Sam Pang, Julia Morris, Urzila Carlson, Todd Sampson, Guy Sebastian, Kitty Flanagan, Celia Pacquola set to feature across ABC’s year of entertainment.
New Dramas: Treasure & Dirt, Shakedown, Goolagong, Dustfall
News Comedies: Ground Up, Dog Park, Bad Company
New Docos: Ages of Ice, But Also John Clarke, Judgment: Cases that Changed Australia, Rolf Harris, Shaun Micallef’s Going for Broke, Tampa: The Boat that Turned the Tide, Matter of Facts, The State of Man, Todd Sampson’s Why?
New Entertainment: Always Was Tonight, Class Clowns, Race Around the World, Tonight at the Museum, Urzila
New Kids: Caper Crew, Flower & Flour, It’s Andrew, Tales from Outer Suburbia
Plus: ABC News Loop short form video, Guy Sebastian joins The Piano.
ABC has unveiled seven new Scripted titles, a swag of documentaries, entertainment and Children’s TV at its annual Upfront Showcase to media and partners today at Studio 22 in Ultimo.
New and returning faces set to feature across 2026 include Sam Pang, Julia Morris, Kitty Flanagan, Celia Pacquola, Todd Sampson, Anna Torv, Anne Edmonds, Shaun Micallef, Urzila Carlson, Hamish Macdonald, Tony Armstrong, Marc Fennell, Amanda Keller, Guy Sebastian and more.
Hugh Marks, ABC Managing Director said “The ABC is the home of Australian storytelling, and our 2026 slate takes that legacy to the next level. We’re delivering bold, distinctive, and world-class content that connects with audiences across every platform. Today’s announcements – featuring over 100 new and returning titles from our extraordinary talent- showcase the creativity and ambition that define the ABC. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’re creating, and I can’t wait for Australians to experience the power and diversity of our 2026 lineup.”
ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins said, “We’re incredibly proud of what’s in store for audiences next year. Our slate features unmissable Australian drama and comedy, a premium arts line-up that continues to set the benchmark for excellence, and new factual titles designed to inform and enlighten. Our world-class children’s and family content will keep young Australians laughing and learning, while our entertainment line-up delivers returning favourites and exciting new original formats. As the nation’s leading commissioner of Australian content, ABC Screen remains committed to excellence – and in 2026, the best is yet to come.”
ABC News has also announced short form video for socials, ABC News Loop.
Surprisingly, there was no returning Scripted titles in the announcements so far, and Bluey isn’t earmarked for anything new in 2026, outside of audio, while the team focusses on a movie for Disney.
New:
Scripted
Dustfall
When seasoned detective Tig (Torv), returning to her hometown of North Gap after years in the city, uncovers a string of drink spiking assaults, the case is turned on its head when one of the main suspects is found murdered. Dustfall is a propulsive, atmospheric Tropic Noir that follows a detective whose deep sense of justice is challenged by a world where victims are doubted, predators hide in plain sight, and the legal system too often falls short.
Commissioned by the ABC in association with the BBC. A Soapbox Pictures and Moonriver Production. Major Production Investment from the ABC and Screen Australia. Financed in association with Screen Queensland. Produced by Deb Balderstone. Executive Producers: Deb Balderstone, Xavier Marchand, Daisy Gilbert, Emma Freeman, Anna Torv. ABC Executive Producers: Brett Sleigh and Rachel Okine. International Sales by Federation.
Goolagong
Goolagong is a three-part event mini-series based on the inspiring true-life story of world champion tennis player Evonne Goolagong, one of Australia’s most loved female sporting heroes. In 1958 a skinny Aboriginal seven-year-old peered through the wire fence of the Barellan tennis courts, longing to play the sport she instinctively knew was her game. That longing would drive her to become the world’s number one female tennis player, and one of the Australia’s most loved sportswomen, winning 14 Grand Slam titles including Wimbledon twice, and overcoming harassment from her coach, recovery from career ending injury to defeat her great rival and be the world number one. She remains the only mother of the modern era to have won Wimbledon. In the time of burgeoning black rights and women’s lib, Evonne proved to herself, her people, and the world that she was a true champion.
A Werner Films Productions series for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC in association with VicScreen. Written by Steven McGregor and Megan Simpson Huberman. Directed by Wayne Blair. Produced by Joanna Werner and Co-Produced by Danielle MacLean. Associate Producers: Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Roger Cawley. Executive Producers: Joanna Werner and Stuart Menzies. ABC Executive Producers: Brett Sleigh and Rachel Okine. BBC Studios will handle global sales.
Shakedown
Powerful drama Shakedown brings to life the untold human stories behind one of the most shocking political scandals in Australian history. The four-part series is the gripping true story of how a group of ordinary Australians risked it all to expose an unlawful government scheme that falsely accused half a million people of welfare fraud. An automated debt-recovery system that led to marriage breakdowns, homelessness, bankruptcies and most tragically, suicide. It tells how a courageous coalition of victims, activists, journalists, and lawyers fought back against a government and bureaucracy that refused to listen, uncovering what’s been described as Australia’s greatest miscarriage of justice. Shakedown is their story.
Shakedown is produced by Lingo Pictures, part of ITV Studios, for the ABC with major production funding from the ABC and Screen Australia. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Lingo Executive Producers: Helen Bowden and Jason Stephens. Produced by Linda Micsko. Written by Blake Ayshford, Magda Wozniak and Sophie Miller. Directed by Jennifer Leacey. Local distribution by the ABC. ABC Executive Producers: Brett Sleigh and Rachel Okine. Shakedown is produced in association with and distributed internationally by ITV Studios.
Treasure & Dirt
In a dying opal town in the middle of the desert, law and order are little more than myths. Thieves raid the mines, zealots preach salvation to the lost, and billionaire magnates play god. When a miner is found beheaded and left to decompose in the depths of his own small claim, big-city homicide detective Ivan Lucic (Dorman) is sent to investigate. Assigned to him is former local constable Nell Buchanan (Hewson), who knows how this place really works — and how it warps people. Together, they’re drawn into a labyrinth of secrets, greed, and old sins that won’t stay buried. As the case twistsinto something darker and more surreal, Ivan and Nell can’t tell whether it’s the town that’s unravelling or themselves.
Treasure & Dirt is an Easy Tiger Production for the ABC in association with the BBC and the South Australian Film Corporation. Major production investment from the South Australian Film Corporation and the ABC. Produced by Rebecca Summerton. Directed by Madeleine Gottlieb. Executive Producers: Ian Collie, Rob Gibson and Matt Cameron. ABC Executive Producers: Rebecca Anderson and Rachel Okine. Worldwide distribution by Sphere Abacus.
Ground Up
After years of trying, Tasmania has finally been given the green light to field a team in the AFL — but there’s a catch. The locals have to build a new stadium, and not everyone thinks the $1.13 billion dollar taxpayer spend is the greatest idea. AFL administrator Hugh Shen (Sam Pang) has been sent from Melbourne, tasked with establishing the club. There’s a divided public to win over, oppressive deadlines to meet, feisty protesters to handle and inoffensive mascots to employ. Oh — and there’s also the small matter of finding the coach and the players, which might lead, eventually, to someone playing football. Should all be a piece of cake.
Ground Up is a Gristmill Production for the ABC. Major production investment from the ABC, in association with Screen Australia. Financed in association with VicScreen and Screen Tasmania. Creator: Gary McCaffrie. Director: Wayne Hope. Producers: Robyn Butler, MaryAnne Carroll, Wayne Hope and Gary McCaffrie. Executive Producers: Robyn Butler, Wayne Hope and Greg Sitch. ABC Executive Producers: Todd Abbott and Rachel Okine. International sales by Super Java Distribution.
Bad Company
Created by, written and starring AACTA award-winning comedian Anne Edmonds, Bad Company is set within the crumbling walls of The Argyle, a venerable iconic theatre company on the brink of bankruptcy. It follows Margie (Edmonds), the Argyle’s volatile artistic director, whose unchecked whims have sent the company spiralling, and Julia(Kitty Flanagan) a high-flying corporate executive brought in to clean up Margie’s mess.
Commissioned by the ABC. A Guesswork Television production. Major Production Investment from the ABC and Screen Australia. Financed in association with VicScreen. Developed with assistance of VicScreen. Created by Anne Edmonds. Directed by Tom Peterson. Produced by Andrew Walker. Executive Producers: Kevin Whyte, Anne Edmonds, Ben Grogan. ABC Executive Producers: Todd Abbott and Rachel Okine. International Sales by Guesswork Distribution.
Dog Park
In the grip of a mid-life crisis, Roland (Leon Ford) meets the eternal optimist Samantha (Celia Pacquola) and her mismatched, life-loving group of dog-parkers. As Roland begrudgingly keeps returning to the park, he comes to realise he actually really needs a community to belong to. At a time when it’s needed most, Dog Park is a feel-good story of love, loyalty and licking — and doing good for the sake of it.
Commissioned by the ABC. Dog Park is produced by Matchbox Pictures, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, for the ABC. Major production investment from the ABC and Screen Australia. Financed in association with VicScreen. Co-creators: Amanda Higgs and Leon Ford. Matchbox Pictures Executive Producers: Amanda Higgs and. Debbie Lee. Co-Executive producer: Leon Ford. ABC Executive Producers: Rachel Okine and Rebecca Anderson. Associate Producer: Sarah Pratt. International sales by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.
Documentary
Ages of Ice
Ages of Ice follows the brave scientists pushing the boundaries of exploration and human endeavour in Earth’s coldest corners to understand the changes of ice and what this means for our planet’s future. In the unforgiving grip of our planet’s polar regions, the series will follow these modernday explorers as they try to understand how the fate of every place and every creature on our planet is tied to these frozen extremes.
Commissioned by the ABC. A Northern Pictures production. Major production investment from Screen Australia, PBS and the ABC. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Producers: Nicola Sullivan, Judith Curran. Series Director and Executive Producer Karina Holden. ABC Commissioning Editor: Stephen Oliver. ABC Head Documentary and Specialist: Susie Jones. Worldwide Distribution by ITV Global.
But Also John Clarke
The defining satirical voice in Australia and New Zealand, John Clarke famously gave away very little about his own life. At home, by contrast, he was an open book. Through a remarkable series of recorded conversations between John and his daughter, writer/director Lorin Clarke, we trace his steadfast resistance to authority back to his childhood; unpack his controversial decision to leave New Zealand for Australia in 1977; and gain delightful insights into his forty years in the entertainment industry. Weaving together personal anecdotes, a rich television archive, tales from international comedygreats and the riches from more than 200 boxes of his work and letters, this film is a daughter gifting her father back to the audience.
A documentary from the Film Company and Lorin Clarke Productions. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Financed with support from VicScreen, MIFF Premiere Fund and Soundfirm. Written and directed by Lorin Clarke. Produced by Richard Keddie. Edited by Aleck Morton. Music composed by David & Sam Hirschfelder. Executive Producers: Cass Avery, Kelly Rogers, Helen McDonald, Lucia Clarke and Lorin Clarke. ABC Commissioning Editor: Jo Chichester. ABC Head Documentary and Specialist: Susie Jones. Local distribution by Rialto.
Judgment: Cases that Changed Australia
The High Court is the grand stage for the third acts of some of our most compelling national dramas. Many of the toughest, highest stakes questions asked about Australia are answered by its Justices. Judgment: Cases that Changed Australia is a 4 x 1 hour history documentary series that reveals how the High Court has shaped our nation. It charts stories of extraordinary ordinary people seeking justice, big legal brains, their often brilliant arguments and judgments. Unrivaled access, revealing interviews, rich archive material and evocative drama take viewers inside a vital, at times mysterious, Australian institution as it weighs up the nation: Mabo, Marriage Equality, Immigration and the right to Vote.
A WildBear Entertainment production for the ABC. Major production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia. Financed with support from Screen NSW, and with investment from the ACT Government and Screen Canberra. Developed with assistance of the ABC and Screen NSW. Producer: Alan Erson. Co-Producer: Caroline Douglas. Series Director: Larissa Behrendt. Director: Victoria Midwinter Pitt. Executive Producer: Michael Tear. ABC Commissioning Editor: Stephen Oliver. ABC Head Documentary and Specialist: Susie Jones. Worldwide distribution by ABC Commercial.
Rolf Harris: Can You Tell What I Am Yet?
This two-part documentary delves into the life of Rolf Harris, exploring both his meteoric rise to fame, and the downfall that followed. An Australian-born entertainer, Harris captivated audiences for over 60 years; with his signature wobble board, folksy charm, and hits like “Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport,” he became a household name in the UK. However, a dark secret lurked beneath the surface of his cheerful persona. In 2014, Harris was convicted of indecently assaulting women and girls, shattering his public image. At its heart, this series is a revealing exploration of the power afforded. to celebrity, the courage of victims, and the lasting impact of abuse.
Commissioned by the ABC. A Northern Pictures and Arrow Media production. Major production investment from Screen Australia, the ABC and Amazon UK. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Archive Producer: Kirrily Brentnall. Story Producers: Kerrie Ritchie and Fiona Evans. Series Director: Nick Sweeney. Executive Producers: Karina Holden and John Smithson. ABC Commissioning Editor: Stephen Oliver. ABC HeadDocumentary and Specialist: Susie Jones.
Shaun Micallef’s Going for Broke
Shaun Micallef has never understood gambling. He uses cold, hard logic when he makes his decisions and always plays for certainty. “Life’s a gamble anyway,” he says. “Why would you go out of your way to risk losing something you already have? Particularly something as important as your money.” Mind you, he said the same thing about alcohol a few years ago in his documentary series Shaun Micallef’s On The Sauce and then this teetotaller spent one episode getting drunk. In Shaun Micallef’s Going for Broke, he turns a sober eye on Australia’s lifelong love affair with gambling. Shaun travels across the country to find out how we became the biggest gambling nation in the world. Are we making a risky bet on our future? And can even Shaun’s rational mind resist the lure of a sure thing?
A CJZ production for the ABC. Principal production funding from the ABC, in association with Screen Australia. Local distribution by the ABC. Post, digital andvisual effects supported by Screen NSW. Supervising Executive Producer: Paula Bycroft. Executive Producer: Andrew Farrell. ABC Executive Producer: Julie Hanna. ABC Head Documentary and Specialist: Susie Jones.
Tampa: The Boat that Turned the Tide
On its 25th anniversary, this is the explosive story of the 2001 Tampa crisis and its global impact today as the world grapples with a massive migration crisis. The 2001 Tampa crisis was not just a dramatic eight-day showdown at sea that triggered a diplomatic standoff between Canberra, Jakarta and Oslo; its shockwaves continue to reverberate around the world to this day. Alongside the harrowing testimonies of the Tampa survivors — the emotional heart of the series — key eye-witnesses take us inside the decisions that triggered the crisis, put lives at risk and controversially deployed the military. Anchored by the ABC’s Sarah Ferguson, these ‘insiders’ take us behind the scenes to reveal the political machinations and legal manoeuvrings that enabled John Howard to circumvent international law and human rights obligations that Australia had helped forge at the UN Refugee Convention in 1951. But its impact went way beyond that. A quarter of a century later, the Howard government’s handling of the Tampa has become a template adopted and adapted by other global leaders facing the increasingly vexed issue of asylum seekers. Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak, Viktor Orban, Geert Wilders, Nigel Farage and Donald Trump have all proposed policies that can be traced back to Australia in 2001. This antiimmigration lurch is happening at a time when waves of asylum seekers and refugees — dislocated by wars, civil unrest and climate change — are threatening the stability of Western democracies and undermining the post-WWII order. In short, long before Australia stopped the boats, this was the boat that stopped Australia… and has turned the tide across much of the globe.
Commissioned by the ABC. A Mint Pictures Production. Major production investment from the ABC. Anchored by Sarah Ferguson. Series Producer: Ili Bare. Series Director: Kriv Stenders. Executive Producers: Dan Goldberg, Craig Graham and Sarah Ferguson. ABC Executive Producer: Stephen Oliver. ABC Head Documentary and Specialist: Susie Jones. Worldwide Distribution by ABC Commercial.
The Matter of Facts
Hamish Macdonald wants to know what happens if we lose our faith in facts. We are all navigating a digital ecosystem where truth and lies can be indistinguishable, and where information is created — at scale — to change what we believe, how we behave and who we vote for. Too many of us are reporting that we don’t believe anything — or anyone. To understand why we’re so susceptible to being tricked and scammed with falsehoods, Hamish offers up his own brain. He explores what makes us especially vulnerable to the algorithms of social media which can so effectively land us in echo chambers, where we refuse to consider alternate views. Ten participants join the ride, taking part in a series of social experiments which demonstrate that all of us, no matter how digitally literate, are failing to recognise the difference between true and false. Hamish travels the world to better understand how the march of disinformation is putting holes in our democracies. On the Polish/Belarus border he discovers the human face of a ‘hybrid threat’ and in the Philippines, he meets the new agenda setters ‘reporting’ on the Nation’s ‘free and fair’ elections. Then Hamish heads into the most thrilling and dangerous of all frontiers — where AI is beginning to reshape our images, our communication systems, and the way we interact. From AI psychosis to AI powered disinformation campaigns, Hamish delves into what this technological revolution can do and why so many people believe it’s the most perilous of all human inventions. It’s reckless not to tune in!
Commissioned by the ABC. A Northern Pictures production. Presented and produced by Hamish Macdonald. Directed and written by Tosca Looby. Executive Producer: Karina Holden. ABC Commissioning Editor: Julie Hanna. ABC Head Documentary and Specialist: Susie Jones. Distribution by ABC Commercial.
The State of Man
The State of Man is a provocative and deeply personal investigation by awardwinning journalist Marc Fennell into what it means to be a man in Australia today.Over three episodes, Marc investigates modern masculinity and the rise of the online “manosphere”, exploring the influence of big tech and the culture wars reshaping how Australian men see themselves. With honesty and empathy, Marc confronts the underlying beliefs, examines the social and technological forces that shape them, and faces his own blind spots as a man and father. It is an unflinching, deeply human look at what happens when identity, power, and belonging are up for grabs. At times shocking and darkly funny, The State of Man invites all Australians to rethink whether society can build healthier models of masculinity — for the sake of all of us.
A Helium Pictures and New Mac Production. Developed and produced in association with the ABC. Development assistance and production funding from Minderoo Pictures. Developed with the assistance of VicScreen. Journalist and Producer: Marc Fennell. Executive Producer and Director: Melissa Maclean. Executive Producers: Mark Fennessy, Luke Clark and James McPherson. ABC Commissioning Editor Kalita Corrigan. ABC Head Documentary and Specialist: Susie Jones. Distributed by ABC Commercial.
Todd Sampson’s Why?
Why? People do questionable things. We’re on a mission to understand why. Why? It’s the first question we ask — our way of understanding the world. This documentary series explores the “whys” behind some of the most fascinatingjpeople on the planet. We dive into the tangled lives of Donor Dads, the forwardthinking fears of Doomsday Preppers, the mystical faith of an Alien Church and the death-defying desires of BASE Jumpers. Some “whys” may never be fully answered. Some may be hard to swallow. But by understanding others, we can better understand ourselves.
A Baltimore Films production. Writer, Creator, Executive Producer and Host: Todd Sampson. Filmed, Directed and Produced by: Jeff Siberry. Story Producers: Johanna Gibson and Melanie Sauer. Line Producer and Production Manager: Janny Biltoft. ABC Commissioning Editor: Julie Hanna. ABC Head Documentary and Specialist: Susie Jones
Entertainment
Always Was Tonight
News with a bit more blaklash! Hosted by proud Gamilaroi man Tony Armstrong, Always Was Tonight will be a sharp, satirical show where the news gets decolonised, one headline at a time. Joined by a stellar cast of First Nations talent, it’s going to go where no other news show dares. It’s bold, it’s blak and it’s invading your ABC in 2026.
An ABC Production. Executive Producer: Rowdie Walden. ABC Head of Indigenous: Kelrick Martin.
Class Clowns
Six comedians, one classroom, zero chance of learning… Each week, a misfit crew of comedians return to the schoolyard in this all-new comedy competition series. Under the watchful eye of Principal Julia Morris, our class clowns are split into three houses and paired off to tackle wildly ridiculous assignments based on classic school subjects. Principal Morris marks their work with brutal honesty, handing out savage reportcards and precious house points. Only one house will graduate top of the class and claim the coveted Class Clowns Shield.
Class Clowns is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production, Australia for ABC. Head of Original Content WBITVP: Johnny Lowry. ABC Head of Entertainment: Rachel Millar.
Tonight at the Museum
Tonight at the Museum is a hilarious original entertainment format filmed on-location in a museum in front of a live audience. Hosted by Alex Lee, season one will be filmed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. In each episode Alex guides four celebrity contestants through games based around priceless objects from the museum’s collection. In these games the players might be quizzed on the reproductive habits of handfish by the museum’s expert zoologist, play museum guide as they improvise their way through explaining objects they’ve never seen before, or recreate historical portraits using household items. The players aren’t just competing for bragging rights — the winning player will have an item of their own put on display in an exhibition for all to see.
Commissioned by the ABC. An i8 Studio and ABC co-production. Executive Producers: Josh Martin
and Adam Liaw. ABC Executive Producer: Mark Sutton. ABC Head of Entertainment: Rachel Millar.
Urzila
Urzila is a premium original comedy series that takes us deep into the mind of comedy superstar, Urzila Carlson. Each episode combines bespoke stand up with tightly crafted sketches, all threaded together by Urzila’s unmistakable voice. Alongside a hand-picked ensemble of rising comedy stars, Urzila brings to life a cast of unique and recurring characters in this fresh new showcase for one of Australia’s biggest comedy stars.
Commissioned by the ABC. A Warner Bros International Television Production, Australia. Writers: Urzila Carlson, Joel Slack-Smith, Penny Greenhalgh, Cameron James, Emma Holland, Laura Hughes and Richard Thorp. Directors: Henry Stone and Josh Thompson. Executive Producer: Tom Rohr. Head of Original Content at WBITVP: Johnny Lowry. ABC Executive Producer: Rowdie Walden. ABC Head of Entertainment: Rachel Millar. Worldwide Distribution by the ABC.
Kids
Caper Crew
Amelia and Kai Delaney’s quiet lives are upended when their glamorous, con-artist Grandmother, Queenie, mysteriously turns up on their doorstep. Much to their father’s disapproval, Queenie starts to train her grandkids in the art of the grift — sparking their intrigue for the priceless meteorite, the Woodspring Nug. For 70 years the Nug was Woodspring’s crowning glory, until it was nabbed 30 years ago, by Queenie and her notorious ‘Kangaroo Gang’. But as soon as the Gang liberated their prize…they lost it and it’s been missing ever since. With the centenary looming and a $100,000 reward for its return, the hunt is on. Together with Amelia’s BFF/thespian extraordinaire, Penelope, and the new kid/gentle giant, Offalbert, the kids form a new crew named ‘the Joeys’. Sharpening their newfound skills, the Joeys use Queenie’s ‘Ten Con-mandments’ to solve the Great and Remarkable Mystery of The Lucky Nug, all while facing off against Queenie’s old Kangaroo Gang and Amelia’sall-powerful nemesis, Emilia Katinkatonk and her horde of befringed cousins. But as their hunt for the Nug heats up, the Joeys and Queenie realise that the greatest treasure worth finding is family. That and dismantling the Katinkatonk’s heinous stronghold on Woodspring once and for all.
Commissioned by the ABC. An Easy Tiger Production. Major production investment from Screen
Australia, Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and the ABC, with support from Screen NSW. Series Producer: Yingna Lu. Executive Producers: Ian Collie, Rob Gibson. ABC Commissioning Editor: Mary-Ellen Mullane. ACTF Executive Producer: Bernadette O’Mahony. Distribution by ACTF.
Dance with Tom
Dance with Tom is an enchanting blend of live action and animation that brings vibrant stories of Australia’s First Nations culture to life through the universal language of dance. Set in the heart of the Yugambeh Language Region, Dance with Tom introduces young viewers to traditional dances inspired by the land, animals, and elements, as told through the eyes of Tom, a First Nations storyteller and dancer.
An Allstory Pictures Production. Production funding from Screen Queensland. Developed and produced in association with the ABC. Produced and filmed on the Traditional Country of Jagera and Turrbul people, Queensland. ABC Commissioning Editors: Mary Ellen Mullane and Amanda Isdale.
Flower & Flour
Get ready to meet Flower, a curious seven-year-old with a giant imagination and an even bigger heart. She lives above her parents’ bustling dumpling restaurant in the middle of a colourful, multicultural neighbourhood. And right by her side is her best friend Flour, a bag of flour who just so happens to act exactly like a cheeky cat. Inside the restaurant and at home, Flower and Flour spin the ordinary into the extraordinary — a spring clean with Mum and Dad becomes a quest with castles and knights, a sleepy bedtime story is hijacked by Flower’s own imagination, and a rainy afternoon transforms into an inspired mission to fix the sky. Step outside into the plaza, and the adventures grow even bigger. Here, Flower and Flour invite their friends to join the fun — painting alley walls for Aunty Mia and Aunty Nina, retracing Unicorn Cuzzy’s steps to track down her missing beanie, or turning a broken-down golf buggy into a giant piece of junk art for the whole neighbourhood. This is a laugh-out-loud buddy comedy about friendship, family, and the magic of community. Flower & Flour shows kids that wonder is waiting right outside their door, and that life is brighter, and funnier, when we share it with each other.
Flower & Flour is produced by Cheeky Little Media and Sinking Ship Entertainment for the ABC, TVO, Knowledge Network and SRC. With production funding from Screen Australia, CMF, the Shaw Rocket Fund, and post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen NSW. Developed with the assistance of the ABC and Screen NSW. Created by Dan Mansour. Directed by Cindy Scharka. Executive Producers: Celine Goetz, Patrick Egerton, Dan Mansour, Matthew J.R. Bishop, Carla de Jong, Blair Powers. ABC Commissioning Editor: Amanda Isdale. International sales by Sinking Ship Entertainment in association with HOPR Media and global licensing by Cheeky Little Commercial.
It’s Andrew!
High above the clouds on a majestic mountain peak lies Hornsby Downs, a community filled with
extraordinary creatures: magical unicorns, crafty g’nomes, pesky-but-pretty fire fairies … and Andrew, a young rhinoceros. Nestled inside a loving unicorn family, Andrew embraces his unique identity with joy and confidence. He knows that being different isn’t just acceptable, it’s hooftacular! Sure, Andrew may not share the same magical abilities as his family or friends, but he does possess a remarkable kind of magic all his own — his creativity and Big BIG feelings which help him turn adversity into adventure and problems into possibilities. Every day is a new journey for Andrew, brimming with imagination, exploration, and likely a few tumbles, too. From chasing a hot air balloon to rescuing his jelly dessert from a band of sneaky g’nomes, Andrew’s big BIG adventures are fuelled by wonder, play, imagination and most importantly, his feelings. With the unwavering support of his Mum (Dasha), Grandfather (Captain Wonderful), kinder teacher (Ms Horn), and his fellow little-corn (little unicorn) friends, Andrew lives a free and joyous life as a big BIG unicorn! In the most rhinoriffic way.
It’s Andrew! is a Pirate Size Productions, Mainframe Studios and Infinite Studios Australian-Canadian- Singapore co-production commissioned by ABC and CBC, in association with SRC. Major production investment from ABC in association with Screen Australia. Financed with support from the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Mainframe Distribution. Developed with assistance from VicScreen and Screen Australia. Created by Dan Nixon and Alyssa Smedley. Directed by Katrina Hadley and Jos Humphrey and Producers: Bryony McLachlan, Michael Hefferon and Freddie Yeo. Executive Producers: Michael Hefferon, Tanya Green, Avrill Stark and Michael Wiluan. ABC Commissioning Editor: Amanda Isdale. International distribution, licensing and merchandising led by Kartoon Studios.
Gurtha ŋhärana Lullaby with King Stingray
In Gurtha ŋhärana Lullaby with King Stingray, we are in saltwater Yolŋu Country in North-East Arnhem Land, sleeping and dreaming by the campfire. We are listening to the sound of the wind blowing through the casuarina trees and the waves crashing on the beach. All these elements are “singing us to sleep”. The fire is burning, slowly dying. The moon is friendly, coming out in the distance. We are slowly closing our eyes and dreaming of the stars. The visual story of Gurtha ŋhärana Lullaby with King Stingray was directed by Chantelle Murray (Bardi/ Bunial) and produced by Vishus Productions. It follows a mob of Kangaroos huddled around a small campfire, settling down for the night. A restless joey named Rooby stares into the fire unable to sleep. He watches an ember rise and hover in mid-air before transforming into a glowing star. The story depicts the importance of family, closeness and connection to country. It personifies the ‘Gurtha’ or ancestral fire as a cheeky but guiding presence on our way to fall asleep.
Commissioned by ABC Kids. Produced by Vishus Productions. Original song: Theo Dimathaya Burarrwanga (Yolŋu Matha) and Roy Django George Kellaway. Director: Chantelle Murray (Bardi/Bunial), Producer, Art Direction: Luke Jurevicius, Illustrator and CGI artist: Jeremiah Osbourne (Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara), Producer ABC: Kirra Homer (Wiradjuri), ABC Commissioning Editor: Nicole Cheek.
Shaun Tan’s Tales from Outer Suburbia
Klara and her little brother Pim move to the suburbs with their mum Lucy, all struggling to settle into their new lives. But there’s more to their new neighbourhood than meets the eye.
While Pim and Klara grapple with the emotional upheaval they’re going through, they also face bizarre encounters, exciting adventures and wondrous experiences. It’s weird enough being a kid trying to make friends, missing your dad, exploring a new home, navigating your relationship with your mum, and striving to express yourself as an artist. But Klara also struggles to make sense of her intriguing new neighbours, including two very different cat-like girls, and a third girl who seems to spend all her time sleeping in the strange, dark house across the road. The girl’s story is a mystery, and Klara longs to get to the bottom of it. Meanwhile, Pim encounters a wise but enigmatic water buffalo, helps a lost deep-sea diver, and finds a dugong stranded on the front lawn. As they navigate these enchanting and disorienting adventures, the kids must learn to support each other as a family, embrace a new chapter in their lives, and discover where they belong in this amazing, ever-changing world.
Shaun Tan’s Tales from Outer Suburbia is a co-production between Highly Spirited and Flying Bark Productions for ABC and BYUtv. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation in association with the ABC and BYUtv. Produced in New South Wales and Western Australia with Siamese and financed with support from Screenwest. Adapted from Shaun Tan’s multi-award-winning book Tales from Outer Suburbia. Directed by Noel Cleary. Creative Director: Shaun Tan. Producers: Sophie Byrne and Alexia Gates-Foale. Co-producer: Francesca Hope. Executive Producers: Barbara Stephen, Bernadette O’Mahony, Andra Johnson Duke, Francesca Hope, Jeff Simpson, Julia Adams, Karen Vermeulen, Libbie Doherty. ABC Commissioning Editor: Mary Ellen Mullane. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.
News
[Launching in the new year, ABC News Loop will deliver Australia’s best and most trusted journalism directly into your feed. Around one in two Australians of all ages use social media to access news.* ABC News Loop brings depth to the scroll with world-class explainer journalism that informs, entertains and engages social and mobile media audiences. A dedicated core team, as well as contributors from across ABC News, will report the news in innovative and fresh ways with shortform video that resonates with people on social platforms. ABC News Loop will ensure all Australians are able to access quality, trustworthy journalism wherever they choose to get it, building on our existing strengths while setting a new standard for social and mobile journalism.]
ABC News Breakfast is packing its bags and hitting the road in the new year with a series of outside broadcasts from every state and territory. From the outback to the sea, the team will be in communities hearing from the characters who make up this amazing country and elevating them to a national audience.
Other 2026 highlights will include Australian Story celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special audience event and some of the much-loved program’s most popular objects.
Returning:
Race Around The World
In a world where your attention is always up for grabs, enter Race Around The World — the ultimate creative showdown. A group of unique wildly creative solo storytellers will crisscross the globe in an epic and immersive race to create 10 spectacular films, in 10 countries, in 100 days. Racers must captivate and move audiences with extraordinary, original and imaginative storytelling, using the universal language of video. In a thrilling global adventure where creativity, craft, and character are the currency of success, every film is a chance to stand out — and only the most compelling stories will beat the competition.
Race Around the World is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) for ABC. Endemol Shine Australia Director of Content: Amelia Fisk. ABC Head of Entertainment: Rachel Millar.
Back Roads
Compass
Dr Ann’s Secret Lives
Dr Karl’s How Things Work
Grand Designs Transformations
I Was Actually There
Kitchen Cabinet
Landline
Muster Dogs
Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now
Restoration Australia
Stuff The British Stole
The Assembly
A (Very) Musical Christmas
Anzac Day
Australia Day Live
Australian Of The Year
Boyer Lecture
Classic 100 Concert
Creative Types
Front Row with Megan Burslem
National Citizenship Ceremony
New Year’s Eve
Rage
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Take 5 With Zan Rowe
Gardening Australia
Gruen
Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee
Hard Quiz
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Offsiders
Spicks and Specks
That Blackfella Show
The Weekly
The Yearly with Charlie Pickering
Do Not Watch This Show
Fizzy & Suds
Gardening Australia Junior
Ginger and The Vegesaurs
Good Game Spawn Squad
Hard Quiz Kids
Play School
Australian Story
ABC News Breakfast
Behind The News
Four Corners
Foreign Correspondent
Insiders
Planet America
The Business
7pm News – Eight State And Territory Editions
7.30
Media Watch
Absent:
These 2025 titles are not listed, but some will still be under disussion given recent broadcasts:
Bluey,
Mystery Road: Origin,
The Newsreader,
Bay of Fires,
Austin,
Mother & Son,
The Family Next Door,
Optics,
Portrait Artist Of The Year,
Eat the Invaders,
End Game with Tony Armstrong,
Hear Me Out,
When the War is Over,
Grand Designs Australia,
The Art Of with Namila Benson,
NAIDOC,
Return to Paradise,
Shaun Micallef’s Eve of Destruction,
Crime Night!,
Teenage Boss: Next Level,