WE RAISE A CUPPA TO THE CIRCLE!
You’ve no doubt heard the news that Channel Ten has axed The Circle.
The show, produced by Pam Barnes, first went to air in 2010 with hosts Chrissie Swan, Denise Drysdale, Yumi Stynes and Gorgi Coghlan. The last program will go to air on Friday.
The Circle’s original stars (from left) Chrissie Swan, Yumi Stynes, Denise Drysdale and Gorgi Coghlan. Photograph via Flickr.
Ten chief executive James Warburton said the decision was a financial one. “The decision to cease production of The Circle is unfortunate and was not taken lightly, but tight fiscal control and cost discipline are a core part of our strategy,” he said.
Ten will replace it with a new line-up including the US talk show The Talk, hosted by Sara Gilbert and two entertainment shows, Entertainment Tonight and The Insider.
Here, The Hoopla presents some comments from friends and viewers of the show.
Fiona OLoughlin. Comedian and author.
“Oh buggeration! Bloody Nora, and Boo to the executives at Channel Ten.
I loved The Circle and I just know I wasn’t the only one.
I even co-hosted it on occasion and I was mildly put out because that meant I couldn’t watch. There was something so remarkable about the intuition of this live show.
Chrissie Swan in particular was as familiar as a sister dropping in for a coffee and who could ever forget that laugh?
I loved that The Circle argued with itself on occassion, screwed up now and and then and quickly asked for forgiveness and never rode a high horse.
Georgie was passionate about every interview having meaning for the folks at home. Yumi was hilarious and self-effacing and extraordinarily generous.
Behind the scenes were a remarkable team who made the likes of nervous me very much at ease. I wish them all well and can’t help wondering why Chanel Ten would can a Logie award-winning show that had more heart than we’ve seen on our daytime screens for a long while.
Business is business in the boardroom I guess but let’s none of us forget what an achievement this corner of Aussie telly was, endorsed by some of the most talented people in show biz by guest hosts Jane Kennedy, Steve Vizard, Glen Robbins and Shane Jacobsen just to name a few.
I imagine there will be a highlight package on Friday’s show and what an edit that will be? I can’t wait to tune in to a hearty nostalgic close to a hearty nostalgic show. I will leave my anger at the door (sob).
It’s what Georgie would have wanted and I’ll be predominately proud and just a tiny bit guilty … I never did order that Ahh Bra!!”
Stella Young. Editor of the ABC website Ramp Up.
“It’s such a shame to hear that Channel Ten has axed The Circle.
I had the great pleasure of being a guest on the show a few months ago, talking about non-consensual sterilisation of women and girls with disabilities. Not exactly a light topic!
The hosts were so well-informed, warm and compassionate that the interview was just a joy. The hosts and all of the people I met backstage were whip-smart, funny, kind and passionate about what they do.
I think it’s grossly unfair that so many people dismiss a show as frivolous, simply because it is made by women, for women.
How strange to axe a show that does such a fantastic job of promoting local talent, both male and female, just three weeks after launching “dramality” The Shire.
I certainly know which reality I can identify with, and it doesn’t have a bad collagen job and a forehead full of Botox.”
Jacinta Tynan. Author and news presenter.
I have never paid much attention to ratings. Working at the ABC will do that to you. I’ve always determined my telly habits by what gets me in. It has to be informative, newsworthy, showbizzy and a good laugh.
The Circle is all that. It is the TV version of the women’s website, a random splash of good talent chatting about everything you want to know about but didn’t even know you did. Like hanging out with a bunch of chicks you’d love to be friends with.
That mix is hard to find. Several failed attempts at The View format have proven that. So why, oh why, when it finally works do you take it from us?
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44 Responses to this article
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Heather July 31, 2012
The Circle was pretty much all I watched Channel 10 for. Thoroughly enjoyed the show. So sad to see it go.
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Margaret July 31, 2012
What a sad day for Australian TV. While not a huge fan of day time television. I occaisionally switched on The Circle while doing my ‘meson plus’. Thanks for that term Mastechef. The cirlce was fun and useful. I think of it as ‘Playschool’ for Mum’s. Sorry ABC and Channel 10. Why do we have to have more popular American TV shows/host.?. Please explain….?
Shall do my food prep to the sounds of our home stereo instead. RIP The Circle., -
Bern July 31, 2012
I am devastated by The Circle being taken off air. I have watched it since its inception and loved the program. Mind you when Yumi and Gorgi made the comments about Cpt Roberts-Smith (and Gorgi never acknowledge the comment she made which annoyed me profusely) I nearly stopped watching it (since I am the wife of a Vietnam Veteran and a comment was made about the Cpt’ performanc or lack thereof, in bed) because of this. That comment (about the Cpt being a dud in bed, made by Georgi) was an insult to any serviceperson who has PTD and often problems in bed because of the depression – and its treatment which often results in loss of sexual function.
But I liked the format, the regular and guest hosts and the various segments (although not all).How Channel 10 can say that financial reasons are behind the cancellation of the show when every 5 mins there is an advertisement or advertorial on, is beyond me. The show was a great outlet for Australian musical, acting, literature and cooking talent and that will now be lost. Shame on you Channel 10.
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Julie July 31, 2012
Agree
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Red 60 July 31, 2012
To take an Australian show off air and replace it when an another American chat show is not to be believed, except in the world of ratings. Sorry to see such a talented group of women ‘dumped’ , but I’m sure all will go on to do what they do best. Looking forward to seeing you all again.
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diane July 31, 2012
I loved the circle and never missed an episode. I was Not happy when Denise and Chrissy left, this left a Hugh hole in the show and I think the demise was on the cards especially after the “dud in bed” thing, sometimes Georgi and Yummi were over the top.I will miss them, but I was surprised it has lasted as long as it did.
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Julie July 31, 2012
Are there any women on the Channel 10 Board? If there are, I’d like to hear their explanation!
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jo July 31, 2012
I am disappointed although not surprised that The Circle has been cancelled. TV is a ruthless business and I continue to be amazed at what program are allowed to continue and those that disappear. For a long time there has been discussions on how decision makers in TV base their decisions on many factors that don’t include an acknowledgment of their audience. I have had the pleasure of sharing the couch with The Circle hosts a few times. It was a real pleasure, the warmth and enthusiasm that came through the TV screen reflected the warmth and genuine enthusiasm and love for the show that I felt from everyone who was part of the program (front of camera & behind camera). There was a genuine interest in the topic up for discussion on the segment. One of the things that I looked forward to was the real questioning and seeking to understand the issue. When you loose local content and sideline smart and savvy women – it is a loss.
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shelley July 31, 2012
Channel 10 what have you done?! This is Australia why should we not have Australian made product on the tele? I am not patriotic but this was a show that deserved a longer life. Okay so Yumi and Gorgi made mistakes but so what. Move on and tighten up the production. Don’t just toss them out. Perhaps another channel is smart enough to pick the show up, lets hope. Or our days of individuality are numbered. (I keep thinking of Gina Rhinehart being on the board and wondering if this is relevant to the discussion.)
Sad days for The Circle but hold your heads up, ladies. xx -
TMT July 31, 2012
When I read how much you all loved the show and how it was witty, informative, compassionate etc I feel like I must have watched some other version of the show. Any time I’ve watched it I’ve found it to be shallow and inane and always talking crap through to the adverts. And apart from the content, I saw the production as really amateur and the frozen faced cue-card reading was often so robotic and focused, I felt like looking behind me to see if there was someone holding up a card standing there.
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Mez August 1, 2012
Absolutely agree, TMT! I can only think that it’s being supported because the hosts are women. In the deluded world of modern feminism, it’s fashionable to rave about the talent and awesomeness of any woman in the public eye. Actual talent and ability don’t enter the equation … Present Julia Gillard as Exhibit A.
On the few times I’ve caught it, Chrissie was lovely but Yumi has the maturity and grace of a year 9 girl. And I absolutely refused to turn it on after her disgraceful insult to Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC. ‘intelligent women?!’ Give me a break, she didn’t even know who he is!
And show me a woman who willingly endures hours of those infomercials and I’ll show you a woman who’s have a frontal lobotomy.
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RobynMarie July 31, 2012
I used to refer to The Circle as the aussie version of the view, but without all the talking over the top of each other and arguing! Loved Chrissie and Yumi. Channel 10 you suck!!!!
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ellenni July 31, 2012
once again american content which has no relevance to us will replace an ozzie show. wont be watching. used to tape and come home and watch the circle.
there is really nothing to watch on ten – i particularly loathe cooking shows with celebrity chefs. on one hand we are told how fat we all getting and then we have masterchef which we really dislike in this house. blah! we all need to boycott channel 10 until we get something ozzy but no more cooks please. -
!Dot July 31, 2012
I have just found out that The Circle has been axed. My God what happened? That was my all time favourite girly show when I was having my day off from work. Mind you I miss Chrissy and Denise so very much, they were why I watched it in the beginning, but I didn’t stop watching it. I am so hurt that these lovely human beings are not going to be a part of my morning. They really made me laugh. I am sure they will be doing better things anyway, but a sad day for television in Australia. I am thinking is not one Gold Logie enough for people. Also thoughs bloody adds couldn’t of been the reason for financial lack. Jesus thoughs bloody Geni bras and Ahh bras – I could strangle the women advertising them plus every other add I must admit. Anyway cheers you girls for your efforts. You where dam funny and enjoyable to watch. Here’s to the future ladies. Take care. xxx
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RobynMarie July 31, 2012
We should all boycott channel 10, especially the cooking shows!!! Even though I HATE the shows, I LOVE Julie Goodwin. Let’s have a show with Chrissie Swan and Julie Goodwin – what could be better? Of course channel 10 have such stellar offerings with Lara and the Shire. Pulease!!!!!
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Jenna August 1, 2012
So not only do we lose KAK for the *deleted horrible comment* Kruger, but then we lose the Circle ladies too.
It’s so disappointing too, as the crew on that show now have where to go? I know a camera man for ch10, and at first he was on The Panel- cancelled (HEY!!! Can we have THAT format back, but with THESE women, once a week, AT NIGHT?? Fancy that! Plenty of male panel shows – the footy show, Gruen- no ladies ones, as we a relgated to the daytime slot) and then Bert Newtons morning show, cancelled, then Kim and whatshisname, and then the Circle- which will now not be replaced! Yes, lets continue to cull the Australian jobs and content in favour of US, non relevant (we are not American) drivel.
Oh, well, at least I have the Hoopla. -
Loz August 1, 2012
As a full time worker I don’t watch daytime telly but I would have to agree with the general criticism over axing a program representing women and giving voice to local talent. I especially agree with Stella Young’s comments. Why keep the Shire on air but not the Circle?? Looks like 10 is going the same way as channel 9. Good luck with that.
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melina August 3, 2012
The Bolt interview was the most interesting and revealing These girls arent dumb especially Yumi!!!
Women as tv executives that” get it ”
Television is a stupid boys club
What do you expect??
Lovely show
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jean August 3, 2012
One self important blowhard who shall remain anonymous said
Its too light:-/
They were nerds in Collins Street
Some people dont get it especially executive idiots
Sigh
Yumi get your own show and continue the tradition in another format
Your ace!!
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girly August 3, 2012
The real questión to be asked is
Will Sarah Murdoch ever get axed???
smirk
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aka August 3, 2012
Yumi isnt an idiot
I went to uni with Yumi
She knows her market and has fun
Its daytime television and ENTERTAINMENT
Lordy
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mary August 3, 2012
I only wish the abc would sack those think tank guys
Weird world isnt it?? -
Fred August 3, 2012
The dregs of the middle class watched it to perve at yumi
That’s it really chums
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Bev August 3, 2012
Shame on channel 10…..An absolute disgrace that we the viewers have not been taken into consideration at all. We are being bombarded with absolute crap from this channel with Lara Bingle, The Shire & Paul Henry(who should be put on a slow boat back to NZ Even though they wanted him out of their country) The girls & Colin were people who the general public could relate to & became a part of many peoples lives ever day. In particular the many many emails that were received over the past 18 months where stay at home mums & those suffering terminal illness, through to just those of us who shared interesting guests, chefs, enetertainers & the many laughs & tears along the way. The fact that we have not only lost an amazing informative show we have lost friends, & not to mention that Pam Barnes & all the crew who worked behind the scenes have now got to join the dole queue. Wake up channel 10 & smell the roses. Heres hoping someone sees the show for what it gave to others rather than lining the executives pockets.
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amd August 3, 2012
It was a pretty terrible show. Most morning TV is. I would imagine the replacement will be no better. I may have watched half an hour of morning TV this year, possibly an hour, because I was up early, ironing and couldn’t be bothered putting a DVD on. I find it hard to imagine living in a household where the TV goes on in the mornings, regularly, anyway.
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amd August 3, 2012
Come to think of it, wasn’t this tripe on at around 9am? Must have been days I wasn’t working for some reason that I came across it. Much rather listen to a decent radio station if I am home in the mornings that watch any of the fluff on TV.
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Mary August 3, 2012
Let’s hope one of the other channels make the most of channel 10′s mistake and offers to take up the show. I don’t want to be bombarded wih more American talk shows that are not relevent to us.
amd isn’t watching a DVD in the morning the same as looking at the TV. -
Anastasia August 4, 2012
I will be boycotting Breakfast and Ten, in protest for this axing.
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Danny Dix August 4, 2012
I’m usually at work when this show was aired, but once when I was laid up with…erm..man flu, I caught it on tv and it actually had me laughing out loud through a headache and fever at the clever repartee between the girls and a guest. I was in bed for long enough that week to wave goodbye to my girl heading to work and rush to ten for my morning fix of Yumi and Georgi. Ok…slight crush.
No chance to watch it ever again, but sad for everyone else to read that it’s gone.
If Yumi and Georgi need a job, have some gumboots and can sling concrete they can come work with us anytime. -
jane August 4, 2012
MEZ
The last show Yumi took the piss out of the infomercials (it pays their bills!!)
hilarious to watch and sad that there was a great work team with the whole production!!
the jokes on you darls
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Sandra August 4, 2012
You know what scares me? a) that Australian daytime television no longer has an articulate, informative show that promotes our local people; the actors, writers, volunteers, inventors, musicians, dieticians, doctors, comedians, entrepreneurs, chefs, theatre shows, festivals, charities. The “Seb Terrys”, the ” Pip Lincolne’s” and the “Tim Costellos” of this country. Yes I could spend hours reading the many fabulous and voluminous blogs to find these things out, but I don’t have the time. The Circle gave me these things while I did the ironing, etc. For people living in regional Australia where it’s not exactly the thriving cultural scene of Melbourne, we could HAVE it right there in our loungerooms.
and b) the other thing that scares me is that there are people out there who honestly relied on this show to keep them going. People suffering loss and depression who could watch this show and feel that they weren’t alone, that the girls would have a guest or a segment that would make them feel that “Hey! Things will be ok and in fact I am going to be fine if I just put one foot in front of the other.” This show honestly was a sanity saver for many people. And I feel afraid for those people. Shame on you Channel Ten. And to every person who ever graced the set of “The Circle” – thank you. -
Lynne Johansen August 4, 2012
Sandra Fox
You know what scares me? a) that Australian daytime television no longer has an articulate, informative show that promotes our local people; the actors, writers, volunteers, inventors, musicians, comedians, entrepreneurs, chefs, theatre shows, festivals, charities. The “Seb Terrys” and the “Tim Costellos” of this country. Yes I could spend hours reading the fabulous and voluminous blogs like Mamamia to find these things out, but I don’t have the time. The Circle gave me these things while I did the ironing, etc. I live in regional NSW and it’s not exactly the thriving cultural scene of Melbourne, but it GAVE it to me right there in my loungeroom.
and b) the other thing that scares me is that there are people out there who honestly relied on this show to keep them going. People suffering loss and depression who could watch this show and feel that they weren’t alone, that the girls would have a guest or a segment that would make them feel that “Hey! Things will be ok and in fact I am going to be fine if I just put one foot in front of the other.” This show honestly was a sanity saver for many people. And I feel afraid for those people. Shame on you Channel Ten. -
Lynne Johansen August 4, 2012
Oops Sandra, I didnt see you’d already put yr post here lol
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Lynne Johansen August 4, 2012
Yep boycotting Ten for sure from here on in!!
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Lynne Johansen August 4, 2012
This is the fan page for The Circle and was created back in March in support of Yumi and the show. So with much love it will never be pulled as so so many woman have connected on here and have formed wonderful friendships.
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CiCi Lee August 4, 2012
Im sad to see this show go it was good & gave me a laugh but also helped me see i wasn’t alone with the struggles in my life good luck to the girls & everyone who worked behind the scenes & to those of you who said it was Gorgi that said the Cptl was a “dud in bed” are wrong! It was George Negus that said it stop being sheep & think for yourselves instead of just going on what others have said :rant over: =)
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just saying August 4, 2012
Its also interesting to note that there are a lot of lonely people out there that television fills a void for that isolated existence!!!
Thats sad in a rich and happy country like ours
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kendal August 4, 2012
Andrew o Keefe is the most underated games show host
He should have a breakfast show !!
Smart man and the nephew of Johhny O Keefe and son of a court judge
Get him a show at once during the day as a talk show similar to what Ray Martin did
Larry Edmur is also a class act and is great guy
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jamd August 4, 2012
Mark Bouris is rich and nice
Dont have to be an arrogant prick to be popular
I wonder if the female presenters notice what a sleazy creep he is??
Right wing cliche eh??
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tina August 6, 2012
Hey heres an idea!
Do the show when people watch it when theyre not at work maybe??
Maybe after 7pm or on weekends
#just saying
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tina August 6, 2012
Hey heres an idea!
Do the show when people watch it when theyre not at work maybe??
Maybe after 7pm or on weekends or late at night ?
#just saying
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Rosi August 11, 2012
It was wonderful to watch intelligent, generous, hilarious and humanitarian women often making great television (and not on SBS or ABC and despite infomercial horrors) – and occasional duds) – no more daytime tele for me. Hollywood goss not missed. Tim Costello on the second to last show was a standout. Tim for PM.
The gels and host guests will be sorely missed but hope to see something similar back later ……? please…. I knew it was too good to last.
Channel ten execs have their heads up their fundaments what with The Shite and other bollocks they inflict. -
suzanne altman November 12, 2012
Though it’s been years since I turned on the TV in the daylight hours, I am bloody annoyed about The Circle being replaced by YET ANOTHER AMERICAN SHOW.
There’s surely got to be more to my TV life than SBS, ABC & 7TWO, the only channels I can find to get away from that ubiquitous U.S. content. Yes, I am reduced to watching 60 Minute Makeovers while snivelling into my cat’s (not always) sympathetic ears.
