The Seven Network has unveiled its 2026 programming lineup, featuring a diverse array of shows that include a new comedy by Mick Molloy, a wildlife series with Dr. Chris Brown, and a quiz show hosted by Shane Jacobson. The announcement was made at Randwick Racecourse on Wednesday afternoon, highlighting a schedule rich in sports, news, game shows, and reality TV.
Much like its competitor, Nine Network, which announced its own 2026 lineup last week, Seven is banking on familiar faces and formats. Notably, Seven did not introduce any new local scripted dramas or comedies, with the long-standing soap Home and Away remaining its sole scripted series offering.
Mick Molloy and Dr. Chris Brown Lead New Offerings
While details about Mick Molloy’s new comedy series remain sparse, it is confirmed to be a fresh format featuring Glenn Robbins and other comedic guests. Molloy’s popular sports comedy panel show, The Front Bar, will also return, continuing his collaboration with Sam Pang and Andy Maher.
Dr. Chris Brown will return to his veterinary roots in Once in a Lifetime, a series that promises “global wildlife journeys” alongside personalities like Amanda Keller, Kate Ritchie, and Matt Preston, who will serve as Brown’s “untrained and unqualified veterinary assistants,” according to Seven.
Brown is also set to host My Reno Rules, a new renovation series that pits four teams against each other in a competition to revitalize two rundown houses in Melbourne. The judging panel will include Neale Whitaker from Love It or List It and Simon Cohen from Luxe Listings Sydney.
Quiz Shows and Reality TV Highlights
The quiz show Caught in the Middle is another new format, where two contestants compete against 100 others displayed on a giant studio screen. Over 15 rounds, contestants must “outsmart the crowd by picking answers that match as many rivals as possible.”
Meanwhile, the reality show SAS: Australia v England will see seven Australian celebrities face off against seven UK celebrities. Although no names have been revealed, Seven confirmed that Ant Middleton will not be hosting.
First Dates Australia is set to return with a “fresh take” on the successful British dating format. The show previously aired on Seven for four seasons before moving to Network 10 for a single season in 2022.
Returning Favorites and Sports Coverage
Seven also announced the return of popular shows like 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. Additionally, two music documentaries, Tina Arena: Unravel Me and The Mental As Anything Story, are set to premiere.
The network will broadcast the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July, stepping in as a replacement after Victoria withdrew from hosting. Sporting events will continue with AFL and cricket, including the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21, and the Big Bash League. The AFL season kicks off in February, featuring AFL Origin and the Brownlow Medal broadcast.
Seven also highlighted the success of its free streaming service 7Plus, noting “1.4 million new registrations, [with] daily active users up 31 percent.”
Analysis and Future Prospects
The announcement comes as networks increasingly rely on established formats and personalities to secure viewership in a competitive media landscape. By focusing on reality TV and sports, Seven aims to capture a wide audience while leveraging the growing popularity of streaming services.
As the media industry evolves, Seven’s strategy of combining traditional broadcast with digital platforms like 7Plus reflects a broader trend towards multi-platform content delivery. This approach not only caters to existing audiences but also attracts new viewers seeking flexible viewing options.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Seven’s 2026 lineup performs against its competitors and whether its reliance on familiar formats will continue to resonate with audiences. The network’s ability to innovate within these formats will likely determine its success in the coming years.
