‘Cringe’: Karl’s Paris efforts slammed

As Aussies across the country tuned in for the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, many were left unimpressed, taking to social media to slam Karl Stefanovic’s coverage of the major event as “dull” and “woeful”.

The ceremony along Paris’ famous River Seine kicked off in the early hours of Saturday morning, with many Australians tuning in to Channel 9’s coverage to watch the Australian athletes participate in the parade of nations.

But viewers were quick to criticise the broadcaster’s live coverage, especially Stefanovic’s rolling commentary of the more than four-hour long event.

“The Channel 9 commentary is so bad, beyond cringe, I wonder (if) it’s been beset by technical difficulties beyond Karl Stefanovic’s personality?” one viewer questioned.

Another Olympics fans pleaded for the broadcaster to “shut up” the presenter, who repeatedly reminded viewers of the bleak weather that left athletes drenched.

“It’s raining, we get it. You’re a pathetic broadcaster Channel 9,” one man said.

Others were quick to offer their preferred pick for ceremony host and question why Stefanovic was selected at all.

One outraged Aussie said fellow broadcaster and former professional tennis player Todd Woodbridge would have been “perfect” to host the ceremony solo.

“Why the f*** would you have Karl Stefanovic as a host for the Opening Ceremony?

Todd Woodbridge by himself would have been perfect,” one viewer wrote.

“Karl is not OK – he is woeful, Todd is OK but it’s horrible coverage,” another disgruntled viewer said.

“Karl Stefanovic is horrific and has zero insight to offer. Terrible casting for this moment.”

Some viewers were so incensed by the quality of the coverage, they threatened to turn their televisions off.

While some viewers remained caught up on Nine’s coverage, others were thrilled to be watching about 80 Australian athletes don the green and gold as flag-bearers Jessica Fox and Eddie Ockenden led the team down the Seine.

The boast parade was a 6km journey through the City of Lights, passing some of the city’s most famous landmarks including the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral and the Louvre.

International stars such as Celine Dion and Lady Gaga took river banks to perform in the French language in front of thousands of Olympics fans who lined the river.