ABC is casting for a reboot
WANTED: Fearless content creators ready to pack their bags — and cameras — for a once-in-a-lifetime storytelling adventure around the world.
Cult TV hit Race Around the World is returning to our screens in 2026, and the search is on for a fresh group of aspiring filmmakers.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to create 10 films, in 10 countries, in 100 days … all while travelling solo and shooting and editing your own films on the road, read on.
Promo
Season 1 winner from 1997, Olivia Rousset, spoke to Sharnelle and Bob on ABC Melbourne breakfast today about her experience. She is an award-winning filmmaker and a producer on Australian Story.
From ABC
Groundbreaking series Race Around the World returns to the ABC in 2026
Casting now open for the next wave of visionary storytellers
For a taste of what to expect, click here.
To apply, click here.
The ABC is thrilled to announce production has commenced on the revival of groundbreaking creative competition series, Race Around the World.
Produced by Endemol Shine Australia, the series is set to build on the legacy of the 90’s breakout hit that captivated the nation, reimagined for a new generation of filmmakers, storytellers, content creators and audiences.
In a time defined by fast-paced narratives and global connection, Race Around the World returns both as a homage to its original spirit and a bold reimagining. It celebrates the raw power of authentic, on-the-ground storytelling and the boundless curiosity that fuels it.
The revival of the much-loved format is set to deliver fresh perspectives, discover new creative talent and reaffirm the ABC’s commitment to original Australian content.
ABC Head of Entertainment, Rachel Millar said “We’re thrilled to bring back this iconic series to Australian audiences — to reignite that sense of creative adventure and champion a new generation of storytellers is really exciting.”
Peter Newman, CEO of Endemol Shine Australia, said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing back this much-loved global adventure competition. The original series struck a deep chord with viewers, is still talked about to this day and unearthed some amazing Australian screen talent. We strongly feel this brilliant format will inspire audiences across Australia and a new wave of talent who are lucky enough to be selected to take part.”
Race Around the World is now calling for the next big filmmakers, content creators and storytellers from across Australia. If you have curiosity, creativity, and the courage to produce a film every 10 days for 100 days across 10 different countries, this is your sign. A chance to captivate audiences with your imagination, voice and vision on a national scale awaits!
Apply now at www.RaceAroundTheWorldCasting.com.au
Race Around the World will premiere on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2026.
Production credit: 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.
Zan Rowe will be the program host.
Also coming in Q2 is the ambitious revival of Race Around the World, which Collins originally worked on in the 1990s. Solo storytellers will crisscross the globe to create 10 spectacular films, in 10 countries, in 100 days.
“The show is going to stay true to the DNA of the original, but there will be some new elements. But ultimately, it’s all about the racers and their films, which will sit between about 2.5 – 4 minutes. Zan Rowe and John Safran are super excited about the cast that are coming through, which will be locked off in the next few weeks, I imagine.”
A big change to the original sees the series screen while racers will still be en route -plus the addition editing on the fly and the audience with social media.
“Everything’s in real time this time. They’ll have to be able to manage all of that and respond to judging in the studio and social media, and still be able to continue on the race and make those films,” she adds.
Race Around The World returns
For a first look of the new series
Meet our Racers
ABC’s groundbreaking series Race Around The World returns on Sunday 7 June at 7.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview, introducing a new generation of Australian filmmakers.
Hosted by Zan Rowe, with original Race Around The World breakout star John Safran returning as weekly judge, the reimagined series will showcase the unique cinematic voice of six young Australians.
The rules are simple: six filmmakers travel solo through 10 countries, delivering a new short film every 10 days, over 100 days.
Working entirely alone, they will shoot, write, edit and produce each film from start to finish, before dialling in from wherever they are in the world to share it with a live studio audience.
Each week, a rotating panel of expert judges including Margaret Pomeranz, Claudia Karvan, Danny Philippou, Bruce Beresford, Wayne Blair, Gracie Otto and more, will join John Safran to critique each Racer’s work.
At the end of the season, the Racer with the winning score will receive their own personal project produced and funded by the ABC.
Introducing the Race Around The World Class of 2026:
Elliot, New South Wales
Video Content Producer
Elliot is a people‑first filmmaker drawn to complex, hard‑to‑reach stories. Curious, compassionate and fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, he works independently in volatile environments, earning trust quickly. With a background in psychology, he finds humanity, contradiction and resilience where few cameras go.
Jayden, Northern Territory
Marine Biologist
Jayden is a marine biologist turned environmental photojournalist working solo in remote, high‑risk environments. Shooting, writing and producing end-to-end, he’s driven by strong ethics and optimism. Comfortable with isolation and extremes, his work spans conservation, people and climate change, including extensive work in Antarctica.
Kate, Victoria
Lollipop Lady
Kate is an arts school graduate who works part‑time as a lollipop lady to fund her films. Her work blends sharp observation, dry humour and inventive restraint, revealing the odd logic of everyday spaces through cinematic revelatory nonfiction storytelling.
Lucinda, New South Wales
Author and Internet Personality
Lucinda is an author, comedian and internet personality best known as Froomes. She creates fast, instinctive, internet‑first work through her one‑woman studio, blending humour, sharp research and lived experience. Prioritising immediacy over polish, she uses comedy to probe beauty standards, gender, identity and culture.
Mikaela, Western Australia
Sports Marketing and Film Industry Freelancer
Mikaela is a Gen Z filmmaker with an instinctive grasp of digital culture. Her creative process is hands‑on and observational, building female centric stories from real moments. Blending social media vernacular with cinematic texture, creating emotive, people driven work grounded in everyday life.
William, Queensland
Data Scientist
William is an articulate, upbeat and quietly nerdy filmmaker with a background in AI and data science. An ideas first, people driven storyteller, his tongue‑in‑cheek style avoids formal interviews, favouring movement, humour and empathy. He brings warmth and intelligence to character‑led documentaries and music videos.
Production credit: Race Around the World is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) for ABC. Endemol Shine Australia Executive Producer: Kate Paul. Endemol Shine Australia Director of Content: Amelia Fisk. ABC Executive Producer: Mark Sutton. ABC Head of Entertainment: Rachel Millar.
SUNDAY 7 JUNE 7.30PM
The rules are simple: six filmmakers travel solo through 10 countries, delivering a new short film every 10 days, over 100 days.
Working entirely alone, they will shoot, write, edit and produce each film from start to finish, before dialling in from wherever they are in the world to share it with a live studio audience.
Hosted by Zan Rowe with original 90s Racer John Safran as judge, it’s a ride you don’t want to miss.
The show is now filming at ABC HQ in Sydney. You can register to be in the audience at Eventbrite website.
SUNDAY 14 JUNE 7.30PM
In episode two of Race Around the World, six filmmakers battle harsh critiques, technical disasters and cultural challenges as they create short films across the globe, with one standout rising to the top.
Host Zan Rowe is joined by judges Bruce Beresford, Danny Philippou and John Safran, in an episode that explores both the emotional sting of criticism and the unpredictable realities of filming abroad.
From missed flights and smashed cameras to confronting unfamiliar environments, the films range from bold cultural observations and environmental documentaries to intimate character portraits and comedic parodies, sparking divided opinions among the judges.
Note: Judges vary across the series.
Interviews with host Zan Rowe
TV Week
The West Australian
Claudia Karvan and Margaret Pomeranz are guest judges in episode one.
SUNDAY 21 JUNE 7.30PM
As contestants struggle with failed leads, culture shocks, creative doubts, and technical barriers, the judges critique a diverse range of films, from intimate character studies and environmental portraits to comedic survival experiments and spoken word storytelling.
Hosted by Zan Rowe, this week’s judges are John Safran, Wayne Blair and Gracie Otto.
The highest scoring filmmaker will receive ABC funding to create an original short film (22-28 minutes) on ABC iView.
Zan Rowe is on the cover of Sunday Life magazine inside Sunday Age and The Sun-Herald today (paywall)
These judges can be quite harsh with their comments.
It was great, no sugar coating or put on “good judge/ bad judge” roles - just frank, honest critique which these aspiring filmmakers need to expect in the real world if they try to get commissions. That William guy took it particularly badly, he’d drown in the real world of filmmaking.
Margaret should be on every week!
