Episodes of the series generally opened with Hogan, playing a version of himself he called 'Hoges', presenting a stand-up comedy routine dressed in his bridge rigger's costume of boots, shorts, and shirt with sleeves cut off.

The show then presented a series of comedy sketches, usually with Hogan in the lead role and playing various recurring characters, including: Another recurring sketch featured Hogan again playing "himself" as Hoges, depicting the character's situation of living the carefree bachelor life in a disorderly apartment with his flatmate Strop.

The series also regularly featured attractive female models and actresses in its sketches - frequently in revealing costumes.

The series also became popular in the UK as a result of its scheduling within peak time on the new Channel 4, and was one of the shows shown on its launch night on 2 November 1982.

The first three seasons from 1973 to 1975 of the Paul Hogan Show were on the Seven Network until Kerry Packer took over Channel 9 and invited them back.