The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 programming slate, promising a mix of returning favorites and innovative new series. The announcement highlights the network’s commitment to delivering diverse and engaging content, featuring high-profile personalities such as Julia Morris and Guy Sebastian.
Julia Morris, a renowned TV host and comedian, will headline the new show Class Clowns, where she takes on the role of a principal guiding comedians through absurd assignments based on classic school subjects. Morris humorously remarked, “While school was not one of my special gifts, I will lead with conviction, judgement and zero tolerance for anyone who overuses the expression ‘zero tolerance’.”
Comedy and Drama: New Offerings
Joining Morris in the comedy realm is Anne Edmonds, who will star alongside Kitty Flanagan in the drama-comedy Bad Company. Created and written by Edmonds, the series is set within a struggling theatre company led by the inept artistic director Margie, played by Edmonds. Flanagan’s character, Julia, is the executive brought in to salvage the situation. Edmonds expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m thrilled to be making an ABC comedy about something so close to my heart — the drama behind the scenes. And getting to make it with Kitty Flanagan? A dream come true.”
Meanwhile, Sam Pang will take on a new role in the comedy Ground Up, portraying an AFL administrator tasked with establishing a new club in Tasmania. The series promises a humorous exploration of the challenges faced when building a team without a stadium, amidst financial controversies.
Innovative Storytelling and Animation
In a departure from traditional formats, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Shaun Tan will debut an animated series based on his acclaimed anthology Tales from Outer Suburbia. The show, suitable for both children and adults, follows siblings Klara and Pim as they navigate their surreal new environment. Tan shared his perspective, saying, “All my stories are about this question of belonging, you know, what does it mean to belong somewhere and this constant feeling of displacement.”
Celebrating Milestones and Returning Favorites
The ABC’s 2026 schedule isn’t solely focused on new content. It marks significant anniversaries for beloved programs, with Australian Story turning 30, ABC Classic celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Play School reaching six decades on air. Additionally, Guy Sebastian will join the second season of the music-centric show The Piano, alongside classical pianist Andrea Lam and host Amanda Keller.
Shaun Micallef will return with a new documentary, Going for Broke, examining Australia’s gambling culture. Zan Rowe will transition from music to reality TV as the host of the Race Around the World reboot, featuring John Safran as a judge. In the audio realm, Alan Kohler will launch a podcast series Alan Kohler: In Conversation, interviewing corporate leaders, while Tom Forrest, also known as Outback Tom, will host a country music show on triple j.
A Diverse Array of Genres
The ABC’s 2026 line-up spans a wide range of genres, from scripted dramas like Dog Park and Dustfall to documentaries such as The State of Man and The Matter of Facts. The network also offers arts and entertainment programs, including the ABC Young Performer Awards and the satirical show Always Was Tonight.
Children’s programming will see new entries like Caper Crew and Dance with Tom, while audio offerings include Black Swan and Granny Bingo. In news and current affairs, audiences can anticipate the return of staples such as ABC News Breakfast and Four Corners.
With its 2026 line-up, the ABC continues to reinforce its position as a leader in Australian broadcasting, offering a rich tapestry of content that caters to a wide audience. As viewers prepare their watch schedules, the network’s blend of new and familiar faces promises an exciting year ahead.
