Sky News Australia has announced it will bring audiences a new television special called The Death of the Aussie Larrikin? on Tuesday 16 June at 8:00pm.
Providing audiences with a first look at the special this week, the program explores whether or not political correctness has caused the demise of the larrikin spirit in Australian life and culture.
The one-hour television event takes a nostalgic look back at the ‘Aussie larrikin’ of the 70s and 80s, then tracks the changing tastes and standards of more recent years.
Providing humour as well as insights and commentary, The Death of the Aussie Larrikin? begins by taking a look at the brash, loud, larrikin culture epitomised by figures such as Paul Hogan. It explores if the humour and spirit of Hogan’s heyday has been crushed by political correctness, the growth of social media, and the “cancel culture” which in recent years has seen online outrage shut down comedy and TV shows.
As well as exploring whether the politics of language and culture has caused the disappearance of the larrikins of the 70s and 80s, it asks if there was a dark, divisive side to the larrikin ethos.
The program is hosted by Sky News Outsiders anchor and political commentator Rowan Dean and features interviews with high-profile Australians including legendary television presenter and co-host of Studio 10 on Network 10 Kerri-Anne Kennerley, comedians Paul Fenech, Vince Sorrenti and Emma Malik, entertainer and actress Delvene Delaney as well as ABC Radio presenter James Valentine.