You know those rainy Sundays when the weather seems to keep everyone indoors, sipping tea and catching up on Netflix? Well, instead of doing just that, myself and my good friend Seb decided to take a trip down memory lane—or, more precisely, to a small slice of Australian TV history in Marrickville, Sydney.
Let me set the scene. It’s 1993, and ABC TV’s The Late Show is a hit. For those who aren’t familiar, this was the show where comedy legends Mick Molloy and Tony Martin would deliver hilarious street segments that became an indelible part of Aussie pop culture. One such segment had them hitting the streets of Sydney to interview random locals about the upcoming Sydney 2000 Olympics. The whole thing was classic Molloy and Martin: unfiltered, unexpected, and full of the kind of sharp wit that made the show so memorable.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Among the random people they interviewed was none other than Tom Panos—yes, the real estate icon himself, though back then he was just a bloke on the street. And where was he? Standing outside a dental surgery in Marrickville, no less. It was in this very spot that Molloy famously delivered the line, “Jump in my car… I like that!” A phrase that, if you’re a fan of The Late Show, probably still echoes in your head.
Fast forward 30 years, and you might be wondering: is that dental surgery still there? We certainly were, and that’s what led us to venture out into the rain. Armed with little more than memories and a vague idea of where this historical TV moment took place, we set out to find the answer.
Marrickville has changed a lot since the early ’90s. It’s now a vibrant, multicultural hub known for its eclectic mix of eateries, artisan shops, and a thriving arts scene. But would the dental surgery—a seemingly unremarkable location, except for its brush with TV fame—have survived the passage of time?
As we wandered through Marrickville, passing trendy cafes and hipster boutiques, they couldn’t help but wonder if we were on a wild goose chase. But then, as we turned a corner, there it was: the dental surgery. Standing as if frozen in time, almost untouched by the surrounding neighbourhood’s evolution. It was a strange, almost surreal moment. Here was this tiny piece of television history, still standing, still part of the community, three decades later.
It’s funny to think about how a random, off-the-cuff moment from a comedy show can leave such a lasting impression. For myself and Seb, this little adventure was more than just a trip to a quirky location—it was a chance to connect with a piece of our own past, to relive the humour and joy of a show that, for many, defined a generation.
So, is the dental surgery still standing? Yes, it is. And while it might seem like a trivial detail in the grand scheme of things, for fans of The Late Show, it’s a reminder of the enduring legacy of Aussie comedy and the small, everyday places that become part of our cultural fabric. Next time you’re in Marrickville, maybe swing by and give a nod to this unassuming piece of TV history. Who knows? You might just find yourself smiling at the memory of a simpler time, when all it took was a clever line and a random encounter to make TV magic.
Disclaimer: This video has zero association with The D-Generation, Working Dog, ABC, Tom Panos, and the businesses of Marrickville – including the Dental Surgery.
