The landscape of Australian free-to-air television is experiencing a significant shift, with 34 shows across Channels Seven, Nine, and Ten facing the axe or quietly disappearing from TV schedules. Some beloved programs, such as Ten’s The Bachelor and The Masked Singer, hosted by Osher Günsberg, will not be returning to screens anytime soon. The Bachelor franchise, known for its various spinoffs, has not received dates for 2024 despite being announced at the annual Upfronts. Similarly, The Masked Singer’s high production costs, including elaborate costumes and international talent, have led to its discontinuation.
Nine has also seen declines in viewership, resulting in the cancellation of shows like Millionaire Hot Seat and Australian Ninja Warrior. New programs like Shaynna Blaze’s Country Home Rescue and Kate Langbroek’s My Mum, Your Dad have also faced the chopping block. Celebrity Apprentice and Beauty and the Geek are among the lineup that will not be returning to Nine’s screens this year.
Additionally, Seven’s Big Brother reboot failed to capture enough viewership and has been canceled. The future of the network’s military training program, SAS Australia, remains uncertain as it has not been commissioned for a fifth season. The industry insiders are noticing longer breaks between jobs, leading some crew members to leave the industry due to uncertainty and lack of consistent work opportunities.
Looking at the list of axed shows across the three major networks, it is evident that the television landscape is evolving. Channel Seven has bid farewell to programs like Big Brother, SAS Australia, and This Is Your Life, among others. Channel Nine’s casualties include Millionaire Hot Seat, Australian Ninja Warrior, and Beauty and the Geek. Network Ten, on the other hand, has seen the end of shows like Gladiators, Studio 10, and The Traitors, signaling a shift in programming priorities.
As viewers and industry professionals navigate these changes, it is essential to adapt to the evolving television landscape. With new shows on the horizon and existing favorites bidding farewell, the future of Australian television remains uncertain yet full of potential for innovation and creativity.