On the Couch (Australian TV series)

*On the Couch*
On the Couch
Presented by	Garry Lyon (2018- 2024); Jonathan Brown (2015-present); Nathan Buckley (2023–present); Gerard Healy (2002- 2021); Mike Sheahan (2002-2014); Robert Walls (2002-2008); James Hird (2009-2010); Paul Roos (2011-2013, 2018-2019); Jason Dunstall (2014-2017); David King (2015-2017); Nick Riewoldt (2020-2022 2025 -present )
Country of origin	Australia
Original language	English
No. of seasons	21
No. of episodes	500+
Production
Running time	60 minutes
Original release
Network	Fox Footy Channel (2002-2006); Fox Sports (2007-2011); Fox Footy (2012-present)
Release	2002 –; present
Related
	Talking Footy

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 at 7:30pm, immediately following AFL 360.

Format

The shows format follows an "informal chat" style in a set that resembles a lounge room. It focuses more on in-depth coverage, analysis and discussions of topics from the weekend as well as occasionally holding an interview with a player or coach during the 2nd half of the episode.

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'.

In late 2021, Healy stepped down as host with Garry Lyon replacing him, the show also commenced airing before AFL 360.

In November 2024, it was announced that Jack Riewoldt would be replacing Lyon as host of the program, after the latter was announced as a new co-host on AFL 360.

Regular hosts and panellists

Garry Lyon (host, 2022–present, panellist, 2018–2021)
Jonathan Brown (2015–present)
Nathan Buckley (2023–present)
Gerard Healy (Host, 2002–2021)
Mike Sheahan (2002–2014)
Robert Walls (2002–2008)
James Hird (2009–2010)
Paul Roos (2011–2013, 2018–2019)
David King (2015–2017)
Jason Dunstall (2014–2017)
Nick Riewoldt (2020–2022)

Timeline of Hosts (by seating position)
Seat	2002	2009	2011	2014	2015	2018	2020	2022	2023
Host	Gerard Healy							Garry Lyon
Seat 1	Mike Sheahan				Jonathan Brown
Seat 2	Robert Walls	James Hird	Paul Roos	Jason Dunstall		Garry Lyon	Nick Riewoldt		Nathan Buckley
Seat 3					David King	Paul Roos	Garry Lyon

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