ABC's New Year's Eve broadcast for 2026 became a talking point for reasons beyond the fireworks, as presenter Tony Armstrong delivered a cheeky on-air joke that quickly captured viewers' attention.
A Risqué Remark and Swift Clarification
During the live coverage on Wednesday evening, the 36-year-old Logie Award winner was introducing a segment wrapping up Australian sport for 2025. Armstrong made a surprising and somewhat bold reference to direct messaging. "If you've ever received a DM from me, you know there's something pretty special about the brown snake," he told the audience.
The presenter, however, was quick to provide context for his eyebrow-raising quip. He clarified that he was actually talking about the Brisbane River, which is colloquially known by that nickname in Australia. "I am of course talking about Brissy," Armstrong said, proceeding to affectionately list other monikers for the Queensland capital. "Brisbane. Brisvegas. The land of the small blue dog," he added, making a nod to the globally popular children's character Bluey.
Mixed Reactions to NYE Line-Up and Timing
While Armstrong's humour provided one memorable moment, the government-funded broadcaster's overall programming choices for the evening drew significant criticism from sections of the audience. The concert portion featured heritage acts like The Cat Empire, singer Casey Donovan, pop artist Peach PRC, and headliner Mel C from the Spice Girls.
The decision that sparked the most ire, however, was scheduling a special segment for the 60th anniversary of the children's programme Play School close to 10 pm. The cast performed a medley of classic songs like Wiggle Wiggly Woo and the show's theme tune, which many felt was ill-timed for an adult audience hoping to ring in the New Year.
Viewers took to social media platform X to voice their bewilderment. "It's 9.45pm – why on earth is Play School on #ABCNYE – it's so bizarre. The kiddies are already in bed!" wrote one frustrated viewer. Another commented, "I am sad... this is cringe. It's 9:42pm and we have to listen to kids' songs."
Some questioned the logic of the scheduling, asking why the segment wasn't shown before the 9 pm fireworks when younger children would still be awake. The Cat Empire's performance also reminded some of a bygone era, with one viewer noting the line-up felt like a throwback to "2002 NYE on ABC."
Armstrong's Sports Wrap and a Celebrity 'Loss'
Returning to his sports summary, Tony Armstrong focused on Brisbane-centric achievements before declaring what he called the year's "biggest, and most upsetting loss." In a light-hearted jab, he awarded this title to Queensland's own Keith Urban, referencing the singer's separation from actress Nicole Kidman.
"The cowboy from Caboolture Keith Urban lost Nicole Kidman," Armstrong stated. "That's a tough loss. There are plenty of other trophies, but there's just one Nicole." The blend of sport, celebrity gossip, and cheeky humour exemplified the tone of a broadcast that certainly gave audiences plenty to discuss as 2026 began.
