‘Awkward’: Viewers React to Sam Pang’s Channel 10 Debut on Tonight Show

On Monday, Sam Pang became the latest TV celebrity to attempt a late-night chat show, but the reaction from fans has been less than kind.

Pang is a well-known Australian comedian who has appeared on various panel shows with tremendous success over the years, but fans described the first episode of his new talk show as "awkward" and "stiff," with many perplexed by his choice of cinema icon Jack Thompson as his first guest.

"Feeling the awkwardness that is #SamPangTonight," observed one fan as a very uneasy Pang repeatedly paused to peek at his cue cards throughout the episode.

A second unhappy viewer commented, "I don't understand why they've started with this old bloke for the first episode of this show."

"Hardly starting the show off with a bang, this isn't entertaining at all," insists a third.

A fourth commented that Sam's anxieties indicated he isn't ready to be the star of his show: "Some comedians work best as an offsider on a panel."  That's Sam.  #sampangtonight."

Another person concurred, adding, "He looks nervous and like he's pushing himself hard."

Others were more optimistic, tweeting: "Sam is a bit stiff in his delivery but this has promise!".

"Sam's not a host," said another spectator.  "He is the wise-cracking third banana.  Jack Thompson?  Seriously?  Who does he believe his target audience is? The elderly?

"This becomes progressively worse by the second.  "Unbearable," exclaimed another devotee.

While discussion shows like The Graham Norton Show have become instantly recognized for their sets, fans believed Pang's set fell short.

"To be honest, the set isn't amazing.  It is not a low-budget project.  "#SamPangTonight," said one.

"The show need better camerawork and a larger set.  "Looks like it's in a cupboard #sampangtonight," added another.

Another viewer concurred, saying, "Is this filmed in Sam's living room?"  The set is extremely cheap and unsanitary.  #sampangtonight."

Not everyone was as harsh, with some pointing out that the show showed some promise and could have legs once it got into the groove of the series.

"Lacklustre so far, but I'm sure it'll get better," commented one fan, while another advised fellow fans to give Pang a chance to "settle in".

"He's doing well.  It's good to see someone bringing this format back to Australian television.  Give it a chance."

"Give the man half a chance!" said another.  "You know you love him."

A third reader applauded the debut show, writing, "Really enjoyed that tonight!  Sam Pang performed an excellent job on his first talk show and will only improve from here.

Another agreed, saying Pang did an excellent job on what was sure to be a nerve-racking episode: "Great to see Jack Thompson on @sampangtonight.  Great balance, Sam. You're on the correct track."

Finally, another pleased fan tweeted: "Get rid of the canned laughter and it's a 10 from me #SamPangTonight".

Sam Pang Tonight is broadcast weekly on Channel 10 and 10 Play.