In a major industry event held at the Winx Stand, Royal Randwick, Seven has unveiled its programming highlights for 2026, promising a diverse mix of comedy, quiz shows, and the much-anticipated Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The lineup reflects Seven’s strategic focus on growth and audience engagement across its platforms, particularly 7plus.
Among the new offerings is Caught in the Middle, a high-stakes quiz series hosted by Shane Jacobson and filmed in The Netherlands. The show promises to be an intense battle of wits, with contestants facing off against a hundred opponents. Additionally, a new comedy series from Mick Molloy and Glenn Robbins is set to bring laughter back to prime time, though its title remains under wraps.
New Programming and Returning Favorites
The announcement comes as Seven aims to capitalize on the popularity of quiz formats, with Caught in the Middle joining the ranks of successful shows like The 1% Club. Angus Ross, Seven Group Managing Director, Television, commented on the trend, stating,
“Quiz is running red hot at the moment, not just here, but around the world.”
Meanwhile, the network is also introducing SAS: Australia v England, a grueling competition set in the Moroccan desert, featuring celebrities from both nations. The show will test participants’ mental and physical endurance in a simulated SAS environment.
Returning favorites include Australian Idol, Farmer Wants a Wife, MKR, The Voice, and the iconic Home & Away, among others. These shows have consistently drawn large audiences, and their return is expected to bolster Seven’s ratings further.
Sporting Highlights and International Content
One of the most significant highlights of Seven’s 2026 schedule is the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, set to take place from July 23 to August 2. The Games will feature a 10-sport program with approximately 3,000 athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth nations. Viewers can look forward to witnessing top athletes like sprinter Gout Gout and Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy in action.
Seven’s sports lineup will also include AFL, cricket, horse racing, and Supercars, ensuring a comprehensive offering for sports enthusiasts. As Jeff Howard, Seven West Media Managing Director and CEO, noted,
“Our focus in 2026 is on growth, partnership, and performance. We’re bringing all three.”
International content also features prominently, with new titles such as Extreme Planet Earth and Operation Dark Phone joining returning hits like Britain’s Got Talent and 9-1-1.
Innovations and Viewer Engagement
Seven is not only expanding its content but also enhancing viewer engagement through technological innovations. Andrew Green, Director of Content Strategy for 7plus, highlighted the introduction of ‘Remind Me’ alerts and a personalized ‘My 7plus’ preference center, designed to make streaming more intuitive.
These features aim to improve the user experience by helping audiences find their preferred content more easily, thus supporting the platform’s growth. The move represents a strategic effort to adapt to changing viewing habits and the increasing demand for on-demand content.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the robust lineup, some challenges remain. The future of popular shows like RFDS and Dancing with the Stars is uncertain, with renewals still under consideration. Additionally, some programs, such as Stranded on Honeymoon Island and Ultimate Escape, have been axed.
Looking ahead, Seven’s strategy appears focused on leveraging its strong sports portfolio and popular entertainment formats to drive audience growth. As Angus Ross emphasized,
“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.”
With a comprehensive slate of new and returning shows, Seven is poised to maintain its position as a leading broadcaster in Australia, offering content that resonates with diverse audiences across the nation.
