The ABC has today unveiled its 2026 content slate, showcasing a dynamic lineup of distinctive Australian programming across broadcast and digital platforms. As ever, the ABC remains the home of Australian stories, reflecting the nation\u2019s voices, creativity and culture.<\/p>\n
The ABC achieved standout results across platforms in 2025, including:\u00a0<\/p>\n
ABC is the most trusted media brand and most trusted news brand in AustraliaABC NEWS is the #1 digital news brand every month in 2025ABC iview is the #1 reaching BVOD service with 3.4 million Australians watching content on ABC iview on average each weekABC Radio\u00a0reaches 4.751 million listeners each week across the 5 capital city markets and\u00a0remains\u00a0the #1 digital streaming audio network.<\/p>\n
In 2026, Australian audiences can expect a bold slate of world-class programming across ABC TV, ABC NEWS, ABC iview and ABC listen.<\/p>\n
Hugh Marks, ABC Managing Director said \u201cThe ABC is the home of Australian storytelling, and our 2026 slate takes that legacy to the next level. We\u2019re delivering bold, distinctive, and world-class content that connects with audiences across every platform. Today\u2019s announcements \u2013 featuring over 100 new and returning titles from our extraordinary talent \u2013 showcase the creativity and ambition that define the ABC. I couldn\u2019t be prouder of what we\u2019re creating, and I can\u2019t wait for Australians to experience the power and diversity of our 2026 lineup.\u201d<\/p>\n
ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins said, \u201cWe\u2019re incredibly proud of what\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s leading commissioner of Australian content, ABC Screen remains committed to excellence \u2013 and in 2026, the best is yet to come.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
ABC Director News Justin Stevens said, \u201cABC News in 2026 will continue to provide impactful investigative journalism at a local and national level for the public on the issues that matter to them. We’ll bring Australians agenda-setting news and information they know they can trust, with new content initiatives along with returning programs.\u201d<\/p>\n
ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said, \u201cABC Audio ends the year as Australia\u2019s No. 1 streaming network. No one reflects the breadth, depth and complexity of Australia quite like the ABC. As we look ahead to 2026, our focus is on making sure what we create remains distinctive and essential.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
ABC Media Showcase 2026 highlights include:<\/p>\n
SCREEN \u2013 SCRIPTED<\/p>\n
Based on the best-selling novel by Chris Hammer, Treasure & Dirt brings to life a gripping murder mystery set in a desolate outback opal town, starring Michael Dorman.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Anna Torv leads\u00a0Dustfall, based on\u00a0the novel The Unbelieved by Vikki Petraitis,\u00a0a gripping Tropic Noir\u00a0about a detective investigating a string of drink spiking assaults.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Powerful drama Shakedown\u00a0brings to life the untold human stories behind one of the most shocking political scandals in Australian history.Premium mini-series\u00a0Goolagong\u00a0chronicles the life of world champion tennis player and Australian sporting hero Evonne Goolagong.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hilarious new comedy Ground Up follows the creation of the new Tasmanian AFL team \u2013 and the stadium that needs to be built first \u2013\u00a0starring Sam Pang.<\/p>\n
Heartwarming new series Dog Park, a feel-good story about finding belonging in a group of dog-owners; and beloved comedians Anne Edmonds and Kitty Flanagan unite for Bad Company, set within the crumbling walls of a theatre company on the brink of bankruptcy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
SCREEN \u2013 ENTERTAINMENT<\/p>\n
There\u2019s loads more homegrown entertainment to look forward to, with Urzila\u00a0taking us deep into the mind of comedy\u00a0superstar, Urzila Carlson, through standup crafted together with hilarious sketches.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A misfit crew of comedians return to the schoolyard in Class Clowns, where under the watchful eye of Principal Julia Morris, they tackle wildly ridiculous assignments based on classic school subjects. In Tonight at the Museum, host Alex Lee guides four celebrity contestants through games based around priceless objects from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.<\/p>\n
Always Was Tonight will decolonise news, one headline at a time. Hosted by Tony Armstrong and featuring a stellar cast of First Nations talent, this satire brings news with a bit more blaklash!<\/p>\n
Groundbreaking 90s creative competition series Race Around The World returns, this time with the effervescent Zan Rowe as host. Original provocateur John Safran also returns, this time to judge those who dare to follow in his Race footsteps.<\/p>\n
SCREEN \u2013 DOCUMENTARY\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 2026 lineup is packed with distinct and boundary-pushing factual programs.<\/p>\n
In Shaun Micallef\u2019s Going For Broke, Micallef turns a sober eye on Australia’s lifelong love affair with gambling, while Hamish Macdonald examines the onslaught of misinformation in The Matter of Facts.<\/p>\n
Sarah Ferguson presents Tampa: The Boat That Turned the Tide, telling the explosive story of the 2001 Tampa crisis on its 25th anniversary, and Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia explores some of the most compelling High Court cases in history. Rolf Harris: Can You Tell What I Am Yet?\u00a0delves into the sinister truth behind the performer.<\/p>\n
Ages of Ice follows scientists as they research\u00a0changes in ice on the coldest corners of the planet, and what it means for Earth\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
After premiering at Melbourne International Film Festival, feature documentary But Also John Clarke comes to the ABC, weaving together personal anecdotes, archival gems and tales about the man behind the defining satirical voice.<\/p>\n
Marc Fennell explores modern masculinity and the rise of the online \u2018manosphere\u2019 in The State of Man, and Todd Sampson\u2019s Why? sees the Gruen panellist dive into different communities around the world to figure out what makes them tick.<\/p>\n
SCREEN \u2013 MUSIC, ARTS & EVENTS\u00a0<\/p>\n
Australian music royalty and multi-instrumentalist Guy Sebastian joins acclaimed classical pianist Andrea Lam and host Amanda Keller on the second season of The Piano, unearthing everyday pianists from all over Australia in a celebration of music as a universal language.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As part of ABC Classic\u2019s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2026, the ABC Young Performers Awards return to spotlight Australia\u2019s most exceptional young musicians.<\/p>\n
SCREEN \u2013 CHILDREN & FAMILY<\/p>\n
ABC continues to be the leader of world-class Australian children\u2019s content.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Iconic Aussie staple Play School celebrates 60 years with plenty of fun planned for the whole family.<\/p>\n
In Flower & Flour, a spirited girl and her cat turn everyday moments in their multicultural neighbourhood into extraordinary adventures. Kindness lies at the heart of It\u2019s Andrew!, about a rhinoceros living in a unicorn world.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shaun Tan\u2019s Tales from Outer Suburbia brings the beloved book to screen, following siblings Klara and Pim as they encounter a series of miraculous adventures over their summer holidays. In\u00a0Caper Crew, Amelia and Kai Delaney\u2019s quiet lives are upended when their con-artist Grandmother Queenie turns up, teaching them the art of the grift.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dance with Tom brings vibrant stories of Australia’s First Nations culture to life through dance. Also coming to ABC Kids is a new Indigenous Lullaby from King Stingray, called\u00a0Gurtha \u014bh\u00e4rana.<\/p>\n
NEWS<\/p>\n
ABC News Loop will deliver Australia\u2019s best and most trusted journalism directly into your social media feed, bringing depth to the scroll with world-class explainer journalism for mobile users.\u00a0A dedicated core team, as well as contributors from across ABC News, will report the news in innovative and fresh ways in shortform video.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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. And Australian Story will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a special event together with some of its most popular subjects.<\/p>\n
AUDIO \u2013 PODCASTS & AUDIO BOOKS\u00a0<\/p>\n
ABC\u2019s True Crime podcast\u00a0Unravel returns with a new season,\u00a0Unravel: What Became of Jack?, a real-time investigation of a missing person\u2019s case after a boys\u2019 weekend goes horribly wrong in regional Queensland.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alan Kohler sits down each week with prominent movers and shakers of corporate Australia for\u00a0Alan Kohler: In Conversation, gaining expert insights into their business, how they overcome challenges\u00a0and what makes them tick. And join Australian activist, author, and 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame in an all-new podcast and multiplatform series for Ladies, We Need to Talk,\u00a0exploring autism in women. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Matt Bevan\u2019s If You\u2019re Listening\u00a0is back in 2026 with double the episodes and a special four-part series Black Swans\u00a0looking at our desperation to predict things and the fact that we often get predictions completely wrong. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
ABC New Wave alumni, The Grill\u00a0sees best friends, Izzy Wight, Tad Harawa and Ben Ilobuchi, catch up once a week to share their petty grievances. Each \u201cbeef\u201d they have with the world is hilariously overanalysed before being thrown on the grill and let go.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Join Australia\u2019s nastiest Nannas, Edith and Maureen from Fairly Plain for a new video podcast series Granny Bingo\u00a0– where they undertake chaotic interviews with Australian celebrities that will force some famous faces to take themselves a bit less seriously.<\/p>\n
The ABC releases its first original audiobook collection, ABC Timeless Audiobooks exclusive to ABC listen app and web. From Persuasion narrated by Angourie Rice, Frankenstein narrated by Dacre Montgomery, to My Brilliant Career narrated by Gemma Chau-Tran, six classic titles have been given a fresh take by a new generation of Australian voices.<\/p>\n
Families will be delighted that\u00a0Bluey Listen Along\u00a0returns, offering more of your favourite Bluey episodes as audio-only for screen-free entertainment. For big kids and families,\u00a0Wait…They Did What!?\u00a0hosted by TikTok star Tilly Oddy-Black, unearths some truly bizarre common practices from modern history.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
The sound of summer is cricket on the ABC.\u00a0ABC Cricket Podcast\u00a0with Corbin Middlemas and Ed Cowan will move to twice weekly episodes and daily post-match analysis during\u00a0every Test. Corbin teams up with Jim Maxwell for a special series about the Ashes throughout history.<\/p>\n
AUDIO \u2013 MUSIC & YOUTH\u00a0<\/p>\n
In 2026, triple j remains as passionate as ever about backing and breaking local artists and delivering music, events and content that speaks to young people across Australia. The Hottest 100 returns as our nationwide listening party, triple j’s One Night Stand is back with a new regional concert with pitches opening in the new year, Unearthed High launches bigger, better and earlier, and there’ll be more Like A Versions than ever before.\u00a0<\/p>\n
triple\u00a0j is saddling up for a dedicated country music show, Country Club. Hosted by Yorta Yorta\u00a0man Tom Forrest aka Outback Tom, it\u2019s\u00a0country music delivered to you on Country, as he broadcasts weekly from the Kimberley. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Latifa Tee will be at the helm of a brand-new, all-Australian electronic music show, Doof.\u00a0 Built to spotlight the huge homegrown electronic scene, the show will champion the Australian artists making waves.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Celebrate 50 years of ABC Classic as Australia\u2019s home of classical music throughout 2026. On Saturday 24 January, join a day-long celebration with music, moments and memories from the past five decades. Highlights include iconic recordings from across the years, \u2018best of\u2019 live concerts, tributes from past and present presenters, listener stories, and special moments that have shaped the sound of ABC Classic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
INTERNATIONAL \u2013 SCREEN & AUDIO<\/p>\n
Culture by Design\u00a0is back in 2026, taking international viewers on a fresh, cultural journey across Asia with design expert Anthony Burke.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Powerful sporting series Play On, hosted by Paul Kennedy, also returns to explore how sport builds community, identity and opportunity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Popular news program The Pacific,\u00a0hosted by Alice Lolohea and Johnson Raela, brings the latest weekly news from a trusted network of Pacific correspondents. That Pacific Sports Show\u00a0also returns in 2026 to share the inspiring stories of Pacific athletes, with hosts Tiana Penitani Gray and Sam Wykes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On ABC Radio Australia, wake up to the Pacific\u2019s favourite morning program Nesia Daily with Jacob McQuire and Michael Chow who return in 2026. Hip hop legend Hau Latukefu will be spinning his favourite tunes for In The Fale\u00a0and award-winning music journalist Sose Fuamoli platforms the Pacific\u2019s most exciting female voices on Sista Sounds and goes deep with leading Pacific artists in On The Record.<\/p>\n
SOURCES<\/p>\n
Roy Morgan Most Trusted Brands 2025; Digital News Report Australia 2025, News and Media Research Centre, University of Canberra<\/p>\n
Source: Ipsos iris Online Audience Measurement Service, January-September 2025, Age 14+, PC\/laptop\/smartphone\/tablet, Text only, News category (Excl. Weather & News Aggregators), Audience (000s).<\/p>\n
Source: OzTam VOZ National TV and National BVOD | When Watched | Viewing threshold > 15 seconds for BVOD Reach, Data to w\/c 26\/10\/2025<\/p>\n
Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, SMBAP, Survey 5 2025, Mon-Sun 12MN-12MN, Reach (000s), Total Radio AP10+, Streaming Market Share %, ABC Total Network, unless otherwise specified<\/p>\n
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The ABC has today unveiled its 2026 content slate, showcasing a dynamic lineup of distinctive Australian programming across…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":144255,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[156,111,139,69,437],"class_list":{"0":"post-144254","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tv","8":"tag-entertainment","9":"tag-new-zealand","10":"tag-newzealand","11":"tag-nz","12":"tag-tv"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144254","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=144254"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144254\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/144255"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=144254"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=144254"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=144254"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}