The Seven Network today announced proven power tentpole programs will continue to lead its successful content led growth strategy for 2021 and beyond, adjacent to its established entertainment and lifestyle programs and premier sport and news offering.
James Warburton, Seven West Media Managing Director and CEO confirmed Seven would be home to five of the biggest entertainment brands in the world from 2021, including The Voice, Big Brother, Farmer Wants A Wife, Australia’s Got Talent and from 2022, Australian Idol.
Collectively, the premium brands will continue to drive Seven’s audience growth and engagement strategy across its platforms.
“Our new content led strategy of outsourcing proven international formats has delivered this year with an incredible resurgence led by the phenomenal performance of Big Brother and Farmer Wants A Wife.
“Coupled with the return of a sensational AFL season, we’ve led every demographic since June. We’re in front in 25-54s and lead 16-39s by a massive 5.4 share points. That’s a solid transformation, despite the obvious challenges this year.”
Within half a point of winning the year, with some exciting programming still to come, including this weekend’s first ever night AFL Grand Final, Mr Warburton said the Network would deliver a disruptive schedule of fresh and engaging content, providing an unrivalled experience for its audience and partners.
“We have shown only glimpses of our best from this year and that’s got us to less than half a point from being the most watched Network in the country. With our multiple global tentpoles in play, our first-class Olympics coverage and winning news and sport schedules, get set to see what we’re really capable of.”
Seven today unveiled almost two years of programming, binding its exclusive tentpole, sport and news content.
New to Seven in 2021: one of Australia’s most successful and much-loved entertainment brands, The Voice; extreme mini golf program, Holey Moley, a US No. 1 hit two years in row; and Ultimate Tag, the world’s fastest show which takes the game of tag to a scale never seen before.
Returning hits include the world’s toughest test of celebrities, SAS Australia and feel good fan favourite, The All New Monty.
In 2021, Seven will continue to seat audiences front and centre for the biggest entertainment events including all the excitement and glamour of The 93rd Annual Academy Awards.
Seven’s continued commitment to its 7.30pm growth strategy will drive its dominance in news, sport, lifestyle and drama.
7NEWS remains Australia’s most watched and trusted television news service for five consecutive years, with more than 2.3 million Australians tuning in each weeknight LIVE at 6.00pm for the most comprehensive coverage of local and international news, sport and weather. The award-winning 7NEWS team is led by Mark Ferguson, Mel McLaughlin and David Brown in Sydney; Peter Mitchell, Tim Watson and Jane Bunn in Melbourne; Sharyn Ghidella, Max Futcher, Tony Auden and Shane Webke in Brisbane; Rod Young and Amanda Abate on the Gold Coast; Jane Doyle, Mark Soderstrom and Amelia Mulcahy in Adelaide; and Susannah Carr, Rick Ardon, Basil Zempilas and Samantha Jolly in Perth.
Sunrise is Australia’s number one breakfast program for the 17th consecutive year and returns in 2021 with co-hosts David Koch and Samantha Armytage, newsreader Natalie Barr, sports presenter Mark Beretta, features and entertainment reporter Edwina Bartholomew, and weatherman Sam Mac. More than 1.2 million Australians tune in to Sunrise each weekday for all the latest news, sport and weather.
Celebrating its 13th consecutive year of daytime domination, The Morning Show returns to Seven in 2021 with co-hosts Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur. The Morning Show remains Australia’s number one morning television program, reaching an average 1.484 million viewers nationally every week.
7NEWS will continue to take viewers well into the night in 2021 with The Latest From 7NEWS. The nightly LIVE news program, anchored by Michael Usher, covers the very latest breaking news as well as up-to-the-minute developments and analysis on the biggest news events of the day. The Latest has seen record growth in 2020 – average audience up over 60 per cent year-on-year, reaching 1.52 million viewers every week.
In just 18 months of operation, 7NEWS.com.au has stamped its position in the top three commercial news brands in the country and No. 1 news website for people under 30. Record month-on-month growth sees 7NEWS.com.au now visited by 1.3 million Australians a day – underscored by its focus to build connection, conversation and community. 7NEWS.com.au produces Australia’s No. 1 digital news program, The Lateston digitalwhich has amassed 400 million views, with two new original shows already in production for 2021.
The recently-formed 7NEWS Spotlight division is set to deliver a series of investigative specials in prime-time for Seven in 2021, focusing on major breaking news events as well as long-form investigations of national significance. 7NEWS Spotlight has produced some of Seven’s highest rating program of 2020 including the breakthrough 7NEWS Spotlight – The Lindy Tapes, a documentary watched by 1.35 million Australians.
The Chase Australia is the No. 1 daily quiz program with audience growth year-on-year. Friday night favourite Better Homes and Gardens is Australia’s No. 1 lifestyle program.
Seven continues to be the home of high calibre drama, with the No. 1 award-winning Australian drama Home and Away; hit US dramas The Good Doctor, The Rookie and 9-1-1 and season two of BAFTA award-winning UK drama Manhunt, starring Martin Clunes.
In 2021 the Network will launch RFDS, a gripping Australian drama starring Stephen Peacocke, Rob Collins, Emma Hamilton, Justine Clarke and Ash Ricardo, portraying the modern-day heroes of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Event drama, Australian Gangster, depicting Sydney’s decadently gorgeous but completely inane world of crime will also premiere.
New international dramas for 2021 include the true crime event series The Pembrokeshire Murders, detailing the cold-case pursuit of the most notorious serial killer in Welsh history. Award-winning actor David Tennant stars in Around the World in 80 Days, adapted from the beloved Jules Verne classic.
7mate is Australia’s is No.1 multichannel for 16-39s and 25-54s, delivering a winning mix of top international entertainment titles and a growing stable of homegrown content, including the cult hit Fat Pizza: Back in Business, returning for its second season in 2021.
7plus is the No. 1 commercial FTA BVOD service with a 42.4% market share (2020 Survey YTD). With hit shows, the biggest BVOD entertainment launch of all time (Big Brother 2020) and continued investment in more content led growth and more 7plus exclusives slated for 2021, it continues to be the ultimate streaming destination.
SPORT
Seven is the reigning home of sport in 2021, with the greatest events only on Seven. Spanning Seven’s broadcast channels, market leading BVOD platform 7plus and other digital properties including 7NEWS.com.au, Seven will bring audiences closer to the action than ever before.
Starting on the 23rd of July 2021, Tokyo 2020 will redefine how Australians watch sport. The 30 days of the rescheduled Olympic and Paralympic Games are forecast to reach over 21 million Australians, even more than Sydney 2000.
Seven’s broadcast coverage on Seven and 7TWO – led by Bruce McAvaney – will be simulcast in HD on 7plus. On top of this, six bonus curated 24/7 channels and 35 live streams on 7plus will allow Australians to experience the Olympics like never before. 7plus will also offer captioning in multiple languages – an Australian first.
Just seven months later, Seven will broadcast the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, starting on the 4th of February 2022. Seven will offer Australians a comprehensive, multi-platform experience for Beijing 2022, building on the unprecedented experience set to be delivered during Tokyo 2020.
Coming off one of the most remarkable seasons ever in 2020, 7AFL’s coverage of the 2021 AFL Premiership Season promises to be captivating viewing from the first bounce in March through to the final siren of the 2021 AFL Grand Final on the last Saturday in September.
7CRICKET returns in 2020-21 for its third summer of cricket, LIVE, FREE and in HD on Seven. It’s set to be a sizzling summer as India return to Australian shores to face a full-strength Australian Test team for the first time since 2014-15, with Steve Smith, David Warner and all of Australia’s superstars set to feature. The BBL and WBBL will deliver another great season of domestic cricket competition. 7RACING will again have Australia’s very best thoroughbred horse racing covered in 2021. From the Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast in January through to the iconic Spring Racing Carnival, Seven’s world-leading commentary team, led by Bruce McAvaney and Hamish McLachlan, will bring fans the most prestigious meetings throughout Australia right across the year.
Next year will also see the long-awaited return of Supercars to Seven. From 2021, Supercars will form a key part of Seven’s leading sports coverage into the future, with six Supercars races broadcast LIVE and FREE on Seven, including the iconic Bathurst 1000, plus the Bathurst 12 Hour race. Highlights from other races of the Supercars Championship will be replayed on Seven and 7plus the same day of the race delivering a comprehensive and unbeatable experience for fans, for free.
Seven’s sport coverage in 2021 goes beyond the end of play. Having established itself as Australia’s undisputed No. 1 footy show, The Front Bar, featuring Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher, returns bigger and funnier than ever to cover the 2021 AFL season. Armchair Experts, Seven’s innovate social sports show, continues in 2021 with its AFL and NFL editions.
NEW IN 2021
HOLEY MOLEY
It’s mini golf, but not as you know it! A US No.1 hit two years in a row, Holey Moley is extreme family fun. Teeing off in 2021, mini golf lovers from around Australia will compete head-to-head on an unparalleled, larger-than-life obstacle mini golf course (aka a mini golfer’s wonderland). They’ll face outof-this-world make or break putts, insane physical challenges and unimaginable distractions while they attempt to complete the course to reach the daunting final hole. Aussie golfing legend Greg Norman will serve as the Resident Golf Pro of the epic Holey Moley course with American actor/comedian Rob Riggle (Saturday Night Live, The Hangover, Step Brothers, The Other Guy) sharing commentating honours with 7NEWS sports anchor Matt Shirvington. In between ducking golf balls, host Sonia Kruger will attempt to keep everyone on course. Who will take home the $100,000, and the coveted Holey Moley plaid jacket?
HOLEY MOLEY is created and produced by Eureka Productions for the Seven Network.
THE VOICE
Megabrand The Voice is on Seven in 2021 and it’s going to have an entirely new sound. With a supercharged format hosted by Sonia Kruger, one of Australian television’s most successful and muchloved entertainment franchises will captivate fans new and old. Get set to meet superstar celebrity Coaches and the next generation of awe-inspiring singing talent about to take their first steps towards stardom. A global phenomenon, The Voice airs in 180 countries across every continent, including the nine seasons on Australian screens. Voice Australian Coach alumni includes Delta Goodrem, Keith Urban, Seal, The Madden Brothers, Ricky Martin, will.i.am, Kylie Minogue, Jessie J, Ronan Keating and Joe Jonas. Who will be in the red chairs when they spin around in 2021?
THE VOICE is produced by ITV Studios Australia for the Seven Network.
ULTIMATE TAG
The world’s fastest show is here and there’s only one rule: don’t get caught! Ultimate Tag takes the universally known game of tag and elevates it to a scale and skill level never seen before.This fresh and unmissable new series will have the nation cheering on as everyday Australians try to evade elite Pro Taggers in what can only be described as the fastest game on Earth. Ultimate Tag hosts, Seven sports reporter Abbey Gelmi and 7NEWS sports anchor Matt Shirvington with commentator Bill Woods will cover all the intense action as the Ultimate Tag Champions are decided. Who will take home the $100,000 prize money?
ULTIMATE TAG is an Endemol Shine Australia production for the Seven Network.
RFDS
Aussie drama hits a new high with RFDS. A gripping new Australian action-drama on a grand scale starring Logie Award-winning actor Stephen Peacocke (Home and Away, Wanted), Logie Award winning star of stage and screen Rob Collins (Mystery Road S2, Total Control), and acclaimed actresses Emma Hamilton (Mr Selfridge, The Tudors), Justine Clarke (Tangle, Rake, The Time Of Our Lives) and Ash Ricardo (Offspring, Bite Club). Filmed on location in and around Broken Hill and based on remarkable real-life stories, RFDS portrays the modern-day heroes of the Royal Flying Doctor Service who navigate private lives as turbulent and profound as the heart stopping emergencies they attend.
RFDS is an Endemol Shine Banks production for the Seven Network. Major production investmentfrom Seven Network in association with Screen Australia. Financed with support from Screen NSWthrough the Made in NSW Fund and the Regional Filming Fund.
AUSTRALIAN GANGSTER
Finally, the story can be told. Based on actual events Australian Gangster is a punchy, funny adrenaline-ride through Sydney’s decadently gorgeous but completely inane world of crime.
AUSTRALIAN GANGSTER is a Roadshow Rough Diamond production for the Seven Network.
HOMICIDE: WITH RON IDDLES
From the producers of Murder in the Outback, Working Class Boy and the award-winning Ron Iddles: The Good Cop comes a brand new series featuring one of Australia’s most celebrated detectives – Ron Iddles, a tough and unorthodox Victorian homicide detective who used his head and his heart to solve some of Australia’s biggest crime mysteries. Homicide: With Ron Iddles will see Ron dig through his extraordinary case files to explain how he solved the most fascinating and challenging murder cases during his 25-year career as a homicide detective.
HOMICIDE: WITH RON IDDLES is produced by CJZ for the Seven Network
AUSTRALIA: NOW AND THEN
Was Australia any better in the 70s, 80s and 90s than it is today? What things from the past are we glad we’ll never have to witness or experience again? Well it all depends just who you ask, and which generation you belong to. Australia: Now and Then features the opinions of some of Australia’s most quotable celebrities, comedians, musicians, actors, characters and ratbags – across all generations. We want to know if Australia was cooler, better looking, more stylish, smarter, sportier, now or back then.
Which generation’s fashion sense made us the most attractive? There’s a lot to learn, and a whole lot to laugh at. The generations have never been roasted quite like this!
AUSTRALIA: NOW AND THEN is produced by Blink TV for the Seven Network.
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
Multi award-winning actor David Tennant (Broadchurch, Jessica Jones, Doctor Who) stars in this highly anticipated adaptation of Jules Verne’s beloved classic, Around the World in 80 Days. Tennant plays explorer Phileas Fogg, who, following an outrageous bet, takes on a challenge to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. He’s joined on the journey by his valet, Passepartout, played by rising French star Ibrahim Koma and the aspiring journalist Abigail Fix, played by The Crown’s Leonie Benesch. This truly international drama is adapted by a team of renowned writers led by Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, The Living and the Dead) and Caleb Ranson (Child of Mine, Heartless).
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS is a Slim Film + Television and Federation co-production.
THE PEMBROKESHIRE MURDERS
From the producers of the global hit The Bodyguard, true crime drama event series The Pembrokeshire Murders brings to life the extraordinary cold-case pursuit of the most notorious serial killer in Welsh history. Based on the book by Steve Wilkins and Jonathan Hill, this series reveals the gripping story of a ground-breaking case that set the standard for cold case murder investigations. Two unsolved double murders from the 1980s cast a long shadow over the Dyfed-Powys police force. In 2006, Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins (Luke Evans) decided to reopen both cases. The perpetrator of these crimes was nearing the end of his prison sentence. Could the detectives unearth enough evidence to charge their suspect before he was released – potentially to kill again?
THE PEMBROKESHIRE MURDERS is produced by ITV.
THE CLOWN AND THE CANDYMAN
Reinvestigating two of America’s most sinister killers – John Wayne Gacy, the Killer Clown, and Dean Corll, the Candyman – The Clown and the Candyman follows investigators today as they try to identify seven of their unidentified victims and wonder: could there be more victims? During the 1970s, thousands of teenage boys went missing across North America. Some returned home, others disappeared without a trace. And some were brutally murdered by two of the era’s most prolific serial killers, Gacy and Corll. More than 60 young men died by their hands. The four-part series reveals neverheard-before tapes of Gacy and uncovers a hidden web of paedophiles operating throughout America – many with money and influence. One of its masterminds, John Norman, lived his life in the shadows, but his organisation may have links to both the Clown and the Candyman.
THE CLOWN AND THE CANDYMAN is produced by Cineflix Productions.
HOW TO LOOK GOOD NAKED
How to Look Good Naked has one aim: to get body confidence soaring by showing real sized women in all their naked glory. The definitive guide to looking good with your clothes on or off, this is a show that loves natural women. From the slim to the curvy, grannies to teens, and all in between – without a surgical knife in sight! Hosted by Gok Wan – a fashion expert not afraid to tell a few home truths, it includes plenty of how best to dress advice. This is a truly uplifting series for women of every shape and size. Iconic moments punctuate each show, from the ‘reality check’ line-up to the big finish: a huge image of our once-shy contributor projected onto a building for the whole world to see!
HOW TO LOOK GOOD NAKED is produced by Banijay.
THE REAL MANHUNTER
Former Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton spent 30 years in the police force, a career that saw him lead many of the most high profile and successful murder investigations of his generation, and although he will forever be associated with the arrest and conviction of serial killer Levi Bellfield and ‘night stalker’ Delroy Grant, his career was so much more, as his conviction record shows. Of the 37 murder cases he investigated, he solved 35 with convictions. In this special event series, Sutton (recently portrayed by Martin Clunes in ITV’s hit drama Manhunt) will revisit cases he led and explore everything from the crime itself through to the breakthrough moment when the suspect was identified and arrested. The Real Manhunter features contributions from fellow police officers and journalists who covered the cases and will offer a gripping insight into exactly what happens after the most violent of crimes has been committed.
THE REAL MANHUNTER is an Abacus Media Rights production.
PRIMETIME PILLARS
BIG BROTHER
A new Big Brother returned to our screens this year and Australian audiences couldn’t get enough with each episode averaging 1.34 million viewers (average incl. broadcast and 7plus). The master game player returns in 2021, welcoming a new group of Housemates who will live together for over two months, cut off from the outside world in a custom-built house fitted with cameras and microphones recording every inch of the house and their every move, 24 hours a day. Since farewelling this year’s house guests, Big Brother has been busy and has some surprises for next year’s Housemates. Expect epic challenges, twists and turns and a house full of secrets. Hosted by Sonia Kruger.
BIG BROTHER is produced by Endemol Shine Australia for the Seven Network.
FARMER WANTS A WIFE
Australians fell in love with Seven’s reimagining of Farmer Wants a Wife in 2020. Five farmers wearing their hearts on their sleeves and sharing their love for #farmlife reached six million Aussies nationally. The road to love on the upcoming season – hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski – will be even more romantic with dream overnight dates, luxury country getaways and spectacular group get togethers setting the stage for more life changing love stories. In 2021, five new hardworking Farmers – Sam, Andrew, Matt, Will and Rob – will be on the search for real love. With 99 marriages and 225 beautiful farmer babies worldwide, Farmer Wants A Wife is the most successful dating show on the planet. In Australia alone, the series has resulted in nine marriages and 20 babies.
FARMER WANTS A WIFE is a Fremantle and Eureka co-production for the Seven Network.
SAS AUSTRALIA
With its premiere episode recruiting 1.2 million viewers nationally, the No. 1 entertainment show for the night and No. 1 for 25-54s nationally, SAS Australia returns for its second season in 2021. This smash hit series sees celebrities take on one of the toughest challenges of their lives, as they attempt to conquer a series of physical and psychological tests set by an elite team of ex-Special Forces soldiers. These star recruits will be cut off from the outside world at a secret base in harsh but spectacular terrain, where they will eat, sleep and train together in punishing conditions, with no allowances made for their celebrity status, age or gender. As they’re subjected to extreme physical endurance, sleep deprivation, interrogation and psychological testing, these men and women will be pushed beyond their limits. Most recruits will reach breaking point and withdraw. Who has what it takes to tough it out to the end?
SAS AUSTRALIA is produced by Screentime, a Banijay Group company, based on a Minnow Films format, for the Seven Network.
AUSTRALIA’S GOT TALENT
Hosted by Ricki-Lee, Australia’s Got Talent is back bigger than ever before! In 2021, nothing’s going to stop us bringing you the world’s No. 1 entertainment format. Some of the best acts in the country will take on the greatest “Got Talent” champions from around the planet. This is a world-class entertainment event, with a healthy dose of those weird and surprising AGT moments we all love. Superstar judges. Incredible talent. With a national average audience reach of 8.6 million in 2019, get set for this global phenomenon in 2021!
AUSTRALIA’S GOT TALENT is a Fremantle production for the Seven Network.
THE ALL NEW MONTY
The All New Monty returns with more unforgettable, feel-good, smash hit specials, featuring some of Australia’s favourite celebrities who dare to bare all whilst kickstarting lifesaving conversations about men’s and women’s cancers and the importance of early detection. Over the past three years, nearly 40 Australian celebrities have stepped up to strip to raise awareness for breast, prostate and testicular cancer. The Real Full Monty, The All New Monty, The All New Monty: Ladies’ Night and The All New Monty: Guys & Gals were all ratings winners, with over four million people nationally tuning in to see the nervous novices perform an iconic striptease. Which famous Aussies will reveal all in 2021?
THE ALL NEW MONTY is a Seven Production.
HOME AND AWAY
It’s the No. 1 drama that’s embedded in Australia’s DNA and in 2021, award-winning Home and Away will explore stories of new beginnings, second chances, love, betrayal and revenge. A ghost from the past will threaten to derail one of the Bay’s favourite couples; a familiar face returns to right some wrongs; and when love becomes twisted and trust is misplaced, the community will be torn apart. Plus, a special wedding we’ve all been waiting for – all set against the beautiful backdrop of sunny Summer Bay.
HOME AND AWAY is a Seven Production.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
Delivering exciting and new content that audiences love, Better Homes and Gardens returns in 2021 with more tips and life hacks across technology, health, fitness and motoring, along with all the ideas and inspiration Aussies have come to expect from Johanna Griggs and the team from the country’s No. 1 lifestyle show.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS is a Seven Production.
7NEWS SPOTLIGHT IVAN MILAT: BURIED SECRETS
In 2021, 7NEWS Spotlight presents Ivan Milat: Buried Secrets a ground-breaking true crime series revealing new evidence that Australia’s most notorious serial killer, Ivan Milat, was responsible for many other murders that have remained unsolved for decades. The country’s leading crime professionals, forensic anthropologist and criminologist Dr Xanthé Mallett and criminal psychologist Tim WatsonMunro, re-open the Milat file uncovering potential new victims and new crimes in this gripping series.
IVAN MILAT: BURIED SECRETS is produced by EQ Media, in association with Bannaby Productions for the Seven Network.
HIGHWAY PATROL
Australia’s blockbusting cop show Highway Patrol rides shotgun with Victorian police officers who strive to keep our roads safe. Join us for the crashes and smashes, the unrestrained and untrained, the over-extended and the up-ended! It’s always an interesting day riding along with the officers of the Victoria Police.
HIGHWAY PATROL is produced by Greenstone TV with the cooperation of Victoria Police.
BORDER SECURITY: AUSTRALIA’S FRONTLINE
Border Security is back with more action from the daily lives of the people who devote their working life to keeping Australia safe. The stars of Border Security remain the officers of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Quarantine and Inspection Service and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. While most of Border Security is filmed at Australia’s busy airports and features tourists and people seeking a new life in Australia, some remarkable stories are also coming out of international mail centres, in the field with immigration officials and on Customs vessels and aircraft in the waters of Northern Australia.
BORDER SECURITY: AUSTRALIA’S FRONTLINE is a Seven Production.
STILL TO COME IN 2020
BEAT THE CHASERS (November) •
The 2020 AACTA AWARDS (December)
The iconic star-studded Christmas celebration CAROLS IN THE DOMAIN (December)
