment came during the 2024 Logies, when he referenced Channel Seven’s legal troubles during his opening monologue.
“I’m just letting you all know I’m going to say whatever I want tonight. I stand before you safe in the knowledge that whatever I say, this network will defend me in court.”
The comments triggered audible gasps from the audience before applause broke out across the room.
The hosting role also delivered major ratings success for Seven with the 2025 telecast averaged 1.43 million viewers, making it the highest-rating Logies broadcast since 2012.
As for who should take over hosting duties, Pang told SMH/The Age he would love to see comedians Kitty Flanagan and Anne Edmonds tackle the role together.
“Or there’s lots of people that could do it, and I’m sure they’ll find a great one,” he said.
This year’s awards ceremony is already shaping up differently behind the scenes, with Eureka Productions replacing ITV Studios as producer of the event. Changes have also reportedly been made to judging criteria following feedback from last year’s ceremony, while the official venue for the awards has not yet been publicly confirmed.
The Logies have been held in Sydney at The Star for the past three years after Seven took over broadcast rights from Nine. Prior to that, the awards were staged on the Gold Coast between 2018 and 2022, after many years in Melbourne.
For the first time in three years, Pang says he is looking forward to experiencing the night from the audience rather than from centre stage.
“I’ll just get to sit at the table and enjoy it. If any of the shows I’m on are nominated … and I’ll be able to enjoy the night from a different angle.”
The 66th TV WEEK Logie Awards will air on Sunday, August 16 on Channel Seven and 7plus, with a new host yet to be announced.
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