News February 4, 2019

Beloved music game show ‘RocKwiz’ has been cancelled

SBS have confirmed today that RocKwiz will not be returning in 2019, officially putting an end to the show.

Back in early 2005 SBS premiered its latest program, a musical game show called RocKwiz. Presented by Julia Zemiro and Brian Nankervis, and premiering at the same time as the similarly-themed Spicks & Specks, the show was a sleeper hit in its early days.

Famed for its relaxed approach, audience participation, and closing duets between celebrity guests, the program was filmed at St Kilda’s Esplanade Hotel until June of 2016.

Since then, fans have been wondering just what the future holds for the show. Back in 2018, Julia Zemiro spoke to TV Tonight, explaining that she was unsure what the future held for the beloved program.

“I think SBS wants to try new things, but we are still talking,” Zemiro explained. “I think we would like one big farewell.”

“If they really are done we would like to do a proper goodbye. But it’s like they don’t really want to shut the door.”

“It is frustrating because the audiences just adore it, Brian Nankervis added in regards to the show’s touring version. “We did 31 shows last year and most of them were sold out. So who knows? We’re open to ideas!”

Check out Suzi Quatro and Chris Cheney performing on RocKwiz:

Now as TV Tonight reports, RocKwiz has been officially cancelled, with SBS Channel Manager Ben Nguyen explaining that “it is time to call an end to RocKwiz.”

“The decision we’ve made is that it is time to call an end to RocKwiz after a long success on SBS,” Nguyen explained. “Julia became a big talent through SBS but it is a natural decision as channels evolve and moving into new spaces over time.”

In a statement given to The Music today, SBS confirmed the news, explaining that “after more than a decade, SBS has made the decision not to commission a new series of RocKwiz.”

“We thank the production team for all of their work in entertaining Australians over the years – 12 seasons, in addition to multiple specials and live shows, is an incredible achievement for any TV series,” the network explained.

“We also recognise the many dedicated fans who have supported the show since it was first shown on SBS in 2005.”

While it remains to be seen whether any new musical quiz shows take the place of RocKwiz, we can at least remain happy with the knowledge that the touring version of the program looks set to continue for the near future with the next live show locked in for Bluesfest in April.