As the Seven Network prepares for its 2025 programming line-up, the focus is on maintaining its viewer favourites while introducing fresh new shows that cater to Australia’s changing tastes.
With a mix of local and international content set to air across both broadcast TV and the 7plus streaming service, Seven’s strategy demonstrates a clear commitment to delivering entertainment, sport, and news that resonate with audiences across multiple platforms.
Check out the full 2025 content slate here!
A Blend of Returning Hits and New Shows
Seven’s 2025 schedule is anchored by a strong lineup of returning fan favourites such as Home and Away, Australian Idol, My Kitchen Rules, The Voice, and Dancing with the Stars, which have all built loyal audiences over the years. These tried-and-true shows are expected to continue driving viewership across the year. However, one of the most eagerly awaited new additions is Stranded on Honeymoon Island, a social experiment that places couples on deserted islands to test their romantic and survival skills. Another fresh offering, Once in a Lifetime, blends wildlife adventure with comedy, as Dr. Chris Brown and a rotating cast of Australian celebrities tackle conservation projects around the world.
“From our core content like Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Chase Australia, 7NEWS, Home and Away, and Better Homes and Gardens, to hit shows like Farmer Wants a Wife, Australian Idol, The Voice, My Kitchen Rules, The 1% Club, and Dancing with the Stars, Seven has a strong year-round schedule that will keep Australians engaged and entertained,” said Seven’s Chief Content Officer, Brook Hall.
While Seven’s 2025 slate includes highly anticipated new shows like Stranded on Honeymoon Island and Once in a Lifetime, some have raised concerns about the relatively modest number of new programmes on offer. When asked whether this was due to budget constraints, Hall was quick to clarify Seven’s content strategy.
“In most years, if we’re announcing three or four new shows, it probably means we’ve had a few shows fail,” Hall explained. “As a programmer, launching shiny new shows can be exciting, but usually that’s because there’s a gap in the schedule. It’s not about budget cuts—we’re still investing in content at the same level we always have.”
He continued, “We know content drives viewing, and viewing drives revenue—that’s our focus.”
7plus First Strategy: Prioritising Digital Releases
As the digital audience continues to grow, Seven has adopted a “7plus first” strategy, prioritising the release of exclusive international content to attract younger, streaming-savvy viewers. Shows like Suits: LA, The Hunting Party, and The Americas will have monthly drops on 7plus as part of a broader strategy that Hall likens to “creating bonfires and fireworks”—a mix of reliable evergreen content and high-profile exclusives that spark viewer interest.
“I think we’ve done well with local entertainment, news, and sport, offering something different to the big streamers with content that isn’t available anywhere else for Australians. But one area where we’ve given the SVODs a free kick is in overseas dramas,” Hall said.
“We don’t think they should own that space. People assume that big international dramas will be on Amazon or Netflix, but now they’ll be on 7plus.”
Hall added, “Our viewers are used to seeing commercials, so we think 7plus will have a low barrier to entry. It’s all about local content, great libraries, and now premium first-run drama—all for free to consumers.”
A Commitment to Australian Content
Seven’s 2025 programming highlights its ongoing commitment to Australian-made content. Alongside its flagship shows, the network will premiere several homegrown documentaries and specials, such as Working Class Man, which chronicles the life of Aussie icon Jimmy Barnes, and Live It Up: The Mental As Anything Story, showcasing the beloved Australian band. These additions reflect Seven’s desire to champion local stories and cultural figures, aligning with a broader push to increase the share of Australian content.
Though Seven isn’t yet committing to commissioning new Australian dramas as part of its 7plus-first strategy, Hall acknowledged that this could be a possibility in the future.
“Acquiring overseas dramas is a significant investment for 7plus,” Hall said. “Everything we commission for Channel 7 is also for 7plus, and these are big-budget projects. Right now, we’re focused on US premium drama. We’ve got the local content covered, but that doesn’t mean we won’t expand in this area down the track.”
Live Sport Streaming: A Game Changer
Sport remains a central pillar of Seven’s strategy, especially with the addition of AFL and cricket matches being streamed live on 7plus for the first time. This move opens up two of Australia’s most popular sports to a new generation of fans on digital platforms. Hall is confident that this shift will drive significant viewer and advertiser engagement.
“Seven is where you can always find live sport. We’ve got the biggest winter and summer codes, plus horse racing year-round,” Hall said. “What’s really exciting is that we’ve never had the digital rights for AFL and cricket before, but now they’re finally here. This will be a huge driver of viewership.”
Looking Ahead: Audience Engagement and Growth
As Seven moves into 2025, its mix of reliable programming and carefully selected new content reflects a strategy that aims to evolve with the changing television landscape while remaining connected to its audience’s preferences.
“There are two companies in this country—Seven and Nine—that together invest nearly a billion dollars in local content, sports, and entertainment. This investment is driving audience growth, and this will be the second consecutive year of that growth. But I don’t think the market fully appreciates this, given the global trend of free-to-air TV decline. It often gets overshadowed by that narrative,” Hall said.
“In my view, the market hasn’t done enough to celebrate the fact that the two largest media companies are actually growing.”
By blending proven hits with fresh programming, Seven’s approach is an audience-driven one, designed to deepen its connection with viewers across Australia’s diverse media landscape.
