Groundbreaking series Race Around the World returns to the ABC in 2026. Casting now open for the next wave of visionary storytellers

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.

Always free and Always entertaining, watch all your favourite entertainment programs on ABC iview now.

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.

Big Brother Is Always Watching. Big Brother Premieres Sunday, 9 November At 7pm On 10.

All eyes will be on the Big Brother House when TV’s original social experiment returns to 10 on Sunday, 9 November at 7pm. 

In 2001, Big Brother made history, and in 2025, Big Brother is back: bigger and bolder than ever before.

Hosted by Mel Tracina, the history-making format is getting back to its roots with live nominations, live evictions, and 24/7 livestreaming from Dreamworld.

It’s been a big few months for Big Brother, who has been busy building a whole new pad and searching the country high and low for the perfect tenants. The hunt has paid off, and this year’s housemates are ready to become your new obsession.

Big Brother will be here in the blink of an eye:

Big Brother.
Premieres Sunday, 9 November At 7pm.
Watch + Stream Free On 10.

The search for Australia’s Portrait Artist of the Year begins this November on the ABC.

Watch a first look clip HERE

Hosted by Miranda Tapsell and Luke McGregor, Portrait Artist of the Year celebrates creativity and extraordinary talent from across Australia. The joyful and inspiring eight-part series premieres Sunday 2 November, 8pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream for free on ABC iview.

The series explores one of the most accessible and provocative forms of art – the portrait. A selection of Australia's most talented amateur and professional artists will be challenged to capture the likeness and spirit of some of the nation's most recognisable and intriguing personalities, including Maggie Beer AO, Costa Georgiadis, Ken Done AM, Tsehay Hawkins, Courtney Act, Margaret Pomeranz AM, Celia Pacquola, Myf Warhurst, Mark Coles Smith, Talijah Blackman-Corowa, Rhys Nicholson, Adam Liaw, Amanda Keller OAM, Madison de Rozario OAM, Matt Okine, Frank Finger, Alex Lee, Chloe Hayden, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM, and Denise Scott AM.

The artists are tasked, in front of a live audience, to paint a portrait of the sitter in just four hours, after which their work is judged by a panel of three renowned Australian art authorities; Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Bree Pickering; award winning, multi-disciplinary artist, Abdul Abdullah; and Associate Professor of Art History at the Australian National University (ANU), Robert Wellington.

Each sitter arrives with a treasured personal item, inviting the artist to weave something deeply meaningful into their portrait. Viewers will gain a rare window into the artists’ process and skill – witnessing the magic of blank canvases turning into finished portraits.

At the end of each heat, the sitter will select their favourite portrait to keep. Meanwhile, the judges will choose a Top 3, and from those, one artist advances to the semi-final. From six semi-finalists plus one wildcard, the field will narrow to three finalists. The winning artist will be awarded a career-defining commission, with their work displayed in the National Portrait Gallery of Australia.

Always free, always entertaining, discover a range of arts programming on  ABC iview now.

Production credits:

Portrait Artist of the Year is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) for ABC. Executive Producer: David McDonald.  Series Producer: Maria Handas.

Post Executive Producer: Kate Feely. Director: Kate Douglas Walker. ABC Head of Arts, Music and Events: Kath Earle.  ABC Commissioning Editor: Rachel Robinson.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

C21 International Format Awards & SportsPro Media Awards nominations

Two big international awards announcements, first up from the C21 International Format Awards: Headliners and Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey have both been nominated for Best Factual Entertainment Format!

Regarded as the leading awards for the global format business, to be recognised across 10 categories and numerous territories is an incredible feat. A massive congratulations to all the brilliant and hardworking people behind these marvellous shows. 

Next up, in an ESA first, our brand-new sports documentary Shaking Down the Thunder has been nominated for Best Original Content in the 2025 SportsPro Media Awards!

These awards celebrate the trailblazers shaping the future of the sports media landscape, honouring those who push the boundaries of how sports content is produced. The ambition and dedication behind telling one of the greatest stories in the Swans' history is unparalleled – a huge congratulations to the talented team behind this nominated program. 

Winners for the C21 International Format Awards will be announced on Sunday October 12 ahead of MIPCOM, followed by the SportsPro Media Awards in Madrid on Tuesday November 18. 

Aussie drama RFDS hits new heights. RFDS Season 3 premieres Wednesday, 1 October on Seven

Beloved by fans and critics alike, RFDS soars into its third season from 7.30pm Wednesday, 1 October on Seven and 7plus. 

When a bus that Pete (Stephen Peacocke) is travelling on crashes on a remote desert highway, the team are suddenly reunited. Several harrowing medical emergencies compete for resources: a young woman trapped under the bus, the driver with a life-threatening chest injury, and a young man with a severe head trauma. The situation turns from bad to worse when one of the RFDS’ own finds themselves badly injured in the rescue attempt. With limited space, Eliza (Emma Hamilton) is forced to make the horrible decision of who to save and who to leave behind, the repercussions of which will leave lasting scars on the community and the team. 

Winner of the 2024 TV WEEK Logie Award for Best Drama Program, the new season of RFDS sees the return of ensemble cast members Emma Hamilton (Ten Pound Poms, Last Cab to Darwin), Stephen Peacocke (Home and Away, Five Bedrooms, The Newsreader), Rob Collins (Total Control, Limbo), Emma Harvie (Colin From Accounts, In Limbo), Justine Clarke (The Time of Our Lives, Fisk), Ash Ricardo (Offspring, Force of Nature: The Dry 2), Jack Scott (Hardball, Joe v Carole), Sofia Nolan (Home and Away, The Artful Dodger, The Last Days of Space Age), Rodney Afif (The Hunting, Ali’s Wedding, Lucky Miles) and Thomas Weatherall (The Long Narrow Road To The Deep North, Heartbreak High). 

This year also sees the exciting arrival of Rick Davies (Apple Cider Vinegar, Austin) as Fire and Rescue Officer Ryan.

Based on remarkable real-life stories, RFDS tells the stories of doctors, nurses, pilots, and support staff in the Royal Flying Doctor Service as they navigate emergency retrievals across some of the most inhospitable places in the country.

The upgrade of the Broken Hill airport and Royal Flying Doctor Service facilities mean this season was filmed in South Australia. The action unfolds across locations in Adelaide and the stunning Flinders Ranges, with the Port Augusta RFDS Base and regional surrounds doubling for Broken Hill.  

RFDS is executive produced by Endemol Shine Australia’s Director of Scripted Content Sara Richardson, RFDS creator, writer and director Ian Meadows and Julie McGauran for Seven. It is produced by Lisa Scott and directed by Adrian Russell Wills (The Newsreader, The Warriors), Shawn Seet (Storm Boy, NCIS: Sydney), Leticia Caceres (The House of Bernarda Alba) and Ian Watson (Heartbreak High).

RFDS is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) in association with the Seven Network. Major production investment from Screen Australia, Seven and the South Australian Film Corporation. Post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen NSW. Banijay Rights manages international distribution for RFDS outside of Australia.

RFDS

Premieres 7.30pm Wednesday, 1 October on Seven and 7plus