Australians are slamming Channel Nine’s coverage of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony – and targeting one of the network’s biggest stars, Karl Stefanovic, as they lash out at him

Australians were quick to criticise Channel Nine’s coverage of the Paris Olympics, furious with presenter Karl Stefanovic – if they were able to watch them at all.

Thousands of Australians woke up in the middle of the night to watch the Paris Games open and had to wait hours for the Australians to finally emerge because they are the host nation for 2032, with Olympic protocol stipulating they were the penultimate nation to appear.

However, they were not impressed with Nine’s handling of the opening ceremony – and Stefanovic’s comments in particular.

They accused him of failing to talk about important and entertaining parts of the ceremony, and many took to social media to ask him to keep quiet.

“@Channel9, for the love of God, tell that idiot Karl Stefanovic to shut up during the performances. I was planning on watching Channel 9’s Olympics broadcast, but if this is an example of how bad the broadcast is… I’m going to turn it off right now,” one posted.

“The coverage of the #Paris2024 opening ceremony by @9NewsAUS is absolutely appalling. @karlstefanovic is horrible and offers no information. Terrible casting for this moment. The ceremony itself is pretty boring. Just a few boats floating on the river,” another added.

Another was outraged: “Why the hell did you choose Karl Stefanovic as the host of the opening ceremony? Todd Woodbridge alone would have been perfect.”

Viewers were unimpressed with Channel Nine’s coverage of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, with host Karl Stefanovic taking aim.

The opening ceremony was also marred by bad weather and rain which spoiled the arrival of the athletes.

But viewers didn’t appreciate being reminded of this constantly throughout the show.

“Can someone shut up Karl Stefanovic? It’s raining, we get it. You’re a pathetic presenter @Channel9,” one viewer posted.

“Karl Stefanovic, shut up about the weather. We get it, it’s raining,” said another.

And some viewers complained that they couldn’t watch the show at all.

“So all Channel 9 channels have disappeared from my TV and are refusing to auto or manually scan for programs just in time for the Olympics. Guess I’ll find another way to watch programs other than the useless Channel 9,” fumed one disappointed Australian.

Rainy weather also marred the opening ceremony, which took place along the Seine.

The Australians were the penultimate participants, as Brisbane will host the Games in 2032.

And those who watched wondered about the lack of subtitles for the dignitaries’ long speeches in French.

“Does Channel 9 have subtitles so I can read what he’s saying?” one asked.

“What’s wrong with your coverage of the opening ceremony in Paris… it’s blurry. It looks like a cover from the 1970s,” posted another.

Stefanovic was not the only presenter to come under fire from Australian viewers, with some questioning the talent chosen for Paris.

“Why the hell is Matthew Pavlich doing the Olympics? Great to see Channel 9 using experts for their coverage,” one posted.

While Channel 9 has attracted widespread criticism, national broadcaster ABC has received praise, including for bringing its beloved presenter Bruce McAvaney out of retirement to cover the 2024 Games.

“Five minutes into the Olympic opening ceremony on Channel 9, you appreciate that Bruce McAvaney is certainly irreplaceable,” said one viewer.

“I wish Bruce McAvaney would do this (on Channel Nine) – now that’s class,” posted another.