Meshel explaining to Josh that breasts are nothing like testicles

“Australia, we need to talk.”

When Can Of Worms premiered 10 weeks ago, there was a lot of hate. People were predicting a swift death. “Dicko can’t host”. “Most boring show ever”. “Who cares what Jason Akermanis thinks.” What was most amazing was how quickly (in some instances, within 5 minutes of the show airing) people were willing to offer an end date. The general consensus was 3 weeks, max.

Now, with a full season behind it, Can Of Worms stands up as some of the more entertaining chat show television we’ve seen this year. It’s evolved and developed as the series progressed – a clear sign that the Producers listened to the audience and evaluated the show on it’s merits week to week. Dicko has developed into an excellent master of ceremonies/worm-wrangler, offering some pointed questions to the guest panel at exactly the right time to build the discussion. His personality shone through too as the series opened up. Meshel Laurie has been a joy to see on our screens weekly and her interaction with the panel has been priceless, helping them settle in with her quick wit and warm affection. Dan Ilic also offered many eye-rolling moments with vox pops and insight to punctuate the debate.

What made Can Of Worms work really well was twofold: the guest selection and the topics of conversation (the “worms”). No topic was taboo – from seeking sex outside a marriage; euthenasia; smacking; swearing; bullying; sports-star worship; pornography; racism; lying – eyes were opened as these debates ebbed & flowed in front of our eyes. In some cases for the first time in years. Some were intentionally fun, some deliberately serious. The guests added to the mix and in some cases opened up and offered direct insight to the topic at hand. A superb return to television by Don “effing” Burke and a brilliant display by Julie Goodwin are two pleasant guest memories I’ll take from the series.

Can Of Worms proved you can still take a risk with new television and make it work. Sure, you may need to tighten up some nuts and bolts, but if you persevere you will ensure the product is as good as you thought it was. More Can Of Worms in 2012, please.