The 2026 TV WEEK Logies are officially underway, and Robert Irwin told Dr Chris Brown on the red carpet to “expect the unexpected” ahead of his hosting debut — and he has definitely delivered.
This is Irwin’s first time hosting the awards show (finally!), and he’s officially the youngest person to take on the role at 22.
As the host and a nominee for the night’s most prestigious award (the Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television), he’s pulling out all the stops with a dancing intro and live reptile show, but it’s something he said in his opening monologue that has divided people.
Memorable moments from Robert Irwin’s opening monologue
Getting down to business with his opening monologue, Robert noted how “it is a massive honour” to serve as host.
“My mum let me stay up way past my bedtime. I’d sit there in front of the telly, wide-eyed, just thinking ‘Gee, Sam Pang is hilarious,'” he joked, poking fun at how he’s the youngest to host the awards show.
He also managed to let loose a little and unleash a series of roasts towards industry big names, as well as himself.
“And people say, they told me… an awards show host needs to be cynical, right? I just never bought into that. I’m a pretty positive guy.
“Which is why I took it at face value when Channel 10 told me that I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! was having a great season and its future at the network was totally secure,” he said, referencing the fact that the show he co-hosted with Julia Morris was dropped by the network.
The unexpected dig that has people divided
It’s a thing we don’t ever see, but Robert was controversial in his opening monologue at the Logies.
He took a big swing at former Today Show host Karl Stefanovic after he was abruptly dropped from the program in June after working for the network for 21 years.
“Unfortunately Karl Stefanovic didn’t RSVP tonight, which means we didn’t have to hire quite as many bartenders. But we’ve kept him a spare seat, just in case.
“It’s over there to the right, the far-right,” he told the crowd, who erupted in laughter.
Cue backlash from the internet.
“Robert Irwin was one of my favourite Aussies, but this was a low, unnecessary blow against Karl… Did you have to make it political, Bob?” one viewer wrote.
“Robert Irwin is going so political,” another echoed.
“We all know Robert Irwin is into animals, but what we didn’t know is he digs the left,” a third said, claiming the ‘pun was intended’.
However, there was also an outpouring of love, with many delighted by what he said.
“Robert Irwin has topped every previous Logies host in the first five minutes,” a fan wrote.
“Robert Irwin is so awesome, he definitely should get the hosting gig next year,” another said.
A surprise Silver Logie win
Presented by Eloise Hart and Todd Woodbridge, Robert took home the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter — much to his surprise.
“I thought I’d only have one job tonight,” he quipped as he accepted his trophy.
“What an incredible show to be a part of,” he noted, referring to his former role as co-host of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
He also made sure to mention his wildlife conservation work that remains at the core of all that he does.
“That is the honour of my lifetime… My heart beats from Australia Zoo, and I bleed khaki.”
As the family man we all know him to be, it wouldn’t be a Robert Irwin acceptance speech without mentioning his beloved family as well.
“This is not only for my family: my mum, my sister, Chandler, Grace, all you guys… What an honour it is for all of us together to work toward a mission that my dad started.”
