SHOCKING Comeback: Karl Stefanovic FINALLY Fires Back at Robert Irwin's Controversial Logies Joke

While some weren’t fond of the dig, the ex-Channel 9 star said there’s no bad blood between him and Robert.

It appears there’s no bad blood between Karl Stefanovic and Robert Irwin after the Logies.

The 22-year-old wildlife warrior hosted Australian TV’s night of nights on Sunday, and in his opening monologue, he took a shot at the ex-Today show star.

Karl launched an independent podcast earlier this year, which he operated in tandem with his hosting duties on the Channel 9 breakfast program.

Karl Stefanovic looking at the camera next to Robert Irwin on the stage — Karl Stefanovic has addressed Robert Irwin’s controversial joke at the 2026 Logies. (The Karl Stefanovic Show/Getty)

But when he interviewed far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, Nine decided to part ways with Karl after more than two decades.

It’s been one of the biggest entertainment stories of the year, and it would have been remiss of Robert not to mention it at the Logies.

“Just a quick little bit of housekeeping,” he said.

“Unfortunately, Karl Stefanovic didn’t RSVP tonight, which means we didn’t have to hire quite as many bartenders.

“But we’ve kept him a spare seat, just in case, it’s over there to the right.

“The…far right.”

The controversial punchline prompted a few laughs in the crowd, with some attendees looking rather shocked by the unexpected jab.

On social media, some praised him while others derided him for wading into politics.

But it was water off a duck’s back for Karl.

Speaking to New Idea, the ex-Channel 9 star said it certainly didn’t ruffle his feathers.

“You can’t be cranky with Robert Irwin. It’d be like being cranky with Bambi,” he told the publication.

“I didn’t watch the Logies.

“I had the most beautiful night’s sleep, and I woke up fresh for the first time on a Monday morning after the Logies in 20 years.”

Will Robert Irwin host the 2027 Logies?

It was the first time Robert had hosted the Logies, and he made history on Sunday as the youngest person to ever have the coveted gig.

In addition to his joke-filled monologue, he had an adrenaline-pumping dance number to kick off the night, as well as a segment dedicated to wildlife, where he paraded snakes and other reptiles around the room and even put them onto some of the attendees.

Robert Irwin with a snake — Robert had plenty of fun segments sprinkled across the evening to keep the Logies audience entertained. (Getty)

Many thought he injected a lot of fun, youthful energy into the hosting gig, and questions have been raised about whether he should be given the honour in 2027.

A poll of more than 16,000 Yahoo Lifestyle readers found 59 per cent felt the role should be given to someone else, while 41 per cent are keen for him to host again.

“I don’t think I have ever enjoyed an Australian TV show more. Way past my bedtime, but young Robert did a magnificent job,” said one supporter.

“Not unless they have someone who writes better jokes. The Karl Stefanovic one could have seriously damaged his popularity. It isn’t a good time for political jokes in Australia,” added another.

We won’t know which way the Logies will go until next year, so don’t hold your breath.