On the Couch (Australian TV series)

*On the Couch*
On the Couch
Presented by	Gerard Healy (2002-present); Nick Riewoldt (2020-present); Jonathan Brown (2015-present); Garry Lyon (2018-present); Mike Sheahan (2002-2014); Robert Walls (2002-2008); James Hird (2009-2010); Jason Dunstall (2014-2017); Paul Roos (2011-2013, 2018-2019); David King (2015-2017)
Country of origin	Australia
Original language	English
No. of seasons	13
Production
Running time	Approx 60 minutes
Release
Original network	Fox Footy Channel (2002-2006); Fox Sports (2007-2011); Fox Footy (2012-present)
Picture format	PAL; HDTV 1080i
Original release	2002 –; present
External links
	Website

On the Couch is an Australian television program focusing on current issues in the Australian Football League. From its debut in 2002 until 2006, it was shown on the Fox Footy Channel, until the channel's demise. From 2007 to 2011 it was broadcast on Fox Sports, before moving to the relaunched Fox Footy from 2012 onwards. The show airs on Monday nights following AFL 360 and is hosted by Gerard Healy. It also features Jason Dunstall, Jonathan Brown and David King as presenters.

Format[]

The shows format follows an "informal chat" style in a set that resembles a lounge room. It focuses more on in-depth coverage and discussions of topics as well as each week holding an interview with a player or coach.

The concept and style is similar to the Seven Network program Talking Footy, which also featured Mike Sheahan as chief journalist during its original run from 1994 to 2004.

History[]

Former players Gerard Healy and Robert Walls and journalist Mike Sheahan were the original presenters of the show. In 2009, James Hird replaced Walls on the couch.^[1] When Hird left to pursue a coaching career with Essendon, Paul Roos replaced him.^[2]^[3] In 2014, Roos left to coach the Melbourne Football Club and was replaced by long-time Fox Footy broadcaster and former player Jason Dunstall.

In 2015, Mike Sheahan announced that he was retiring from the show after 13 years. His replacement was recently retired Brisbane Lions triple-premiership player Jonathan Brown.^[4] David King, who appeared occasionally in 2015, joined the series full-time in 2016. In July 2016, the original line-up of Healy, Sheahan and Walls returned for a special one-off episode before Fox Footy's 'Retro Round'.

Hosts[]

Gerard Healy (2002–present)
Nick Riewoldt (2020–present)
Jonathan Brown (2015–present)
Garry Lyon (2018–present)
David King (2015–2017)
Jason Dunstall (2014–2017)
Paul Roos (2011–2013, 2018–2019)
Mike Sheahan (2002–2014)
Robert Walls (2002–2008)
James Hird (2009–2010)

Timeline of Hosts
2002	2009	2011	2014	2015	2018	2020
Gerard Healy
Mike Sheahan				David King	Garry Lyon
Robert Walls	James Hird	Paul Roos	Jason Dunstall		Paul Roos	Nick Riewoldt
				Jonathan Brown

Various Fox Sports commentators have filled in along the way including Jason Dunstall, Brian Taylor and Alistair Lynch.

References[]

^ "James Hird on the couch". Heralsdun.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
^ [1]^{[dead link]}
^ "Paul Roos says Nathan Buckley is better off without Collingwood Magpies coach Mick Malthouse". Heralsdun.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
^ Ralph, Jon. "Jonathan Brown joins Fox Footy, should've considered retirement after heavy knock in 2011". Heraldsun.com.au. Retrieved 25 February 2015.

External links[]

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[1] "James Hird on the couch". Heralsdun.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2021.

[2] [1]^{[dead link]}

[3] "Paul Roos says Nathan Buckley is better off without Collingwood Magpies coach Mick Malthouse". Heralsdun.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2021.

[4] Ralph, Jon. "Jonathan Brown joins Fox Footy, should've considered retirement after heavy knock in 2011". Heraldsun.com.au. Retrieved 25 February 2015.

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