despite packer's objections to the series' content, it was popular among viewers. the special was recorded to a record studio audience. after the announcement, nine reportedly received "thousands" of phone calls from viewers, with 65 percent of callers upset with the programme being pulled, in contrast to the 60 callers who called in during the show's broadcast, complaining about the show. viewers were generally bewildered by the sudden interruption and the cut to "cheers", not knowing about the show's cancellation until it was widely reported by the australian media outlets the next day.