The Seven Network has unveiled its programming slate for 2026, featuring a blend of comedy, game shows, and sports. The announcement was made at Randwick Racecourse on Wednesday afternoon, showcasing a schedule that leans heavily on familiar faces and formats. Among the highlights is a new, yet-to-be-named comedy by Mick Molloy, a wildlife series featuring Dr. Chris Brown, and a quiz show hosted by Shane Jacobson. Music documentaries, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and returning hits such as The Voice and Farmer Wants a Wife also headline the network’s offerings.
Much like its rival Nine Network, which revealed its 2026 programs last week, Seven is banking on established personalities and tried-and-true formats. Notably absent from the announcement was any new local scripted drama or comedy, with the long-running soap Home and Away remaining the network’s sole confirmed scripted series.
Mick Molloy’s New Comedy and Returning Favorites
Details about Mick Molloy’s upcoming comedy series remain sparse, with Seven only disclosing that it will feature Glenn Robbins and other “funny friends” as guests. Molloy’s existing sports comedy panel show, The Front Bar, co-hosted with Sam Pang and Andy Maher, is set to return, continuing its successful run.
Dr. Chris Brown will also be a prominent figure on the network, returning to his veterinary roots with Once in a Lifetime. This series will see Brown embark on global wildlife journeys, accompanied by personalities such as Amanda Keller, Kate Ritchie, and Matt Preston, who will serve as his “untrained and unqualified veterinary assistants.”
New Formats and Reality Shows
Dr. Brown will also host My Reno Rules, a new renovation series where four teams of Australians will compete to transform two rundown houses in a Melbourne suburb. The judging panel includes Neale Whitaker from Love It or List It and Simon Cohen, known for Luxe Listings Sydney. Seven hopes this show will fare better than their previous collaboration, My Dream Home, which was discontinued after one season.
Another new format, Caught in the Middle, will see two contestants competing against a crowd of 100 others displayed on a giant screen. Over 15 rounds, the pair must “outsmart the crowd” by selecting answers that align with as many rivals as possible.
Other new shows include SAS: Australia v England, a competition between Australian and UK celebrities, and First Dates Australia, a fresh take on the successful British dating format. The latter previously aired on Seven from 2016 to 2020 before moving to Network 10 for a single season in 2022.
Returning Hits and Sports Coverage
Seven’s line-up also includes returning seasons of popular shows such as My Kitchen Rules, The 1% Club, The Chase Australia, Highway Patrol, Border Security: Australia’s Front Line, and Off the Grid with Colin and Manu. The network also confirmed the Logies for next year, though no host has been announced yet.
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games, a last-minute addition after Victoria withdrew from hosting, will be broadcast in July. The network’s sports coverage remains robust, with AFL and cricket scheduled throughout the year. This includes the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21, the Big Bash League, and the Women’s Big Bash League. The AFL season kicks off in February with AFL Origin, followed by the men’s and women’s competitions and the Brownlow Medal broadcast.
Streaming Success and Future Prospects
Seven also highlighted the success of its free streaming service, 7Plus, which has seen substantial growth. According to the network, there have been
“1.4 million new registrations, with daily active users up 31 percent.”
This digital expansion signals Seven’s commitment to adapting to changing viewer habits and enhancing its online presence.
As Seven continues to rely on familiar formats and personalities, the network’s strategy appears focused on maintaining its stronghold in the competitive Australian television landscape. The absence of new scripted dramas or comedies may raise questions about innovation, but the inclusion of diverse formats and a strong sports lineup suggests a calculated approach to audience retention and engagement.
