Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Shaun Micallef Joins Australian Comedy Icons on the Adventure of a Lifetime in Shaun Micallef's Origin Odyssey

27/08/2024

Shaun Micallef Joins Australian Comedy Icons on the Adventure of a Lifetime in Shaun Micallef's Origin Odyssey

27 August, 2024

Media releases

Shaun Micallef's Origin Odyssey premieres Tuesday 24 September on SBS and SBS On Demand

Watch the trailer here

Images available here

Adventure and revelry abound as Shaun Micallef travels overseas with popular Australian comedians Aaron Chen, Michael Wippa' Wipfli, Lizzy Hoo, Dilruk Jayasinha, Nina Oyama and Arj Barker in the brand-new SBS documentary series Shaun Micallef's Origin Odyssey.

Shaun's trademark intellect and wit combines with the comedians' discovery of parts of their heritage that have remained a mystery to them until now to create a rich series that is entertaining and insightful in equal measure. The six-part series premieres Tuesday 24 September on SBS and SBS On Demand.

Having lived in Australia for most of his life, comedian Aaron Chen has little knowledge of the rich legacy he's inherited from his Chinese-born father. In the first episode, Aaron and Shaun head to China to learn more about Aaron's father's fascinating back-story. As the pair touch down in Shanghai, Aaron is keen to learn about the sacrifices his father Peter made before he moved to Australia in the late 1980s. And it's a place Aaron's visited before - more than five but less than ten times!

There are laughs-a-plenty in the next episode as comedian and radio presenter Michael Wippa' Wipfli and Shaun travel to Switzerland, Wippa's father's ancestral home. The pair make a series of surprising discoveries about Wippa's paternal family history - including why his grandfather decided to leave the idyllic and peaceful surrounds of the Swiss Alps for Melbourne when he was just 20 years old. And they aim to answer a profound question - is Michael Wipfli merely Swiss by name - or is he Swiss by nature?

As comedian Lizzy Hoo and Shaun embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Ireland, Lizzy sets out to discover more about the history of her mother's side of the family, who isn't a Hoo at all. When the pair arrive in Dublin following a 17-hour-flight from Melbourne, their driver Dave explains they can become Plastic Irish by consuming just six pints of Guinness. After ten, they'll also get a passport. From experiencing the family trade as a firkin maker, to discovering the harrowing story behind a monument in honour of her ancestor, Lizzy hits the road with Shaun to take it all in.

Comedian Dilruk Jayasinha grew up Colombo, Sri Lanka, and ventured to Australia at the age of 19 with plans to complete a degree in accounting and move home. But he fell in love with Melbourne and stayed, and 20 years on he's now spent almost equal time living in Australia as in his birth country. Embarking on a journey home alongside Shaun, Dilruk enjoys a reunion with extended family, revisits the Catholic school he attended, explores his father's Buddhist temple, and seeks to learn more about his mother's Muslim beliefs - all together shaping the person and comedian he is today.

Actor, writer, and comedian Nina Oyama is half-Japanese by birth, but grew up in Australia and hasn't visited her father's homeland since she was a child. In this episode, Nina and Shaun explore not only the country's storied history and culture, but pose the question - is Nina able to look in the mirror and see herself as Japanese? But first a quick lesson about the weenis, which according to Nina is the flesh on your elbow, and one of Tokyo's most popular traditions - the Shibuya Crossing - the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

Australia's adopted son of stand-up comedy, Arj Barker, hasn't been to his father's homeland of India for almost three decades. Seeking to understand why his Sikh father chose to leave his family behind for a different life in the United States, the pair embark on an adventure-filled journey across the country. Disembarking the train at the sock line on the ankle of the first leg of their journey, Shaun is excited. It's been 26 years since Arj has been here, but he's most excited about his shpants. You know, too long to be shorts, too short to be pants. Shpants!'.

Shaun Micallef said: Two years ago, I retired from television, vowing never to return. I promised myself that I would travel the world helping younger and more diverse performers tell their stories. The offer to present Origin Odyssey has enabled me to do both. It represents the pinnacle of my glittering career.

SBS Commissioning Editor Emily Griggs said: Shaun Micallef's Origin Odyssey offers a fresh and engaging perspective on our shared curiosity about heritage and identity. Shaun's skilful storytelling, paired with the fascinating odysseys of Aaron, Wippa, Lizzy, Dilruk, Nina, and Arj makes for an entertaining and heartfelt exploration of culture, family, and the stories that shape us.

Endemol Shine Australia Head of Comedy David McDonald said: I am beyond thrilled to have worked with Shaun and his six travelling companions, who have been so generous with their humour and heart and displayed true vulnerability in sharing their family's stories.

Shaun Micallef's Origin Odyssey is developed and produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company), in association with SBS.

Shaun Micallef's Origin Odyssey will be subtitled on SBS On Demand in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. All episodes will be available with audio description.

Shaun Micallef's Origin Odyssey premieres on Tuesday 24 September on SBS and SBS On Demand. The six-part series airs on SBS at 7:30pm Tuesday nights, with new episodes available to stream on SBS On Demand weekly from September 24.

Screeners and images for
LINK: https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/2024/08/27/shaun-micallef-joins-austral...
See more stories from sbs

Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories

24/09/2024

Don't miss the exclusive Australian premiere of Paris Has Fallen on SBS and SBS On Demand

Don't miss the exclusive Australian premiere of Paris Has Fallen on SBS and ...

18/09/2024

Karmic lessons and laughs with new SBS podcast Comedy Karma'

Karmic lessons and laughs with new SBS podcast Comedy Karma' 18 September, 2024 Media releases Join the ever-curious stand-up comedian Aditya Gautam a...

18/09/2024

Telespazio and ABS Partner to Deliver Enhanced Connectivity Services for the Brazilian Air Force System

Telespazio and ABS Partner to Deliver Enhanced Connectivity Services for the Bra...

17/09/2024

The $180 million mystery that reshaped music forever Red Flag: Music's Failed Revolution premieres Tuesday 15 October

The $180 million mystery that reshaped music forever Red Flag: Music's Fai...

17/09/2024

Screen Australia and Paramount+ Announce New Murder Mystery, Playing Gracie Darling

16 09 2024 - Media release Screen Australia and Paramount Announce New Murder M...

13/09/2024

Azercosmos and ABS Forge Partnership to Boost Satellite Services in Africa

Azercosmos and ABS Forge Partnership to Boost Satellite Services in Africa...

12/09/2024

SBS reveals new landmark documentary-drama series ROBODEBT coming in 2025

SBS reveals new landmark documentary-drama series ROBODEBT coming in 2025 12 September, 2024 Media releases Award-winning producers CJZ secure major fundin...

11/09/2024

Endemol Shine Australia and Screen Australia announce Early Career Writers Program

10 09 2024 - Media release Endemol Shine Australia and Screen Australia announce...

04/09/2024

Can life give love a chance? SBS Original romantic drama series Four Years Later premieres Wednesday 2 October

Can life give love a chance? SBS Original romantic drama series Four Years Later...

04/09/2024

Screen Australia invests over $2 million in Australian Games Industry

04 09 2024 - Media release Screen Australia invests over $2 million in Australian Games Industry Zodiac Mountain Screen Australia has announced over $2 milli...

30/08/2024

Trailblazers: SBS's new vodcast series chronicles African-Australian migrants making their mark

Trailblazers: SBS's new vodcast series chronicles African-Australian migrant...

30/08/2024

SBS warms up for FIFA World Cup 2026 with new weekly show, exclusive qualifier matches and a dedicated SBS On Demand World Cup hub

SBS warms up for FIFA World Cup 2026 with new weekly show, exclusive qualifier ...

29/08/2024

SBS Board statement regarding SBS Non-Executive Director Mr Aaron Fa'Aoso

SBS Board statement regarding SBS Non-Executive Director Mr Aaron Fa'Aoso 29 August, 2024 Media releases SBS Non-Executive Director Mr Aaron Fa'Aos...

28/08/2024

Beat the Monday blues with SBS's new line-up of entertainment and comedy

Beat the Monday blues with SBS's new line-up of entertainment and comedy 29 August, 2024 Media releases 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Never Mind th...

28/08/2024

Screen Australia and ABC announce four new children's programs

28 08 2024 - Media release Screen Australia and ABC announce four new children's programs Andy Lee at Richmond Primary School with his nephews Freddy Mile...

27/08/2024

Shaun Micallef Joins Australian Comedy Icons on the Adventure of a Lifetime in Shaun Micallef's Origin Odyssey

Shaun Micallef Joins Australian Comedy Icons on the Adventure of a Lifetime in S...

22/08/2024

SBS and IMAA partnership unlocks new training for Australia's independent media agencies

SBS and IMAA partnership unlocks new training for Australia's independent me...

22/08/2024

Screen Australia announces $3 million for 13 documentaries

22 08 2024 - Media release Screen Australia announces $3 million for 13 documentaries We Are Jeni Screen Australia has announced 11 documentaries through the...

20/08/2024

Exclusive to SBS On Demand, watch LIVE coverage of the US Democratic National Convention: a PBS News special from Chicago, Illinois

Exclusive to SBS On Demand, watch LIVE coverage of the US Democratic National Co...

19/08/2024

Production starts on RFDS season three

19 08 2024 - Media release Production starts on RFDS season three RFDS cast. Photo Credit John Platt. Pre-production on the third season of the Seven Network...

15/08/2024

Maggie and Arthur return to the ABC for a second season of Mother and Son

15 08 2024 - Media release Maggie and Arthur return to the ABC for a second season of Mother and Son Denise Scott and Matt Okine in Mother and Son Fans of t...

14/08/2024

2025 SBS Journalism Cadetship opens for applications

2025 SBS Journalism Cadetship opens for applications 14 August, 2024 Media releases Dedicated to the memory of late SBS journalist Bridget Munro. Austral...

12/08/2024

Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift starts today, live and free on SBS Viceland and SBS on Demand

Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift starts today, live and free on SBS Viceland and...

06/08/2024

Got a podcast idea? Australia's Podcaster of the Year is listening!

Got a podcast idea? Australia's Podcaster of the Year is listening! 6 August, 2024 Media releases The fourth annual call-out for distinctive podcasts i...

06/08/2024

Bruce Beresford's Film Overture starts production in Western Australia

06 08 2024 - Media release Bruce Beresford's Film Overture starts production in Western Australia Overture cast (L-R) Susie Porter, Luke Bracey and Bryan ...

01/08/2024

SBS commits to 10-year renewable energy power purchase agreement with ZEN Energy

SBS commits to 10-year renewable energy power purchase agreement with ZEN Energy 1 August, 2024 Media releases The SBS-ZEN Energy wind power partnership pr...

01/08/2024

Introducing Our Award-Winning Media Management Software at IBC!

IBC 2024: 13-16 Sep 2024, RAI AmsterdamDelivering innovation and connecting communities, IBC2024 is where the future of the global media and entertainment indus...

31/07/2024

SBS names interim sales leadership as Adam Sadler steps down

SBS names interim sales leadership as Adam Sadler steps down 31 July, 2024 Media releases SBS Director of Media Sales Adam Sadler has announced he will ste...

31/07/2024

Join Techtel at ABE 2024: Get to know Inflo

When: Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 October 2024 Where: Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand, Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney Booth: Techtel booth: 17 Registration: G...

25/07/2024

Julia Zemiro, Gina Chick and Susie Youssef team up to explore more Great Australian Walks on SBS

Julia Zemiro, Gina Chick and Susie Youssef team up to explore more Great Austral...

24/07/2024

NITV to share the culture, ceremony and critical conversations of the Garma Festival with all Australians

NITV to share the culture, ceremony and critical conversations of the Garma Fest...

24/07/2024

More than 5.7 million viewers tune into SBS's coverage as Slovenian Tadej Pogacar dominates

More than 5.7 million viewers tune into SBS's coverage as Slovenian Tadej Po...

22/07/2024

Medical Misogyny: Unpacking Gender Bias in Healthcare with SBS News Hysterical' Podcast

Medical Misogyny: Unpacking Gender Bias in Healthcare with SBS News Hysterical&...

17/07/2024

Screen Australia and YouTube Australia announce Online Creators set to Skip Ahead

17 07 2024 - Media release Screen Australia and YouTube Australia announce Onlin...

15/07/2024

Tour de France 2024: Viewership reach on SBS surpasses 5 million Australians

Tour de France 2024: Viewership reach on SBS surpasses 5 million Australians 15 July, 2024 Media releases More than 5 million Australians have tuned into t...

12/07/2024

Screen Australia and ABC announce new comedy series Optics

12 07 2024 - Media release Screen Australia and ABC announce new comedy series Optics Optics. Photo credit: Joel Pratley ABC and Screen Australia have annou...

11/07/2024

Australia's beloved journalist takes a deep dive into one of the nation's last taboos - death as he plans his own funeral

Australia's beloved journalist takes a deep dive into one of the nation'...

10/07/2024

Shipwreck Hunters Australia back on the water for Season 2

10 07 2024 - Media release Shipwreck Hunters Australia back on the water for Season 2 Shipwreck Hunters Australia Screen Australia and The Walt Disney Compan...

09/07/2024

Three new ground-breaking dramas coming to screens with fresh collection of Digital Originals underway

Three new ground-breaking dramas coming to screens with fresh collection of Digi...

09/07/2024

Tour de France 2024 captivates Australians with almost 4 million viewers tuning in so far

Tour de France 2024 captivates Australians with almost 4 million viewers tuning ...

09/07/2024

Applications Open for Digital Originals, and three new dramas coming to screens

09 07 2024 - Media release Applications Open for Digital Originals, and three new dramas coming to screens (L-R) Moonbird director, co-creator and co-writer N...

05/07/2024

New NITV Radio podcast: Ngiyang. Meet the people reclaiming the Wiradyuri language.

New NITV Radio podcast: Ngiyang. Meet the people reclaiming the Wiradyuri langua...

25/06/2024

SBS and SBS On Demand will simulcast the CNN Presidential Debate LIVE this Friday 28 June

SBS and SBS On Demand will simulcast the CNN Presidential Debate LIVE this Frida...

20/06/2024

New podcast Grand Gestures is the nonna bear hug we all need

New podcast Grand Gestures is the nonna bear hug we all need 20 June, 2024 Media releases **INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE** IMAGES HERE Get to the heart of our de...

20/06/2024

SBS to air special program to commemorate the life of Dr Michael Mosley

SBS to air special program to commemorate the life of Dr Michael Mosley 20 June, 2024 Media releases Michael Mosley: The Doctor Who Changed Britain premier...

20/06/2024

Inflo now holds the key to unlock system resources with new Dashboards

(Sydney, Australia, 20th June 2024) Techtel, the creators of inflo , today announced the release of a comprehensive Dashboard module that will form part of the ...

17/06/2024

Explore the strength and vitality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in classrooms this NAIDOC Week with SBS Learn

Explore the strength and vitality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultu...