Fans flooded social media with reactions to TV show finale after 29 years on air
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After nearly three decades of laughs, banter, and unforgettable sporting moments, the curtain has finally come down on one of Australia’s most loved TV institutions.
For 29 years, this iconic sports program has been a Tuesday night ritual for countless Aussies, and its final episode has left fans feeling a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, and—let’s be honest—a fair bit of heartbreak.
It’s not every day that a television show becomes part of the national fabric, but The Back Page managed to do just that.
Since its debut in 1997, the show has weathered the ups and downs of Australian sport, survived eight Prime Ministers, and outlasted nine Test cricket captains.
Through it all, it’s only ever had two hosts: the late, great Mike Gibson, and the ever-charming Tony Squires.
That kind of consistency is rare in the fast-changing world of TV, and it’s a big part of why the show has meant so much to so many.
On Tuesday night, Tony Squires signed off for the last time, his voice tinged with emotion as he thanked viewers for letting the show into their homes for nearly three decades.
'I am not going to lie—it’s going to be really hard to walk out tonight, but go we must,' he said.
'Thank you to the more than 500 people who have taken a seat on the panel or as a guest. Thank you to sport for being the best live unscripted theatre.'
What made The Back Page so special? It wasn’t just the highlights and lowlights of the sporting week, or the expert analysis (though there was plenty of that).
It was the camaraderie, the quick wit, and the way the show never took itself too seriously.
Whether you were a die-hard footy fan or just tuned in for the laughs, there was always something for everyone.
The show’s panel became a rotating cast of characters, with more than 500 guests over the years—athletes, comedians, journalists, and the occasional surprise celebrity.
The Back Page was where sporting legends let their hair down, and where fans could see a different side of their heroes.
As soon as the credits rolled on the final episode, social media lit up with tributes and laments.
'Seriously, why in the hell is this show ending??' one fan wrote, echoing the thoughts of many.
Another said, 'I hate it when good TV shows end. Farewell, The Back Page, what an incredible run.'
The sentiment was universal: this wasn’t just the end of a TV show, it was the end of an era.
Some fans reminisced about watching the show every week, while others simply expressed their sadness that such a unique and entertaining program was being taken off the air.
'One of the shows I’ve watched every week is The Back Page. I’m truly sad it’s ending,' wrote another loyal viewer.
The decision to axe The Back Page wasn’t about cost-cutting, according to Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley. Instead, it was about making room for new programming and moving in a different direction.
'Entertainment programming is a tough business in that it’s like life itself—everything has a lifespan,' Crawley explained.
'Even the great shows like Hey Hey It’s Saturday and The Back Page.'
He’s not wrong—TV is a fickle business, and even the best-loved shows eventually have to make way for something new.
But that doesn’t make it any easier for the fans who have made The Back Page part of their weekly routine for so long.
While The Back Page may be gone, its legacy will live on. It showed us that sport is about more than just scores and stats—it’s about stories, personalities, and the joy of coming together to celebrate (and sometimes commiserate) as a community.
For many of us, Tuesday nights just won’t be the same. With The Back Page gone, there’s a big hole in the Aussie sports TV landscape.
Fox Sports has promised new shows are on the way, but it remains to be seen whether any of them can capture the same magic.
In the meantime, we’ll have to make do with our memories—and maybe a few reruns.
Were you a regular viewer of The Back Page? Do you have a favourite moment, guest, or running joke from the show’s long history? How do you feel about its departure, and what will you be watching on Tuesday nights now? We’d love to hear your thoughts and memories—share them in the comments below.
Read more: Television shake-up continues as major sports presenter steps away: 'I'm forever grateful'
For 29 years, this iconic sports program has been a Tuesday night ritual for countless Aussies, and its final episode has left fans feeling a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, and—let’s be honest—a fair bit of heartbreak.
It’s not every day that a television show becomes part of the national fabric, but The Back Page managed to do just that.
Since its debut in 1997, the show has weathered the ups and downs of Australian sport, survived eight Prime Ministers, and outlasted nine Test cricket captains.
Through it all, it’s only ever had two hosts: the late, great Mike Gibson, and the ever-charming Tony Squires.
The Back Page was aired for the final time after 29 years, leaving many Australian fans emotional. Credit: Facebook
That kind of consistency is rare in the fast-changing world of TV, and it’s a big part of why the show has meant so much to so many.
On Tuesday night, Tony Squires signed off for the last time, his voice tinged with emotion as he thanked viewers for letting the show into their homes for nearly three decades.
'I am not going to lie—it’s going to be really hard to walk out tonight, but go we must,' he said.
'Thank you to the more than 500 people who have taken a seat on the panel or as a guest. Thank you to sport for being the best live unscripted theatre.'
What made The Back Page so special? It wasn’t just the highlights and lowlights of the sporting week, or the expert analysis (though there was plenty of that).
It was the camaraderie, the quick wit, and the way the show never took itself too seriously.
Whether you were a die-hard footy fan or just tuned in for the laughs, there was always something for everyone.
The show’s panel became a rotating cast of characters, with more than 500 guests over the years—athletes, comedians, journalists, and the occasional surprise celebrity.
The Back Page was where sporting legends let their hair down, and where fans could see a different side of their heroes.
As soon as the credits rolled on the final episode, social media lit up with tributes and laments.
Another said, 'I hate it when good TV shows end. Farewell, The Back Page, what an incredible run.'
The sentiment was universal: this wasn’t just the end of a TV show, it was the end of an era.
Some fans reminisced about watching the show every week, while others simply expressed their sadness that such a unique and entertaining program was being taken off the air.
'One of the shows I’ve watched every week is The Back Page. I’m truly sad it’s ending,' wrote another loyal viewer.
The decision to axe The Back Page wasn’t about cost-cutting, according to Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley. Instead, it was about making room for new programming and moving in a different direction.
'Even the great shows like Hey Hey It’s Saturday and The Back Page.'
He’s not wrong—TV is a fickle business, and even the best-loved shows eventually have to make way for something new.
But that doesn’t make it any easier for the fans who have made The Back Page part of their weekly routine for so long.
While The Back Page may be gone, its legacy will live on. It showed us that sport is about more than just scores and stats—it’s about stories, personalities, and the joy of coming together to celebrate (and sometimes commiserate) as a community.
Fox Sports has promised new shows are on the way, but it remains to be seen whether any of them can capture the same magic.
In the meantime, we’ll have to make do with our memories—and maybe a few reruns.
Read more: Television shake-up continues as major sports presenter steps away: 'I'm forever grateful'
