Sydney Weekender

Sydney Weekender is an Australian travel show featuring destinations throughout the state of New South Wales. The program debuted in 1994 on Saturdays at 5:30pm, later moving to Sundays at the same time before the local nightly news bulletin.[1] It is hosted by Sam Mac and airs on the Seven Network in New South Wales and nationally on 7two.[2]

Sydney Weekender
Presented bySam Mac
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons28
No. of episodes1000+
Production
Executive producerAlan Dungey
Production locationsSydney, New South Wales
Running timeApprox 30 minutes (including commercials)
Release
Original networkSeven Network
Original release1994 (1994)

The program visits various locations in the state highlighting activities, attractions, and dining options.

Sydney Weekender reached a milestone of 750 episodes on 18 August 2012.[3] The series has spawned spin-offs including Melbourne Weekender.[2]

Many of the locations featured in the program have a commercial arrangement whereby they have bought advertisements or paid to be featured in an episode.[4] In November 2019, the Seven Network announced the show had been axed with the final episodes screening in early 2020.[5] However, a number of travel shows axed by Seven including Sydney Weekender, were thrown a lifeline after a backlash to cost-cutting plans and sponsors.[6]

Sydney Weekender has since returned for a full series, since 2021, exploring the best attractions, experiences and destinations across New South Wales. All episodes are available to stream anytime on 7plus.

In January 2022, Seven Network announced that Matt Shirvington would join as a host, replacing the long running host Mike Whitney. The final episode with Witney premiered on 30 January 2022, episodes with Shirvington premiering on 6 February 2022.[7][8]

In January 2023, Seven Network announced that Sam Mac would replace Shirvington as host of the show. Shirvington will concentrate on his growing Seven News and Seven Sport commitments.[9]

Presenters

Past presenters

See also

References
  1. Thomson, Owen (25 July 2014). "Mike Whitney: star and car". Drive. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
  2. Rawsthorne, Sally (8 July 2015). "Alan Dungey takes Sydney Weekender's success to Melbourne". Mediaweek. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
  3. Knox, David (16 August 2012). "Mike Whitney, 750 weekenders and counting". TV Tonight.
  4. "Weekender for sale". ABC. 31 October 2005. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
  5. Seven cancels more programs, including Sydney Weekender after 25 years Mumbrella 28 November 2019
  6. "Axed lifestyle shows return to Seven Queensland | TV Tonight". Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  7. Welch, K. (2022, January 28). Mike Whitney departs Sydney Weekender after 27 years. Mumbrella. Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://mumbrella.com.au/mike-whitney-departs-sydney-weekender-after-27-years-721985
  8. "Farewell Mike Whitney". 30 January 2022.
  9. Molk, Steve (29 January 2023). "Sam Mac to host the all-new SYDNEY WEEKENDER". TV Blackbox. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  10. "Welcome to the world of Tim Campbell". Tim Campbell. 2009. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  11. Byrnes, Holly (22 August 2014). "The stars who worked on Sydney Weekender, now celebrating 21 years". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
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