An early review of Tonightly with Tom Ballard was positive, saying "the writing is top notch, the performances strong and getting stronger, and the filmed inserts are beautifully realised.
[6] The ABC later personally apologised to Mr Bailey, but defended the decision to air the segment,[7] while expressions of support for the show were made by Joe Hildebrand,[8] Wil Anderson and Annabel Crabb.
[9] In August 2018, the show received criticism for a musical segment which highlighted perceived contradictions between Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Christian faith and his actions as a politician.
[11] 'Sex Pest', a song from the series performed by Bridie Connell and Wyatt Nixon-Lloyd, won the 2018 ARIA Award for Best Comedy Release.
[citation needed] In mid-August 2018 it was announced that Tonightly with Tom Ballard would be dropped from the ABC line up and would air for the last time on 7 September 2018.