It was all lights, camera and Dreamworld action as Paramount Australia rolled out its 2026 lineup for Channel 10 last night — but not every familiar face got an invite to the party.
While the network was busy talking up “new eras, reinvigorated favourites and returning comfort shows,” as Tamara Simoneau, Paramount’s Vice President of Content, put it, a handful of 10’s regulars appear to have quietly slipped out the back door.
Several long-time favourites — and even a few that hadn’t yet seen the light of day — have been left off the schedule entirely.
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Todd Sampson’s ‘Why?’ Dropped From Lineup
One of the most notable omissions was Todd Sampson’s Why?, the fourth instalment of his Mirror Mirror series, which had been announced at last year’s Upfronts.
TV Blackbox understands that 10 has since reversed course and will no longer air the special, leaving Todd Sampson and his team to find a new outlet for the project.
Todd Sampson (image – Channel 10)
Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly And Talkin’ ’Bout Your Gen Face Uncertain Futures
After three local seasons, Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly with Graeme Hall has been taken off the 2026 slate, and insiders believe it is unlikely to return.
Thank God You’re Here Takes A Breather
The hugely popular and successful comedy series Thank God You’re Here also remains in the “rested” category. The show has not aired on 10 since 2024, with producers Working Dog still seeking more time out from the demanding production. Fans hoping for another round of unscripted chaos will need to keep praying — or at least waiting — a little longer.
Meanwhile, Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation has only just wrapped its latest run. Sources told TV Blackbox that 10 executives are pleased with its performance, and a decision regarding its renewal could be made in the next few weeks. However, the network already has two unaired seasons of Taskmaster Australia ready to go — meaning Your Gen could easily be bumped from the schedule next year.
Talkin’ ’Bout Your Gen is set to make a splashy return on 10, refreshed with a new host and team captains to bridge the generational divide. (image – Channel 10)
‘Staycation’ On Ice, ‘The Dog House Australia’ Rested
Also missing in action is Staycation, the Christmas movie from Ludo Studio, the production company behind Bluey. Originally announced at last year’s 2025 event, the film remains in development but is now unlikely to air in 2026.
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Everyone’s favourite feel-good pet rescue series, The Dog House Australia, won’t be producing new episodes next year. But the kennels may not be closing for good — TV Blackbox understands the show is being “rested,” but expect to still see plenty of ‘encore’ episodes to fill any programming gaps.
The Dog House Australia
Bondi Rescue And Other Series Quietly Exit
After 18 seasons, Bondi Rescue may have had its last wave on 10. While the network insists the long-running series is being “rested”, industry insiders note it is an acquisition rather than a local commission — and producers CJZ are now actively seeking new distribution partners.
Comedy pranksters Impractical Jokers and spin-off The List are also off the 2026 roster, though the door remains open for future mischief with the crew.
Property series House Hunters Australia joins the growing list of shows placed on hiatus, with 10 describing it as “rested” rather than cancelled.
Bondi Rescue Cast (Image – 10)
And despite the presence of Graham Norton in the host’s chair, Wheel of Fortune Australia won’t be returning either. Network insiders now describing the UK gameshow production as “event TV” — intended only as a short run.
Familiar Faces Take Centre Stage In 2026
The omissions came as Paramount Australia highlighted a “steady-as-she-goes” programming strategy built around established reality brands. Returning shows include I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Australian Survivor: Redemption, The Traitors, MasterChef Australia, The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition, and Taskmaster Australia.
Comedy favourites Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Cheap Seats, and Sam Pang Tonight are all back, while Rebecca Gibney fronts a reboot of Millionaire Hot Seat, and Gretel Killeen hosts the all-star edition of The Traitors Australia.
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The network’s confidence appears firmly placed in big franchises and dependable formats — signalling fewer risks and fewer new commissions for 2026.
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