When it comes to quiz shows, Have You Been Paying Attention? can be considered something of a stalwart on Australian TV.
The Network Ten program, which arrived on our screens in 2013, is about to have its sixth season – a fact that surprises even the show’s creators.
“Rob [Sitch, who executive-produces the show] said to me at the start, ‘It will either go for one year or for 10,'” host Tom Gleisner tells TV WEEK. “Looks like we’re headed for 10 then.”
There’s never a dull moment on the set of HYBPA.
Far from being yet another quiz show, Have You Been Paying Attention? has morphed into a platform that delivers both laughs and knowledge in equal measure.
“Over the years, I’ve heard people say, somewhat disturbingly, ‘Oh, I get a lot of my news from your show,'” Tom, 56, laughs.
“I’m not saying that’s a good thing. You should be watching and reading the real news – but it is interesting.”
While a career as a news anchor might be far from Tom’s mind, he concedes the show has become an important part of the cycle.
“We all suffer news overload,” he says. “No-one can keep up with everything.
“You might be across international politics, but know very little about entertainment. Have You Been Paying Attention? has proved to be a very effective news digest program.”
Ed Kavalee and Sam Pang lead the pack on the HYBPA panel.
Despite Tom’s growing success, he admits being a game-show host wasn’t always at the top of his list.
“But I have a real joy doing it every week,” he says.
“I genuinely have no idea what’s going to come from these five people [the show’s guests] whose fingers are poised on the buzzers.”
It’s that unpredictability that makes it must-see TV. And over the past few seasons, the show has served up many memorable moments.
Sam and former Bachelorette Sophie Monk.
When pushed to pick a favourite, Tom can’t go past Paulini as quizmaster.
Last November, the former Australian Idol star made a surprise appearance on the show, hot off the back of personal legal issues.
“It was an incredible thing to do,” Tom shares. “I don’t think she’d even been sentenced at that point.
“I think I was even joking when I said, ‘Why don’t we see if Paulini will come on?’ Of course, she won’t. But 12 hours later, our talent co-ordinator walked in and said, ‘It’s a yes from Paulini.'”
Paulini received a roasting during her appearance.
While there’s a revolving door of guests to keep things fresh, Tom’s offsiders, Sam Pang and Ed Kavalee, help bind the show– even if they do relish ribbing Tom.
“They’re very mean to me,” the host laughs. “But it’s part of the charm of the show. I can’t think of any other quiz show where the contestants routinely turn on the host.”
But Tom insists it’s all in good fun.
“We all know where the line is and enjoy crossing it regularly,” he laughs.
Have You Been Paying Attention? returns Monday, 14 May at 8.30pm on Network Ten.
