The Seven Network has unveiled its highly anticipated programming slate for 2026, featuring a mix of comedy, reality shows, and sports events. Announced at Randwick Racecourse on Wednesday, the lineup includes a new comedy by Mick Molloy, a wildlife series led by Dr. Chris Brown, and a quiz show hosted by Shane Jacobson. The network will also broadcast the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, alongside returning favorites such as The Voice and Farmer Wants a Wife.
Seven’s announcement follows a similar reveal by rival network Nine, which also emphasized established personalities and formats. Notably absent from both networks’ lineups are new local scripted dramas or comedies, with Seven continuing to rely on its long-running soap Home and Away as its sole scripted offering.
Mick Molloy and Comedy Ventures
While details remain sparse, Mick Molloy’s upcoming comedy promises a fresh format and will feature Glenn Robbins and other “funny friends” as guests. Molloy’s popular sports comedy panel show, The Front Bar, co-hosted with Sam Pang and Andy Maher, will make a return, continuing to entertain audiences with its unique blend of humor and sports commentary.
Dr. Chris Brown’s Wildlife and Renovation Endeavors
Dr. Chris Brown is set to explore the world of wildlife with Once in a Lifetime, a series that will take him on global journeys alongside personalities like Amanda Keller and Kate Ritchie. These adventures will see Brown return to his veterinary roots, with his companions serving as “untrained and unqualified veterinary assistants.”
In addition to his wildlife series, Brown will host My Reno Rules, a new renovation show where four teams compete to transform two rundown houses in Melbourne. The judging panel includes Love It or List It‘s Neale Whitaker and buyers’ agent Simon Cohen. Seven hopes this venture will fare better than their previous collaboration, My Dream Home, which was canceled after one season.
New Quiz and Reality Formats
The network also announced Caught in the Middle, a quiz show where two contestants face off against 100 others displayed on a giant screen. Over 15 rounds, participants must outsmart the crowd by selecting answers that match as many rivals as possible.
Meanwhile, SAS: Australia v England will see Australian and UK celebrities compete, although host Ant Middleton will not return. Additionally, First Dates Australia is set for a comeback, offering a “fresh take” on the British dating format that previously aired on Seven and Network 10.
Returning Favorites and Sports Coverage
Seven’s lineup is bolstered by returning hits such as My Kitchen Rules, The 1% Club, and The Chase Australia. The network will also air two music documentaries: Tina Arena: Unravel Me and The Mental As Anything Story. The Logies are confirmed for next year, though the host remains unannounced.
Sports coverage will remain a staple, with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games set for July. The network will continue to broadcast AFL and cricket, including the Ashes Test in Perth on November 21 and the Big Bash League. The AFL season kicks off in February with AFL Origin, followed by men’s and women’s competitions.
Seven also highlighted the growth of its free streaming service, 7Plus, which saw “1.4 million new registrations, [with] daily active users up 31 percent,” underscoring the network’s digital expansion.
This comprehensive lineup reflects Seven’s strategy to leverage familiar faces and proven formats, aiming to capture a wide audience across various genres. As the competitive landscape of Australian television evolves, Seven’s mix of new and returning content positions it to maintain its stronghold in the market.
