Interview axed: Andrew Denton confirms hit show won’t be returning

Andrew Denton made his long-awaited return to television in 2018 as the host of Andrew Denton’s Interview on Channel 7 but on Friday evening, the crew behind the hit show announced it wouldn’t be returning for a third season. A statement shared on the program’s official Facebook page confirmed that the show had been axed, but not by the network.

“After two seasons of Andrew Denton’s Interview, the team behind the program has decided to axe itself,” the statement read. “It has been a delight to make the show for Seven, who have given the show every opportunity to shine, and have confirmed they would have recommissioned it for next year. We apologise for taking a different path.”

Since its debut in April last year, Denton has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, politics and showbiz including everyone from Madonnna, Angry Anderson and Keith Urban to Magda Szubanski, Cher and Gene Simmons. The show’s second season concluded on Tuesday, where the 59-year-old sat down with former foreign minister Julie Bishop.

“We’re also glad to have been able to make Interview for a viewing public that received it with open hearts. We’re proud of the conversations we’ve put on screen and into podcast, but it feels like the right time to move on,” the statement continued.

It also joked that Denton wouldn’t be replacing Matt Preston as a judge on MasterChef and that the cast and crew including Denton, Polly Connolly and Jon Casimir looked forward to not seeing everyone at the 2020 Logie awards.

The post also confirmed that Denton’s popular podcast of the same name wouldn’t be returning next year. Devastated fans took to social media to share their disappointment in the cancelation of the show, with one person writing: “I am sad for the end of the show & podcasts but know that Andrew & his team will pop up on our TV screening with something amazing? Looking forward to what may come, in the meantime, thank you & take care.”

Another comment read: “What a shame! It was one of the very few shows that I would sit down and look forward to watching. Wishing Andrew all the best,” while a third added: “That breaks my heart, I look forward to watching him every Tuesday. The best interviewer. Thanks Andrew Denton for the hours of pleasure you have shared with us. Great quality viewing and a shame to see you go. I will miss you. Good luck to you and your team.”

The shock announcement comes just months after the father-of-one appeared on Mamamia’s No Filter podcast where the popular journalist revealed he struggled with “debilitating” mental health issues at the height of his career in the ‘90s. His depression at the time became such a problem that he stood away from a television job after just six weeks because he feared he would have a breakdown.

“I was close to having a breakdown. And in the two weeks I was away, that’s when [my son] Connor was born. And that was the first time I actually realised that I could – and realised that I should – go and get professional help.”

The Gold Logie-nominated star said his mental health has become easier to manage over time and he has learned to realise the warning signs that could lead to a downwards spiral. Denton explained having no down time can become a problem as well as being too critical of himself.

Denton hasn’t revealed why the show is coming to an end, other than explaining that “it’s the right time to move on”. In addition to Interview, Denton has appeared on an array of popular radio and television shows since the ‘80s including Blah Blah Blah, Live and Sweaty, Enough Rope and Randling.

That's a wrap on this season of #InterviewAU. A huge thanks from Andrew and the team to everyone who joined us this year in meeting some truly amazing humans. Bye for now. Xo pic.twitter.com/VlDwSfXrNB

— Andrew Denton's "Interview" (@InterviewAU) August 13, 2019

If you are concerned about suicide in your family, friends or workplace, contact Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978, Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 for confidential support, advice and referral that will help you explore your options.