Karl Stefanovic reacts to Robert Irwin’s Logies roast

The controversial ex-Today host was the butt of the Logies host’s opening monologue. Here’s how he really felt about it.

Ever since his dramatic departure from Nine this year and hard-launch into the far-right, TV stalwart Karl Stefanovic was always a high chance of being roasted at the Logies.

And the 2026 ceremony, held on Sunday night in celebration of Aussie television’s best and brightest, did not disappoint.

Robert Irwin took the stage as the youngest-ever host of the coveted awards show – and didn’t miss the opportunity to take a cheeky dig at both Stefanovic and Dave “Hughesy” Hughes, who’s also currently generating headlines as he wades into the political landscape.

“Speaking of beloved shows, apparently I hear Channel 10 is developing a reboot of Hughesy, We Have A Problem. I think it’s called ‘No, Seriously, Hughesy, We Have A Problem,’ Irwin said at one point during the opening monologue, before later mentioning Stefanovic.

“Unfortunately Karl Stefanovic didn’t RSVP tonight,” Irwin told the crowd. “But we saved him a spare seat. It’s over there to the righ … … the far-right.”

Robert Irwin hosted this year’s Logies. Picture: Supplied

He took aim at both Hughesy and Stefanovic. Picture: YouTube

In footage published by New Idea on Tuesday, the former Today host was asked on camera what he really thought of Irwin’s remarks.

“You know, I didn’t watch the Logies,” Stefanovic, who was previously a regular fixture at the show (and afterparties).

“I had the most beautiful night’s sleep, and I woke up fresh on a Monday morning after the Logies for the first time in 20 years.”

He added, with a laugh: “Can’t be cranky with Robert Irwin. It would be like being cranky with Bambi.”

Following Irwin’s Stefanovic jab on Sunday, the camera had then panned to the TV host-turned-podcaster’s former rivals, Sunrise‘s Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington, who failed to laugh at the joke as Nat nonchalantly sipped on her champagne.

Viewers online were divided on Irwin’s performance at the helm of the show – a job he’d taken over from three-time host – and now, Gold Logie winner – Sam Pang.

It wouldn’t be an Irwin appearance without some terrifying reptiles. Picture: James Gourley/Getty Images

“Robert Irwin was one of my favourite Aussies, but this was a low, unnecessary blow against Kar … … Did you have to make it political, Bob?” one viewer tweeted.

“Jesus, get off stage Robert,” yet another wrote, as another concluded, ‘‘TV is on mute. Robert Irwin is irritating.”

However, there were just as many positive comments among the criticism, saying he “absolutely killed it as host”.

“Robert Irwin has topped every previous Logies host in the first five minutes,” one fan wrote, as another praised, “Robert Irwin was sensational tonight as the Logies compere! What a wonderful talented, very genuine, decent person he is. Well done Robert, your dad would have been very proud of you.”

“Robert Irwin, as always, showed up, put the work in and did a good job. An affable and obliging host who makes it look easy – well done, mate,” one congratulated, as one said, “Robert Irwin is so awesome, he definitely should get the hosting gig next year.”