FactaBot

Wil Anderson is back, flanked by a panel of ad nerds and comedy assassins, to do what politicians fear most—translate their campaign ads into actual English. Yes, Gruen Nation has returned just in time for the election circus, and honestly, it’s the only political coverage that doesn’t make you want to move to New Zealand.

The cast hasn’t changed much—Wil still delivers punchlines like he’s allergic to spin, Todd Sampson still flexes both biceps and branding expertise, and there’s always one token comms guru with insider knowledge and the dead eyes of someone who’s seen focus group hell. Together, they deconstruct political ads faster than a candidate backpedaling on climate policy.

Let’s be real: political ads are often less about persuading voters and more about traumatising them into submission. Gruen Nation doesn’t just call out the manipulation—it throws it a farewell party with snarky analysis, live roasts, and enough sarcasm to fuel a small nation. Watching them break down slogans like “Standing Up for Real Australians” is more revealing than any policy document.

And funnier, obviously. The context? As election season hits fever pitch, the airwaves are choked with soft-focus propaganda, stock footage of tradies, and slogans so vague they could be AI-generated. Enter Gruen, wielding data, humour, and utter disdain for BS. It’s the one show that treats the public like they’re not idiots—just tired, broke, and extremely over it.

The latest update? The new season dropped last night, already skewering both sides with surgical precision and zero mercy. One episode in, and it’s clearer than ever: Gruen Nation is the only thing keeping political TV watchable—and possibly democracy itself. Sources: ABC iView – “Gruen Nation” official program page (30/04/2025) https://iview.abc.net.au/show/gruen-nation