Industry whispers are buzzing as TV Blackbox has revealed that a bold new current affairs show is in the works to replace The Project, bringing with it a complete format overhaul.
Unlike its predecessor, the fresh program will reportedly air just four nights a week, Monday to Thursday, cutting the underperforming Friday night edition.
And that’s not all, the Sunday edition of The Project, which has been a staple since 2017, is also expected to get the axe, leaving a noticeable gap in Ten’s early evening schedule.
Sources suggest this new show will introduce an exciting format shake-up, completely transforming The Project‘s current timeslot. Development has reportedly been underway for some time, with a potential launch as early as next month.
It’s shaping up to be a major pivot for Channel 10 as they attempt to re-engage audiences in an era dominated by streaming. Once a heavyweight of Australian current affairs television, The Project has struggled to retain viewers as habits shift away from live TV to on-demand platforms.
Ratings for the beloved panel show, which first graced screens in 2009, have plummeted by half in recent years, sparking constant rumors of its demise, that Channel 10 has repeatedly denied.
But the challenges for broadcast TV go beyond just The Project. In 2022 alone, Channel 10 quietly shelved The Masked Singer, The Bachelor, and Gladiators, as the network grapples with the tough reality of shifting viewer preferences.
Whether this new current affairs show can reverse the trend remains to be seen, but it’s clear Channel 10 is betting big on a fresh start.
