The Irwins are an iconic Australian family and have been a significant part of our country for a long time as they work to help preserve our wildlife.
But now they’re facing backlash from their fellow Aussies over the scheduling of the upcoming TV special from Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell’s wedding.
While the ceremony took place here in Australia at the Irwin’s infamous Australia Zoo on March 25, Australia will actually be the last country to watch the special titled ‘Crikey! It’s The Irwins: Bindi’s Wedding’.
It won’t be available here Down Under until July 18, and it’s since been revealed that the special will have aired in every other country before then, causing significant backlash online.
The wedding special aired over the weekend in the US and it will air in the UK on May 3, Papua New Guniea, Cambodia, Hong Kong and other Asian countries on May 18, Taiwan on May 23 and South Korea on July 3 before it finally airs in Australia in mid-July.
Sharing dates for our wedding episode worldwide!
USA: NOW!
Australia: July 18
UK & Ireland: May 3
Taiwan: 23 May
South Korea: July 3Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macao, Mongolia, Maylasia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam: May 18 pic.twitter.com/QRLSMUhFuy
— Chandler Powell (@chandlerpowell9) April 19, 2020
People in Australia were quick to comment on how bizarre it was that Australia would have to wait until last to view the special on Animal Planet.
“I’m so confused why Aussies have to wait the longest when you got married 40mins down the road from me? #rippedoff,” said one person on Twitter.
“Omg it was in Australia and Australians don’t even get to see it until July like if you’re mad,” another wrote.
“I find it weird how the wedding took place in Australia and they’re the LAST ones to see it,” added a third person.
Chandler Powell has since responded to the backlash, saying that the programming of the special is out of their control.
Hi guys! Thank you to everyone who tuned in. Programming is out of our control as Animal Planet decides when to air the show. We will keep you posted as we find out more air dates!
— Chandler Powell (@chandlerpowell9) April 19, 2020
“Hi guys! Thank you to everyone who tuned in. Programming is out of our control as Animal Planet decided when to air the show. We will keep you posted as we find out more air dates!”
Terri Irwin also tweeted saying that they will ask Animal Planet if they can make the special available earlier in Australia.
We don’t have an answer for that, as @AnimalPlanet is in charge of working through the scheduling for more than 200 countries and territories around the world. We would love to see the wedding special on earlier in Australia. We’ll pose the question and let you know!
— Terri Irwin (@TerriIrwin) April 19, 2020
Bindi and Chandler married on March 25 at Australia Zoo after they had to quickly alter their wedding plans due to restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic.