The Panel - Definition and Overview

The Panel is an Australian television show, first aired in 1998. It takes the form of a chat show, with a panel of five people, discussing and joking about items in the new, current affairs, and general pop culture. The show is produced by Working Dog Productions, and is broadcast by the Ten Network and affiliates; it is also simulcast on the Triple M radio network.

The regular hosts are Glenn Robbins, Rob Sitch, Tom Gleisner, Kate Langbroek and Santo Cilauro. However, guest panelists are quite common, with other Australian comedians, actors, and international guests (Harry Shearer appears on the show whenever he visits Australia) regularly taking a spot at the desk. Guests include not only regular music and movie stars, sports heroes and political figures, but many lower profile individuals who have interesting stories to tell, such as Dr Cindy Pan. The success show has resulted in spin off shows in Ireland (hosted by Dara Ó Briain) and New Zealand (hosted by Cal Wilson).