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Why Rove McManus doesn’t test his comedy at home

February 28, 2026 · 44 min

Show notes

For more than a decade, Rove McManus was one of the most familiar faces on Australian TV. Rove Live helped launch the careers of some of Australia's brightest talents – including Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar, Hamish Blake and Andy Lee – it attracted some of the biggest stars on the planet, and created viral moments before internet virality even existed. 

In 2026, after 25 years on our screens, the comedian is reliving the best, worst and most controversial moments from the TV hit in his new live comedy show. 

On this episode of the Stellar podcast, he shares the reason he first hired Carrie Bickmore, and the strangest complaints the show ever received, plus he reflects on why a show like Rove Live couldn’t exist today. 

Rove is currently touring Australia with his new comedy show Tonight’s Guest: Rove McManus (Tales From The Talk Show Trenches). For tickets and more details, visit comedy.com.au

Watch the full episode with Rove McManus here.

Something To Talk About is a podcast by Stellar, hosted by Sarrah Le Marquand 

Find more from Stellar via Instagram @stellar or stellarmag.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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