In a major announcement during its annual upfront presentation in Sydney, the ABC has unveiled an exciting line-up for 2026, featuring new scripted comedies from beloved Australian talents Sam Pang and Kitty Flanagan. The new series promise to bring humor and insight to a variety of contemporary issues, with Pang starring in Ground Up and Flanagan leading Bad Company.
Ground Up will see Sam Pang take on the role of a football administrator tasked with overseeing the creation of Tasmania’s first AFL team and the construction of a new stadium. This six-episode satire, created by Gary McCaffrie, is set to explore the intersection of sport and politics, echoing the style of Utopia and The Games. Produced by McCaffrie alongside Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, the series taps into the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed $2 billion stadium in Tasmania, which has been a point of contention and even influenced a state election.
Comedy and Controversy: The ABC’s New Offerings
In addition to Ground Up, the ABC’s 2026 line-up includes Bad Company, a comedy series starring Kitty Flanagan and Anne Edmonds. The show will delve into the comedic chaos that ensues when a corporate executive is brought in to resolve the financial turmoil caused by a freewheeling artistic director at a renowned theatre.
Meanwhile, the ABC is set to air documentaries on two contrasting figures in Australian entertainment: John Clarke and Rolf Harris. But Also John Clarke, directed by his daughter Lorin Clarke, will celebrate the legacy of the late comedian, while Rolf Harris: Can You Tell What I Am Yet? will examine the darker aspects of Harris’s life and career.
Expanding the Narrative: Documentaries and Dramas
The ABC’s commitment to diverse storytelling is evident in its upcoming documentaries and dramas. The State of Man by Marc Fennell will explore masculinity in the modern age, while Hamish McDonald’s The Matter of Facts will investigate the challenges to truth in contemporary society.
On the drama front, Anna Torv will star in Dustfall, a “tropic noir” series about a detective tackling a series of drink-spiking incidents. Michael Dorman will lead Treasure & Dirt, a detective series set in an opal mining town, adapted from Chris Hammer’s best-selling novel.
Reflecting on History: Goolagong and Robo-Debt
The biopic Goolagong, directed by Wayne Blair, will offer a look at the early career of one of Australia’s most legendary sports figures. Meanwhile, Shakedown will dramatize the robo-debt crisis, a topic recently explored in a documentary series on SBS.
Engaging New Audiences: Entertainment and Children’s Programming
In the entertainment arena, Julia Morris will host Class Clowns, a show where comedians return to the classroom to tackle school assignments. Tony Armstrong will present Always Was Tonight, a satirical news program aiming to decolonize the news.
For younger audiences, the animated series Gurtha Nharana Lullaby will bring Dreamtime stories from Arnhem Land to life, featuring music from popular band King Stingray.
ABC director of screen Jennifer Collins emphasized the network’s dedication to local content, stating,
“Australian audiences are really choosing to watch Australian shows over our international offerings. A lot of our acquisitions are doing really well for us, but it is the Australian titles that are always up there in the top 10.”
With a promise of “60 premium television series” in the coming year, the ABC is poised to deliver a diverse array of content that resonates with viewers across the nation. As the broadcaster continues to expand its offerings, audiences can look forward to a rich tapestry of stories that reflect both the humor and complexity of Australian life.
