Seven Network Upfronts 2018

The Seven Network today unveiled its plans for the 2018 television season.

The company today unveiled key elements of a strong slate of new programmes that builds on the network’s leadership across primetime. And beyond Seven’s commitment to broadcast television, the company also released plans for its further development in the delivery of its market-leading content to all Australians across the Screens of Seven.

Commenting, Tim Worner, Seven West Media’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said: “We are delivering compelling content wherever and whenever our audience wants it. We will have more events – live across sports and our entertainment programming. We are growing the content we originate and produce. And, we are committed to ensuring that in 2018, more Australians will watch Seven than anyone else.”

Kurt Burnette, Seven West Media’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Our business is about securing and creating the biggest audiences and delivering those audiences across every screen to consumers and advertisers through a seamless and easy connection. 2018 is the culmination of a long term and continuous strategic plan on creating the optimum combination of content, technology and innovation to continue to deliver results for our partners.”

Seven moves into 2018 with a long-term partnership with the Australian Football League and a portfolio of major sports events including the AFL Grand Final, the Melbourne Cup, the Rugby League World Cup, the Australian Open, the XXIII Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang in 2018 and the XXI Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April 2018. Seven is also the network of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo in 2020.

Seven today confirmed a number of new programs that will underpin the network’s commitment to Australian programming, including the return of Australia’s shortest (some would say greatest) interviewer to television in Interview with Andrew Denton; the highly anticipated mini-series Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted To You, starring Delta Goodrem as the much loved Aussie icon; crime drama Australian Gangster; and true crime series Undercurrent.

Seven will also be the new home for hit Australian drama, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, while entrepreneur Mark Bouris transforms small businesses in The Mentor.

Seven’s most-watched show – My Kitchen Rules – will again launch Seven’s primetime in 2018. House Rules is confirmed for a new season along with Little Big Shots, Wanted and exclusive to 7plus, Yummy Mummies.

Joining this portfolio will be a number of new programs including blockbuster event series Australian Spartan, The First Wives Club and Emergency Call, plus original formats from Seven Studios including Back with the Ex, Dance Boss and The Rich House.

Complementing the schedule of regular series will be more one-off, must-see television events including T_he Real Full Monty_, where eight Aussie male celebs will dare to bare all for a worthy cause; and, based on his #1 bestseller, Jimmy Barnes: Working Class Boy – Jimmy’s story, in his own words.

Angus Ross, Seven’s Director of Network Programming, said: “We are looking forward to the coming twelve months. We have the biggest sports events and we have secured some outstanding new franchises - with more announcements to come. We move into 2018 with The Australian Open, The Olympic Winter Games and a suite of programs that will drive home our leadership.”

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Breakfast Television, Morning Television, News and Public Affairs

Seven is the Australian leader in news and public affairs. Seven News and Public Affairs produces and broadcasts 5,302 hours of live news programming every year.

Australia’s favourite breakfast program Sunrise, returns in 2018 with co-hosts David Koch and Samantha Armytage, newsreader Natalie Barr, sports presenter Mark Beretta, features entertainment reporter Edwina Bartholomew and weatherman Sam Mac. Now in its 14th consecutive year of leadership, Sunrise reaches 2.3 million Australians every week.

Weekend Sunrise is Australia’s number one weekend breakfast program, with an average 484,000 combined viewers.

Seven News remains Australia’s most-watched and trusted television news service, with an average 1.4 million viewers nationally tuning in each weeknight at 6.00pm. Seven’s weekday afternoon local news at 4.00 leads in all individual metro markets – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Seven News has this year been recognised with 17 awards for excellence in journalism.

Sunday Night is Australia’s premier television news and public affairs program. This year, Sunday Night has delivered an average combined audience of 1.32 million every week. Together with host and senior correspondent Melissa Doyle, Sunday Night’s team of reporters including Steve Pennells, Denham Hitchcock, Alex Cullen, Angela Cox and Matt Doran return to Seven in 2018.

After this year celebrating its milestone 10th anniversary and decade of leadership, The Morning Show returns to Seven in 2018 with co-hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies. The Morning Show remains Australia’s number one morning program, with an average 227,000 viewers. The Morning Show reaches an average 1.7 million Australian viewers every week. And afternoon news and entertainment program, The Daily Edition, also returns in the new year with co-hosts Sally Obermeder and Tom Williams, with a weekday average audience of 176,000 viewers nationally.

Murder Uncovered

The multiple award-winning investigative news series Murder Uncovered returns in 2018 for a second season. The breakthrough series was one of the biggest television premieres of the year, with 1.57 million viewers for its opening episode and an average series audience of 1.2 million. Featuring award-winning journalist Michael Usher, chilling new details will be uncovered from never-before-given interviews with eyewitnesses to the crimes, the detectives who investigated, the victims, the prime suspects, and in some cases, even the murderers – in their own words. Murder Uncovered comes from the Seven News Investigates team behind the critically- acclaimed Michael Hutchence and Anita Cobby documentaries, and In Cold Blood… The Chris Lane Story.

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Sport

Seven is focused on delivering the biggest sports events to all Australians. Seven is the network of the Australian Football League and the Olympic Games. Seven’s long-term partnerships confirm the company’s leadership in sports television with the network continuing to dramatically expand its coverage of major sports across its digital broadcast television channels and accelerate coverage across online, mobile and other emerging forms of content delivery.

Seven’s commitment to an expanding presence in sport builds on the network’s unprecedented new agreement with the International Olympic Committee. Following its coverage of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Seven will be the network of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang in 2018 and the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo in 2020. Seven is also the home of the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018.

Seven’s agreements for the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and the World Swimming Championships join the company’s long-term commitment to the National Football League, including the Super Bowl, The US Masters and Wimbledon as major international sports franchises for Seven.

Seven also has all-encompassing agreements for coverage of the Australian Football League Premiership Season, Finals Series, the Grand Final and Brownlow Medal, and the local Australian Rules Football competitions the West Australian Football League, the Victorian Football League and the South Australian National Football League, the Bathurst 12 Hour Endurance Race, all major horse racing events including the Sydney Easter Carnival, the Stradbroke Handicap, the Melbourne Spring Carnival and the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race, all major Australian golf tournaments, the Stawell Gift, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the New South Wales Shute Shield in Rugby, and all major tennis tournaments in Australia including The Australian Open and The Davis Cup. Seven also has all-encompassing rights to swimming in Australia and is the network of the Australian Swimming Championships.

7plus

Seven today unveiled further details on 7plus, the cornerstone for its accelerating moves into OTT digital video content delivery. Launching next month, 7plus will be much more than a catch-up service, encompassing live and on demand, as well as an extended content library from some of the world’s largest studios, exclusive original commissions and features allowing “binge-stacking” of your favourite programs.

Significantly, Seven is delivering original content for 7plus and confirms that it has commissioned Seven Studios to produce as a 7plus Original, the next series of Yummy Mummies, which was a breakout success online, out- ranking many of Australia’s biggest television franchises in the OzTAM VPM ratings for total viewing on an IP connected device.

Clive Dickens, Seven’s Chief Digital Officer, said: “We’re very excited to introduce this new, world class OTT service to Australian consumers and advertisers, offering all you love from the Seven Network, plus so much more. More than live. More than catch-up. More effective for our partners. Consumer behaviour is evolving rapidly and the growth of connected devices demands we take a fresh approach to matching great content to the right device and the right audience, creating a myriad of new opportunities for brands to connect through video in ways like never before.”

Addressable TV

Seven today confirmed an Australian first with the launch of live “Addressable TV”. It commences with Seven’s coverage of the Rugby League World Cup. Addressable TV allows Seven and its advertising partners to dynamically insert targeted commercials on Seven’s live streaming and video on demand. These Addressable targeted TV ads are specific to the individual user on a 1:1 basis.

Addressable TV delivers the benefits of television’s mass audience delivery and reach coupled with the specific consumer targeting of digital platforms. It is a first for the Australian market. Premium, targeted digital video advertising will be a cornerstone of Seven’s accelerating moves into OTT content delivery with the launch of 7plus. Addressable TV will be available on live streams and video on demand of Seven’s content.

Commenting, James Bayes, Digital Sales Director (OTT Video), said: “This is the future of TV and it’s now on Seven. Expanding viewing options across all screens and devices is creating significant new opportunities for major brands and advertisers to connect with our audiences in new and exciting ways. It combines the undeniable brand building broadcast television delivers with the targeting of digital with the consumer.”

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New for 2018

INTERVIEW with ANDREW DENTON

In 2018, Andrew Denton will make his long-awaited return to Seven in a show based mostly on chairs. Australia’s shortest (some would say greatest) interviewer will sit opposite a range of fascinating people and try to find out what makes them tick.

The formula will be simple. Two people, two chairs, one conversation, no gimmicks. Even its title will be simple. Interview. The only complex bit will be the people Andrew talks to - every possible kind of human being and a few impossible ones as well. Topical when it needs to be, timeless whenever it can, INTERVIEW aims to be about light, not heat. In a time when everything seems to be splitting apart, INTERVIEW will seek out what binds us.

There will be talking. There will be listening. There will be laughing, and hopefully the occasional, compelling silence. And if that doesn’t work, there’ll be a bathroom renovation. Possibly some blindfolded dating. And as a last resort, some kind of mystery food challenge (Surprise It’s an eggplant ).

INTERVIEW. Every week, amazing humans.

INTERVIEW with ANDREW DENTON will be produced by Legacy Media for Channel Seven.

OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN: HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU

Delta Goodrem has amassed a multitude of achievements throughout her career to date, and now she will play a role very close to her heart, as she stars as Australian icon Olivia Newton-John in OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN: HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU - a two-part celebration which charts the Aussie sweetheart’s brilliant career and astonishing personal life.

Aged just 15, Olivia won a local television talent contest which propelled her to London on her first recording contract. She went on to become Australia’s most successful singer, selling an astounding 100 million albums internationally.

The miniseries follows Olivia’s path to stardom from singing duets with best friend Pat Carroll, to her breakout single ‘I Honestly Love You’ reaching Number 1 in the US and international acclaim in her life-changing role of Sandy in the 1978 global smash-hit movie, Grease. Continued highs in Olivia’s music career and personal life are confronted by a sudden profusion of life challenges, with a cancer diagnosis the biggest trial of her character and determination.

For more than five decades, Olivia has been “the one that we want”. This moving and uplifting tribute to her life, her loves, her family, her fight and her iconic songs, films and fashion will see Australians of all generations fall in love with Livvy all over again.

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN: HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU is produced by FremantleMedia with the assistance of Screen Australia and Film Victoria for Channel Seven.

AUSTRALIAN SPARTAN

In the most intense obstacle course on the planet, no one triumphs alone This is AUSTRALIAN SPARTAN – a test of strength, speed, agility and endurance which only a truly unified team can conquer.

Inspired by the world-wide fitness phenomenon ‘Spartan Race’, this is the world’s most demanding physical obstacle course. Teams of three must join forces to race across a specially designed Spartan course engineered to challenge their determination, endurance and will. The extreme obstacles escalate to truly test the most outstanding athletes in the country. In the end, only one team will rise to become the ultimate Australian Spartans.

AUSTRALIAN SPARTAN is a Matchbox Pictures and Eureka Productions co-production for Channel Seven.

THE MENTOR

Australian entrepreneur, Mark Bouris, is taking his knowledge to the streets in THE MENTOR, turning around small businesses on the brink of collapse.

Small businesses are the heart and soul of the country employing sixty percent of the Australian population. Mark will be delving deep into the backbone of the nation as he takes apart these businesses and digs deep into the lives of the owners helping them have a real shot at financial and personal success. Growing up in Punchbowl in Sydney’s western suburbs, Mark knows how hard work and commitment can be life changing. THE MENTOR is all about making success happen.

THE RICH HOUSE

What if every luxury you’d ever dreamt of was right at your fingertips? How hard would you fight to keep it? Welcome to THE RICH HOUSE – a fun, family-friendly competition series giving everyday Australians the chance to live the life of the super rich

Inside THE RICH HOUSE is an embarrassment of riches… a Lotto winner’s lifestyle, an unimaginable dream, and 12 lucky Aussies are about to be given the chance to move in, live it large and win big. But making it to THE RICH HOUSE takes hard work. These Aussies must face a series of spectacular challenges to get there.
Succeed and the rewards are out of this world. Fail and life will lose all luxury.

THE RICH HOUSE is an original format from Seven Studios.

DANCE BOSS

Forget Jenny from the block… wait ‘til you see how Jenny from Accounts moves

It’s time to “get down” to business with DANCE BOSS - a brand-new TV dance competition where the best workplace crews battle it out to win a cash prize of $100,000.

Inspired by viral videos shared millions of times around the world, this new shiny floor format sees 10 Australian workplaces put forward their best five amateur dancers. These dance troupes are then put through their paces by a world-famous choreographer.

In each episode, the dazzlingly costumed crews face off in spectacularly staged dance battles. They are judged and scored by three big name celebrities who will base their scores on entertainment factor alone. Eventually 10 will be whittled down to one winning troupe who will be crowned “Dance Boss Australia”

DANCE BOSS is an original format from Seven Studios.

THE DOCTOR BLAKE MYSTERIES

Doctor Blake is back.

It’s 1963 and Australia sits on the cusp of a brave new world… a world awash with murder, mystery and mayhem. JFK has just been assassinated and the universe may never be the same again. Blake and Jean face greater challenges than they could ever have imagined. Haunted houses, flying saucers, deadly dentists, long lost daughters and much, much more. They’re challenges the two of them will face together. Buckle up - it’s going to be a hell of ride.

In 2018, Seven becomes the new home of number one Australian drama, THE DOCTOR BLAKE MYSTERIES – returning much-loved stars Craig McLachlan (Blake) and Nadine Garner (Jean) to our screens, as well as other familiar faces and some new players.

THE DOCTOR BLAKE MYSTERIES is a December Media production in association with Film Victoria for Channel Seven.

AUSTRALIAN GANGSTER

A wild tale of gangster ambition. The Instagram generation westie underworld collides with Sydney’s glamorous social elite. A world of spray tans, steroids, tatts, laundered drug money and Lamborghinis. All of this and the pursuit of a happy family life. It’s very funny, even amidst all the murders and mayhem.

It’s just the kind of crazy story that Gregor Jordan (Two Hands, Ned Kelly) is the perfect person to tell.

New local crime drama, AUSTRALIAN GANGSTER, is a Roadshow Rough Diamond production for Channel Seven, with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Create NSW.

UNDERCURRENT

Sandy Bay, Hobart. January 27, 2009.

55-year-old mother of two Sue Neill-Fraser is woken by a call from the police – her yacht is sinking out in the bay. Sue’s partner Bob Chappell who was sleeping on board has disappeared. The boat has been sabotaged, blood spatters the cabin stairs, a knife lies on the floor… Bob is never seen again - alive or dead. Sue soon becomes a suspect in Bob’s murder investigation. During interviews with detectives she is caught in a string of lies. Seven months later, Detectives arrest Sue charging her with murder. Sue strongly maintains her innocence. While evidence is circumstantial and there is no body, the case against her is strong enough to go to court. After a high-profile murder trial that splits the tight Hobart community, Sue is found guilty. In October 2010 she is sentenced to 26 years in prison. But this case is far from closed… a band of supporters refuse to accept that Sue Neill-Fraser is a killer and they begin their own investigation, much of it filmed as it happens.

In the tradition of The Jinx and Making a Murderer comes UNDERCURRENT – a gripping Australian true crime series; an active unfolding investigation involving underworld sources and the chase for a key piece of physical evidence that could free Sue from prison, and finally unlock the shocking true story of what happened to Bob Chappell that night.

UNDERCURRENT is produced by CJZ for Channel Seven.

THE FIRST WIVES CLUB

They’ve all walked down the aisle before… but for each of them, their first marriage ended in heartbreak. Now back on the dating scene they all have a lot to learn.

THE FIRST WIVES CLUB tracks the dramatic, emotional and romantic transformation of women searching for their second chance at love.

Along the way they’ll be coached by the world’s #1 dating expert, Matthew Hussey, as he offers practical advice and insights into what makes men tick, how to find love and how to keep it. He will help them hone their dating skills, build their confidence and find connections with single men.

THE FIRST WIVES CLUB is co-developed by Seven Studios and Eureka Productions and produced by Eureka Productions for Channel Seven.

BACK WITH THE EX

Is the one that got away your true love? BACK WITH THE EX reunites four singles with an ex they’ve never been able to forget. They now have the chance to find out if they were the right one for them after all.

These couples will relight the spark on a romantic honeymoon. Then, they’ll come crashing back to reality when they move in to each other’s homes… and their friends and family get to have a say. They’ll confess their deepest darkest secrets to each other and their trust will be put to the test.

In an epic finale, the couples will take a once-in-a-lifetime overseas trip to a romantic destination. Here they’ll decide if it’s happily ever after… or if they’ll walk away forever. Will love find a way?

BACK WITH THE EX is an original format from Seven Studios.

EMERGENCY CALL

EMERGENCY CALL goes behind the scenes at call centres which respond to 000 calls and the call takers who are the first responders to an emergency situation.

Whether it’s a traffic accident, a cardiac arrest, a terrifying call from someone being stalked or the crazy callers who think that 000 should unblock their toilet, EMERGENCY CALL allows the viewer to listen in on the most challenging situations.

EMERGENCY CALL is a Lineup Industries format, produced by Seven Studios.

THE WALL

Hosted by Axle Whitehead, THE WALL exists for one purpose and one purpose only - to give good people the opportunity to transform their lives. And when there are millions of dollars on the line, they’ll only need one lucky bounce and their futures could change in an instant.

In order to conquer The Wall, players need a mix of brains, bravery and blind luck and even then, there’s no guarantees. It’s the ultimate game of risk and reward.

The rules are simple: a pair of teammates must try to beat The Wall by answering general knowledge questions. Answer correctly and the balls turn green and fly down The Wall - wherever they land adds money to the team’s winning total. Get an answer wrong, the balls turn red and the money is deducted from the team’s total. With cash values ranging from one dollar right up to one million dollars, massive amounts of money can be won and lost in seconds. The Wall gives and The Wall takes away.

THE WALL is an original U.S. format created by LeBron James, Maverick Carter and Andrew Glassman and executive produced by Glassman Media and SpringHill Entertainment in Association with Universal Television Alternative Studio and distributed by Endemol Shine Group.

INSTANT HOTEL

Join host Luke Jacobz and series judge, award-winning designer Juliet Ashworth, as they tap into the world- wide trend of home-owners renting out their properties as holiday accommodation.

INSTANT HOTEL will see home owners vie for the title of Best Hotel. Personal taste, precious belongings and price point are all open for judgement as teams travel the country and stay in newly created “hotels”.

INSTANT HOTEL is an original format from Seven Studios.

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“For one night only” - Event Television

THE REAL FULL MONTY

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 1997 mega hit film The Full Monty. The film touched the hearts of audiences worldwide as eight ordinary men faced their fears and stripped off for a cause close to their hearts.

Now, in the special television event, THE REAL FULL MONTY, a group of eight Australian male celebrities will strip down in a large-scale performance to raise awareness for testicular and prostate cancer.

In this feel-good documentary we’ll go on the journey with these eight brave celebs – from the awkwardness of the first rehearsal, to the final triumphant show where they rip their G-strings off in front of a packed audience Who will dare to bare all for a worthy cause?

JIMMY BARNES: WORKING CLASS BOY

Feature-length documentary WORKING CLASS BOY is the unflinching story of Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes – from childhood survival in the slums of Glasgow to the forlorn immigrant suburbs of Australia, to the day he is asked to join a band and finds his escape with Cold Chisel. Raw and compassionate, this is how a wild cheeky kid from the mean streets of Scotland and South Australia was saved by rock’n’roll… only to have it nearly destroy him.

The film is based on Jimmy’s 2016 memoir Working Class Boy, the biggest selling Australian autobiography of all time and was the winner of the Australian Book Industry Award for 2017 Biography of the Year. In 2016, Jimmy turned his book into a concert - a mix of spoken word and music - selling out hundreds of shows across Australia and New Zealand.

WORKING CLASS BOY, an adaptation of both the book and stage show, goes far beyond the traditional rock doc. It’s a universal, multi-layered story that uses an evocative soundtrack performed by Jimmy to frame a story of defiance, struggle and survival. From his perch today at the top of the music industry, as a devoted husband, father and grandfather he tells the raw, unadulterated and often funny story of the life that shaped him.

JIMMY BARNES: WORKING CLASS BOY is produced by CJZ for Channel Seven.

AACTA AWARDS

The finest performers of Australian film and television will once again gather in recognition and celebration of the industry’s highest achievements for the 7th AACTA AWARDS on Wednesday, December 6.

For the third consecutive year, and with some exciting new changes to be announced, Seven will bring you all the action from the red carpet and the ceremony, live from The Star Event Centre in Sydney.

SUNRISE’s David Koch, Samantha Armytage, Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta return to host the 2017 Woolworths CAROLS IN THE DOMAIN, live from The Domain, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney on Sunday, December 17.

The Seven stars will be joined by Carols’ best ever line-up of entertainers to spread some Christmas cheer.

60th GRAMMY AWARDS

Music’s biggest night celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2018.

The milestone telecast of the 60th GRAMMY AWARDS will screen exclusively on Seven on Monday, January 29 from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

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Returning in 2018

MY KITCHEN RULES

Pete Evans and Manu Feildel are back with a ninth season of Australia’s most popular and hotly contested cooking show, MY KITCHEN RULES… and this year, it won’t just be the teams who are opening their front doors

With supersized instant restaurants and an all-new elimination process that turns the competition on its head, this is MY KITCHEN RULES as you’ve never seen it before.

Pete and Manu will be joined by Colin Fassnidge to help judge the new batch of aspiring home cooks as they battle it out for the $250,000 prize. Also returning to Kitchen HQ in 2018 are guest judges Karen Martini, Guy Grossi and Liz Egan.

MY KITCHEN RULES is an original format from Seven Studios.

HOUSE RULES

With great characters, even bigger challenges and the most breathtaking designs, HOUSE RULES continues to break new ground in the home renovation format as teams gamble with the most important possession in their lives: their home.

In 2018, the show will launch with something they’ve never done before - a game-changer which will massively raise the stakes and the drama and have a huge impact on the entire series.

Entering its sixth year, HOUSE RULES returns with host Johanna Griggs and series judges - international design star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen; acclaimed Australian architect and builder Drew Heath; and one of Australia’s foremost experts on style and design Wendy Moore. Back to guide teams and help them decipher the ‘House Rules’ is interior designer Carolyn Burns-McCrave.

HOUSE RULES is an original format from Seven Studios.

LITTLE BIG SHOTS

The breakout feel-good hit of 2017 proved that the biggest stars can come in the smallest packages.

LITTLE BIG SHOTS will return in 2018 with more awe-inspiring, super cute, refreshingly honest, pint-sized performers, all set to keep host Shane Jacobson on his toes.

Created by Ellen DeGeneres and Steve Harvey, LITTLE BIG SHOTS is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia for Channel Seven.

WANTED

Australia’s most epic drama is back In 2018, Lola Buckley (Rebecca Gibney) and Chelsea Babbage (Geraldine Hakewill) return home in pursuit of their own brand of justice and freedom when they are forced to cross a line that means this time, there is no going back.

In a bold new adventure, the International Emmy-nominated series sees Lola and Chelsea embark on a breathtaking journey through the burning red centre of Australia. WANTED 3 is a story about identity that proves we can only truly live when we embrace who we were born to be.

So the world thinks they’re bad? They ain’t seen nothing yet…

WANTED is produced by Matchbox Pictures and R&R Productions for Channel Seven.

HOME AND AWAY

Australia’s most popular weeknight drama welcomes Sam Frost to the cast after a jaw-dropping season finale which leaves the residents of Summer Bay in total shock.

Expect more conflict, romance, happiness, heartbreak, topical storylines and fresh faces as HOME AND AWAY celebrates its 30th year in 2018.

HOME AND AWAY is an original format from Seven Studios.

THE CHASE AUSTRALIA

Host Andrew O’Keefe is back with Australia’s number one game show, THE CHASE AUSTRALIA.

THE CHASE is a race where players must ensure they stay one step ahead of the Chaser, some of the finest quiz brains in Australia. The Chasers are The Governess, Supernerd, The Shark, Goliath and The Beast.

Have contestants got what it takes to beat the Chaser?

THE CHASE AUSTRALIA is produced by ITV Studios Australia for Channel Seven.

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

Australia’s number one lifestyle program, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, returns for an incredible 24th year in 2018. The team will spend more time lending a hand to Australians in need, providing simple solutions and advice for their problems in the home and garden. Plus, viewers will learn more inspiring ways to refresh their home, how to home cook the most delicious recipes and try those DIY jobs they’ve been putting off

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS is presented by Johanna Griggs with Australia’s favourite vet Dr Harry Cooper; Logie Award-winning builder Adam Dovile; interiors specialist Tara Dennis; landscaper Jason Hodges; horticulturist Graham Ross; and chefs “Fast Ed” Halmagyi and Karen Martini.

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS is an original format from Seven Studios.

800 WORDS

800 WORDS continues in 2018 with more heart-warming and uplifting drama.

After Woody and Tracey’s fairy-tale wedding, George (Erik Thomson) was faced with an unexpected ultimatum - help his ex-girlfriend Fiona fulfil her dream of becoming a mother or pursue a new romance with Katie?

800 WORDS is a South Pacific Pictures production for Channel Seven.

FIRST DATES

FIRST DATES is back with more hopeful singles taking a chance on love

In this fly-on-the-wall dating series real people of all ages go on blind dates with a twist, hoping to meet the man or woman of their dreams.

Our daters have been brought together according to their likes and dislikes by FIRST DATES’ team of matchmakers. They’ll meet their potential love match for the very first time in a restaurant fitted out with discreet cameras to record the dates from start to finish.

Some of the daters crash and burn… others strike it lucky. At the end of the evening they’ll be asked the killer question: “Would you like to go on a second date?”. For some pairings, it’ll be their first and last date. For others, it might just be the beginning of a lifelong relationship. What happens next is up to them.

FIRST DATES is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia for Channel Seven.

YUMMY MUMMIES

They strutted into our lives in 2017 flaunting their big bellies, designer baby gear and extravagant lifestyles. Now, exclusive to 7plus, the YUMMY MUMMIES are back and funnier than ever as they try to keep up appearances under the most difficult situations.

Follow Lorinska as she takes little “Lady Penelope” to purchase her first designer outfit with matching high heels. Meanwhile, Rachel is buying a new home for baby Harvey and Jane’s young toddler Jenson is visiting the bank manager to open his first account. Then there’s first ponies, holiday homes, birthday parties and more

The challenges are immense as our Melbourne mums get used to life with the newest and loudest member of their families.

YUMMY MUMMIES is an original format from Seven Studios.

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Seven Factual

Seven’s Factual team continue to deliver the best in observational documentary programming including BEACH COPS, SURVEILLANCE OZ, DASHCAM and MANHUNT, plus flagship titles:

BORDER SECURITY: AUSTRALIA’S FRONT LINE

One of Australia’s longest running factual programs returns for 2018 with exclusive access to high profile busts and covert operations.

The challenges facing our border protection agencies in 2018 are critically important and BORDER SECURITY: AUSTRALIA’S FRONT LINE has never been more relevant. From major international drug syndicates to potential terror threats and illegal boats, BORDER SECURITY’s cameras are with officers on the front line for every high- risk operation to protect Australia.

BORDER SECURITY: AUSTRALIA’S FRONT LINE is an original format from Seven Studios.

THE FORCE: BEHIND THE LINE

THE FORCE: BEHIND THE LINE continues as a cutting-edge crime series covering all areas of policing with the most extraordinary access allowing our cameras to follow some of the country’s biggest operations through live briefings, warrants and arrests.

This season follows some of the biggest drug and weapons busts in the country as well as property crime, armed robbery and fraud. It’s a force to be reckoned with

THE FORCE: BEHIND THE LINE is an original format from Seven Studios.

HIGHWAY PATROL

Australia’s blockbusting cop show HIGHWAY PATROL is back for a 10th season, riding shotgun with Victorian police officers who strive to keep our roads safe.

We’ll see the crashes, the speeders, the tears and the trauma, meeting every kind of person you can think of, whether they be angry or idiots (and sometimes a combination of both). Mix in a big dollop of laughs and you’ll soon see why the life of an officer is never boring.

HIGHWAY PATROL is produced by Greenstone TV with the cooperation of Victoria Police for Channel Seven.

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Sport

GOLD COAST COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Seven is ready to deliver the most comprehensive, innovative, multi-platform Commonwealth Games coverage ever seen.

It will be Seven’s biggest coverage of any event since the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000 and builds on Seven’s multi-screen live coverage of the Olympic Games in Rio.

Fans can look forward to 2017 world champion Sally Pearson going for gold in the 110m hurdles, 2016 Rio Olympic gold medallist Kyle Chalmers aiming to add to his medal collection in the men’s 100m freestyle, a top- class Para-Sport line-up including Kurt Fearnley in the wheelchair marathon and a swag of teams sports with Aussies going for gold including the Rugby 7s, netball and more.

PYEONGCHANG 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS

In February, Seven will broadcast the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games across the screens of Seven on television and connected devices.

Viewers will be cheering on Aussie stars including world champions mogul skier Britt Cox and snowboarder Scott James, two-time world champion snowboarder Alex Pullin, Olympic gold medallist Torah Bright and Sochi 2014 Olympians Danielle Scott, Matt Graham, Jarryd Hughes and more as Australia stakes its claim for its most successful Winter Olympics ever.

SEVEN’S SUMMER OF TENNIS

The superstars of tennis are on track for Seven this summer including Federer, Nadal, Williams, Stosur, Djokovic, Murray and Kyrgios, with viewers able to watch live anywhere, anytime, on any device.

From the Hopman Cup in Perth and the Brisbane International to Sydney’s International and along the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, all roads on Seven this summer lead to the first Grand Slam of 2018, the Australian Open.

In addition to live and exclusive match coverage on Channel 7, 7TWO and 7mate, fans will have every tournament during the Summer of Tennis streamed live via the 7TENNIS app and 7plus.

AFL

After arguably the most competitive season of AFL ever in 2017 that saw a fairytale drought-breaking win for the Tigers, Seven’s AFL returns with the biggest games across Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights and Sundays.

The AFL finals are all on Seven, along with exclusive coverage of the Brownlow Medal and the Grand Final.

AFLW returns after its groundbreaking first season with all of the stars we’ve come to know and love including Daisy Pearce, Erin Phillips, Sarah ‘Tex’ Perkins and more.

Seven will again broadcast VFL, SANFL and WAFL matches live, free and exclusive as well as the EJ Whitten Legends game.

The Front Bar

After a stellar footy season in 2017, Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher return for some fun at The Front Bar with their irreverent and often nostalgic look at the AFL world.

And during the Commonwealth Games and the Winter Olympics, keep an eye out as the boys pull up a stool to give their inimitable view on all the fun and games from the track, pool, ski fields and beyond.

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Seven today unveiled further details surrounding the launch of 7plus.

7plus is a 100 per cent Seven owned and operated new OTT product that sits at the heart of the company’s strategy for Total Video and TV Everywhere.

Launching next month, 7plus will be much more than a catch-up service, encompassing live and on demand, as well as an extended content library from some of the world’s largest studios, exclusive original commissions and features allowing “binge-stacking” of your favourite programmes.

Significantly, Seven is delivering original content for 7plus and confirms that it has commissioned Seven Studios to produce as a 7plus Original, the next series of Yummy Mummies, which was a breakout success online, out- ranking many of Australia’s biggest television franchises in the OzTAM VPM ratings for total viewing on an IP connected device.

7plus was developed in partnership with many of the world’s leading OTT technology companies to deliver a contemporary and sophisticated user experience for consumers and advertisers alike.

Kurt Burnette, Seven’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “7plus will take Seven to a new level of content, innovation and engagement. Over the coming months, consumers and advertisers will see Seven dramatically expand the delivery of Australia’s favourite content in new and exciting ways. Addressable TV at scale is a game changer which will deliver marked improvements in targeting and ROI. We’re delighted to be the first Australian network to make it available at scale on all our brands.

“We create and own a huge library of premium, brand-safe content made for Australia and the world with Home and Away, My Kitchen Rules, House Rules and an enormous back catalogue of some of Australia’s most loved and iconic programming all discoverable on 7plus. We are also building our content offering beyond Seven with new content and exclusive 7plus commissions never seen before on Australian television.

“This amazing content will be joined by key major domestic event franchises, including The Melbourne Cup, the Rugby League World Cup in Australia, the Australian Open tennis, the Winter Olympic Games and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“These huge audience aggregators across Seven and 7Live will underpin 7plus in an unprecedented delivery of live sport on broadcast, live streamed and on demand. Available to all Australians for free.”

Clive Dickens, Seven’s Chief Digital Officer, said: “We’re very excited to introduce this new, world class OTT service to Australian consumers and advertisers, offering all you love from the Seven Network, plus so much more. More than live. More than catch-up. More effective for our partners.

“Consumer behaviour is evolving rapidly and the growth of connected devices demands we take a fresh approach to matching great content to the right device and the right audience, creating a myriad of new opportunities for brands to connect through video in ways like never before.”

Tim Worner, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Seven West Media, said: “We are transforming. We are building new businesses. We are expanding our content creation capabilities and we are now a company connecting with all Australians across every screen.

“7plus is a cornerstone of our strategy, leveraging our content creation, our marketing strengths and our partnerships to deliver content to our audiences on their terms. Taking our content beyond broadcast television has moved to a new level with the streaming of our market-leading video content live or on demand, on any device.”
A key feature is Seven’s launch of live and video-on-demand ‘Addressable TV’.

Kicking off with coverage of the Rugby League World Cup and extending right throughout the year, Addressable TV replaces selected broadcast ads when content is consumed on a live stream with targeted digital video ads specific to the individual user. The result is a more personalised and immersive advertising experience, tailored to the end user, based on a deep knowledge of their individual online behaviour and profile. The result is greater efficiency and ROI, combining the scale and engagement of TV with the targeting of digital.

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I See Nothing About HD Broadcasting!

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The Front Balcony and The Front Chalet respectively.

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We need communism.

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What next for Seven’s flipping branding… Flix7, Two7, mate7? :wink:

Will a certain regional affiliate also reverse the order & become 7Prime/7GWN?

Presumably 7West Media (or will it be West7 Media?) want the new version (minor update?) of their app to be nearer/at the top of an alphanumeric sorted list (to jump ahead of 9Now).

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This is an improvement on recent years. Seven have huge potential to capitalise on during the Commonwealth Games.

I thought they would learn from previous experience and launch a new Australian drama format off the back of that. Packed to the Rafters and House Husbands had several successful years after being launched off the back of major sporting events. It doesn’t look like Australian Gangster will launch until the end of next year.

I am surprised Wanted and 800 Words are returning. They have performed poorly and have shown no signs of growth potential.

The reality/factual formats all seem consistent with Seven’s past offerings and should resonate with the core audience. The Rich House looks intriguing and First Wives Club too.

Australian Spartan should do okay. Seven have had success tapping into (borderline imitating) successful concepts before. Think MKR off back of Masterchef and House Rules off back of Block.

A lot of the success or failure will come down to scheduling and quality. Things often sound better in print, but putting them into a practice is often harder.

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Million Dollar Chance of a Lifetime tho

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True. There’s no such thing as a perfect track record.

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Absolutely. That one has just always stuck out in my mind as a really bad attempt to jump on the bandwagon. Terrible name, horrible format.

Aka Australian Spartan

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