Get ready for a thrilling lineup that promises to blend nostalgia with fresh surprises—ABC's 2026 schedule is here to captivate, challenge, and maybe even divide your opinions on TV entertainment!
Imagine kicking off the year with familiar faces stepping into hilarious new roles. Comedian and TV personality Julia Morris takes charge as the no-nonsense principal in the upcoming comedy Class Clowns. Picture a group of mischievous comedians tackling absurd tasks inspired by traditional school subjects, from outrageous history lessons to wacky math challenges. Morris herself quipped, 'School wasn't exactly my forte, but I'll lead with confidence, fairness, and no mercy for anyone abusing the phrase 'no mercy'.' Her wit sets the tone for a show that's equal parts educational parody and laugh-out-loud comedy.
And if that's not enough star power, the beloved comedian Anne Edmonds shines in her own creation, the drama-infused comedy Bad Company. Teaming up with Fisk alum Kitty Flanagan, this series dives into the chaotic world of a struggling theater company. Edmonds plays Margie, the bumbling artistic director whose poor decisions threaten to sink the ship, while Flanagan's Julia steps in as a sharp executive determined to turn things around. Edmonds shared her excitement: 'I'm overjoyed to craft an ABC comedy exploring the backstage turmoil that's so dear to me—and collaborating with Kitty Flanagan? It's a fantasy realized.' At a showcase event, she cheekily noted that Bad Company 'clearly draws from none of my real-life encounters in the arts... everyone there is perfectly sane.'
But here's where it gets controversial—could this poke at the fragility of creative industries spark debates about funding and authenticity in the arts?
Morris and Edmonds are just the tip of the iceberg. Comedian Sam Pang leads the new comedy Ground Up, portraying Hugh Shen, an AFL executive dispatched from Melbourne to Tasmania to launch a fresh football club amid ongoing debates. The catch? They need a stadium, and not all locals are thrilled about the massive costs involved. Pang expressed his enthusiasm: 'I'm pumped to venture into uncharted territory.'
And this is the part most people miss—prepare for something truly magical. Renowned artist, author, and Oscar-winning filmmaker Shaun Tan unveils a new animated series drawn from his beloved 2008 collection of illustrated tales, Tales from Outer Suburbia. Though aimed at kids, this reflective show enchants adults too, following young Klara and her brother Pim as they relocate to the suburbs with their mom and navigate their unfamiliar surroundings. When reality bends into the bizarre, the siblings bond and question the essence of belonging. Tan reflected to the ABC, 'My narratives all revolve around belonging—what it truly signifies and that persistent sense of being out of place. It might feel personal, but I believe it's a universal query... why are we born into this specific era and locale, and what does that imply?'
Shifting gears, 2026 isn't solely about shiny newcomers; it's a celebration of enduring classics. Australian Story hits the 30-year milestone, ABC Classic celebrates five decades, and Play School marks 60 years of delighting families. For music lovers craving uplifting vibes, Australian music icon Guy Sebastian joins classical pianist Andrea Lam and host Amanda Keller for season two of the heartwarming hit The Piano, showcasing the global power of melody.
Many beloved ABC faces are also branching out. Shaun Micallef, fresh from Eve of Destruction, returns with Shaun Micallef's Going for Broke, a hard-hitting documentary scrutinizing Australia's reputation as the world's top gambling hub. Micallef mused, 'Life itself is a risk, so why gamble away what you've got, especially your hard-earned cash?'
And here's a twist that might surprise you: DJ Zan Rowe leaves music behind to host the rebooted Race Around the World, a competitive reality show. Joining her is John Safran, the standout from the 1997 original, now as a judge.
In audio realms, esteemed financial journalist Alan Kohler launches Alan Kohler: In Conversation, a podcast where he chats with business moguls about their success secrets. Meanwhile, Yorta Yorta artist Tom Forrest, known as Outback Tom, hosts Country Club on triple j, spotlighting top country tunes from Australia and beyond.
For news enthusiasts, ABC News Loop delivers top-notch explanatory journalism straight to your feeds, while ABC News Breakfast embarks on on-location specials to spotlight vibrant Australian personalities.
To build your viewing plan, here's a glimpse at more 2026 highlights:
Scripted
- Dog Park: A heartwarming tale led by Celia Pacquola and Leon Ford, exploring community and connection through a circle of dog owners.
- Dustfall: Adapted from Vikki Petraitis' novel The Unbelieved, this Tropic Noir follows a detective unraveling a series of drink-spiking crimes, highlighting real-world issues like consent and safety.
- Goolagong: A three-part miniseries celebrating tennis legend Evonne Goolagong's inspiring journey, perfect for sports fans and history buffs.
- Shakedown: A gripping drama exposing Australia's darkest political scandals, bringing historical events to vivid life.
- Treasure & Dirt: A suspenseful murder mystery in a remote opal mining town, blending crime thriller with outback intrigue.
Documentary
- The State of Man: A bold exploration of masculinity in modern Australia, challenging traditional norms and sparking conversations on gender roles.
- The Matter of Facts: Hamish Macdonald conducts experiments to reveal how easily we're misled by falsehoods, a timely reminder in our information-saturated world.
- Ages of Ice: Scientists brave extreme conditions to discuss climate change's impact on Earth's icy landscapes and future.
- But Also John Clarke: Celebrating the late satirist's legacy through his daughter's curated recordings, a tribute to humor's role in society.
- Judgment: Cases that Changed Australia: Examining pivotal High Court decisions that shaped the nation, educating viewers on legal history.
- Tampa: The Boat that Turned the Tide: Marking 25 years, this revisits the maritime crisis that ignited international tensions, still relevant in debates on immigration and asylum.
Returning favorites include Back Roads, Dr Ann's Secret Lives, Dr Karl's How Things Work, Kitchen Cabinet, Muster Dogs, Stuff the British Stole, and The Assembly.
Arts, Music, and Events
- ABC Young Performer Awards: Honoring Australia's top young classical musicians, inspiring the next generation of talent.
Returning favorites: Classic 100 Concert, Rage, Creative Types, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and Take 5 with Zan Rowe.
Entertainment
- Always Was Tonight: Hosted by Gamilaroi man Tony Armstrong, this satirical program 'decolonizes' the news, offering a fresh, critical perspective on current events.
- Tonight at the Museum: Alex Lee hosts celebrities in fun challenges centered on Tasmanian Museum treasures.
Returning favorites: Gardening Australia, Gruen, Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont Spelling Bee, Spicks and Specks, That Blackfella Show, and The Yearly with Charlie Pickering.
Children's and Family
- Caper Crew: Siblings Amelia and Kai's calm world flips when their cunning grandmother-con artist appears, teaching lessons on family and deception.
- Dance with Tom: In Yugambeh territory, children learn traditional Indigenous dances inspired by nature, fostering cultural appreciation.
- Flower & Flour: Young Flower adventures with her flour buddy in a restaurant setting, a whimsical tale of friendship and imagination.
- It's Andrew!: In a magical community, rhino boy Andrew befriends unicorns and fairies, promoting themes of acceptance.
- Gurtha Ŋhärana Lullaby with King Stingray: Cozy up with Yolŋu campfire songs from North-East Arnhem Land, a soothing blend of culture and relaxation.
Returning favorites: Do Not Watch this Show, Ginger And The Vegesaurs, Good Game Spawn Squad, and Hard Quiz Kids.
Audio
- Black Swan: A four-part series on humanity's flawed urge to predict the future, with examples from history like stock market bubbles or weather forecasts gone wrong.
- Granny Bingo: Feisty grandmothers grill celebrities in hilarious, no-holds-barred interviews.
- Doof with Latifa Tee: Discover underrated Australian electronic music pioneers.
- ABC Timeless Audiobooks: Exclusive originals like retellings of Persuasion and My Brilliant Career on the ABC Listen app.
- Wait … They Did What!?: Tilly Oddy-Black uncovers bizarre historical habits for curious families.
Returning favorites: Unravel: What Became of Jack?, If You're Listening, Bluey Listen Along, and ABC Cricket Podcast.
News and Current Affairs
All your go-to ABC News staples are back, including ABC News Breakfast, Behind the News, Four Corners, Foreign Correspondent, and 7.30.
For deeper dives into ABC's 2026 offerings, check out their official announcement.
What do you think—is ABC striking the right balance between nostalgia and innovation? Which show has you buzzing with anticipation, and do you see any potential controversies, like the gambling documentary's take on Australia's habits or the satirical decolonization of news? Share your thoughts in the comments—agreement or disagreement welcomed!
