At a vibrant industry event held at the Winx Stand, Royal Randwick, Seven has unveiled its programming highlights for 2026. The lineup promises a dynamic mix of new shows and returning favorites, with a strong emphasis on comedy, quiz formats, and the much-anticipated Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Among the new offerings is the quiz series Caught in the Middle, hosted by Shane Jacobson and filmed in The Netherlands. Comedy returns to prime time with a yet-to-be-titled series featuring Mick Molloy and Glenn Robbins. Additionally, SAS: Australia v England will test celebrities in the Moroccan desert, while Tina Arena: Unravel Me offers an intimate look at the iconic singer’s life.
New and Returning Shows
The announcement comes as Seven aims to bolster its content strategy with fresh formats and beloved staples. My Reno Rules, hosted by Dr. Chris Brown, will challenge teams to renovate homes in Melbourne, while Once in a Lifetime takes viewers on global wildlife journeys. Returning hits include Australian Idol, Farmer Wants a Wife, The Voice, and Home & Away.
Seven West Media’s Managing Director and CEO, Jeff Howard, emphasized the network’s focus on growth and performance, stating,
“Our focus in 2026 is on growth, partnership, and performance. We’re bringing all three.”
Commonwealth Games Coverage
The Commonwealth Games will return to Seven, with coverage from Glasgow scheduled from 23 July to 2 August 2026. The event will showcase top athletes, including sprint sensation Gout Gout and Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy. The Games will feature a 10-sport program with over 3,000 athletes from up to 74 nations.
Seven’s Group Managing Director, Television, Angus Ross, highlighted the network’s commitment to sports, noting,
“Seven already has the best sport schedule in Australia and next year it will get even better with the addition of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.”
Strategic Focus on Audience Engagement
This development follows Seven’s strategic focus on driving audience growth through diverse content and innovative digital experiences. The network’s digital platform, 7plus, will introduce new features like ‘Remind Me’ alerts to enhance viewer engagement.
Andrew Green, Director of Content Strategy for 7plus, remarked on the platform’s evolution, stating,
“Every new feature on 7plus is designed to make streaming smarter and more intuitive.”
International and Special Events
International series such as Extreme Planet Earth and Operation Dark Phone will join the lineup, alongside returning favorites like The Rookie and Britain’s Got Talent. Special events, including the TV Week Logie Awards and Carols in the Domain, will also feature prominently.
Despite the robust lineup, some shows like RFDS and Dancing with the Stars remain unconfirmed, as the network evaluates their fit within the schedule.
Looking Ahead
The move represents Seven’s commitment to delivering a compelling mix of entertainment, sport, and news content that resonates with audiences nationwide. As the network gears up for 2026, its focus remains on leveraging its diverse programming to engage viewers across all platforms.
With a strong lineup and strategic innovations, Seven is poised to capture the attention of millions of Australians, offering a year of entertainment that promises to be both exciting and memorable.
