It's a Knockout Australia: The Gloriously Messy Game Show That Captured a Nation

For a few chaotic and unforgettable years in the mid-1980s, Australian television was dominated by a spectacle of water, grease, and giant foam costumes. It's a Knockout was more than just a game show; it was a weekly dose of pure, unadulterated silliness that saw everyday Australians from towns and cities battle it out in absurd physical contests for state pride and community cash. Adapted from the wildly successful British format, which itself came from the French show Intervilles, the Australian version carved out its own unique place in our telly history, creating memories and minor injuries in equal measure .

From a British Idea to a Dural Battleground

The story of It's a Knockout in Australia began when the Ten Network decided to bring the bedlam down under. The show first hit Aussie screens on 17 April 1985 and ran for three riotous seasons until 11 September 1987 . Unlike other studio-based quizzes, this was an outdoor extravaganza. The production chose a field in Dural, New South Wales, as its permanent arena, a location that would become as famous as the games themselves . The show's format was simple but brilliant: teams were divided along state lines, with New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia putting forward their best and bravest to compete . In a uniquely Australian community twist, these competitors weren't professional athletes but members of local Apex Clubs, with all prize money being donated back to their clubs to fund local projects . This added a layer of genuine purpose to the madness, turning the wacky games into real fundraising for towns across the country.

The Faces and the Mascot of the Mayhem

Guiding viewers through the weekly chaos were two familiar faces. The show was hosted by the charismatic Billy J. Smith alongside Fiona MacDonald . Their arrival was a signature part of the show, zooming onto the set in a golf buggy accompanied by the show's official mascot, Combat the Dog, an Old English Sheepdog who became a beloved character in his own right . The trio's energy set the tone for what was to come—a fun, fast-paced, and family-friendly competition. Adding to the atmosphere was the voice of announcer Max Rowley and the show's own catchy theme song, composed by Rick Turk .

How the Knockout Was Played: Games, Points, and the Joker

For the uninitiated, the premise of It's a Knockout was like a school sports day designed by someone with a fantastic sense of humour. Teams would compete in a series of timed physical challenges that were designed to be as difficult as they were hilarious. Think competitors dressed in oversized costumes trying to carry buckets of water across greasy poles, or scrambling over giant inflatable obstacles while being pelted with water cannons . The games tested a combination of balance, strength, agility, and a healthy dose of good luck .

The scoring system was straightforward. A win in an individual game earned a team 4 points, with second place getting 2 points . However, the strategic masterstroke was the "Joker" card. Each team had one Joker per episode that they could play on any single game, effectively doubling the points they would earn from that round . This added a layer of tactics, as teams had to decide when to risk their Joker for maximum impact. The nightly winner would bag 6 points for the state ladder and a $1,000 prize, building up over the season towards semi-finals and a grand final with much larger cash rewards .

A Real-Life Underdog Story: The Childers Champions

The magic of It's a Knockout wasn't just in the games; it was in the communities it showcased. One of the most heartwarming stories came from the small town of Childers in Queensland. In 1986, the local Apex Club team, representing their state, went on an amazing giant-killing run to the national final. This team of local painters, electricians, and everyday locals defeated teams from much larger cities, ultimately winning the grand final and a total prize pool of $38,000—a massive windfall for the community at the time .

Team captain John Harbourne reflected on their success, noting, "We are just a small community, but we took on teams from much larger centres... It was an amazing result for Childers" . The team trained hard in backyards, using trestles and ropes hung from mango trees to simulate the games. Their victory was celebrated with a hero's welcome back in Childers, complete with a community barbecue and a song written in their honour, Childers It's a Knockout . The prize money was invested back into the town, helping to fund Apex Tramway Park and other local projects, proving that the show's impact went far beyond the television screen .

The Sudden Final Whistle: Why the Show Was Cancelled

Despite its popularity, the original run of It's a Knockout came to an abrupt end in 1987. The very thing that made it authentic—its outdoor location—also led to its downfall. The production in Dural was a noisy affair, and the show ultimately fell victim to numerous noise complaints from local residents . Faced with these challenges, Network Ten decided to drop the show, leaving a void of weekly chaos on our screens.

The 2011 Revival: A Malaysian Misadventure

Over two decades later, in 2011, Network Ten decided to bring back the classic format for a summer programming stint. The revival was hosted by a new team: HG Nelson, Brad McEwan, and Charli Robinson . While the spirit of the original remained, a telling sign of the times forced a major change in location. Due to high insurance costs associated with producing such a physically risky show in Australia, the entire series was filmed offshore in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . This eight-episode season featured larger teams of fifteen from each state competing for the Billy J. Smith Cup, but it failed to capture the same grassroots charm as the 80s original and was not renewed after its run ended in January 2012 .

The Knockout's Surprising International Legacy

The Australian version of It's a Knockout found a life beyond our shores. The series became a surprise international hit, especially in Latin America. It was broadcast in Mexico on Multivisión, where it was a success in 1992 . It also found audiences in the United States, airing on KCAL-TV in Los Angeles and WWOR-TV in New York, and was adapted for audiences in Argentina and Chile, where it was known as Supermatch .

A Fond Look Back at a True Original

It's a Knockout stands as a brilliant, messy monument in the history of Australian television. It was a show that celebrated community spirit, good-natured rivalry, and the sheer joy of watching adults make fools of themselves for a good cause. From Billy J. Smith's golf buggy and Combat the Dog to the underdog triumph of the Childers Apex Club, it created moments that are still fondly remembered today. While the 2011 revival showed that the format still had legs, it was the original, muddy, and loud series from a field in Dural that truly earned its place in the heart of a nation. It was, without a doubt, a knockout.