Andrew ’Cosi’ Costello takes South Aussie with Cosi to Channel 7 after a decade with Nine

Andrew “Cosi” Costello has packed his bag and is taking his top-rating travel and lifestyle show to his rivals in 2022.

Andrew “Cosi” Costello has switched television networks in a shock move.

After a decade on Channel 9, Cosi’s top-rating lifestyle program South Aussie with Cosi will air on Seven from next year.

The 42-year-old is relieved the cat is finally out of the bag after being in negotiations with Seven for several months.

NOW: Andrew “Cosi” Costello with his wife Sam and daughters Charli-Rose, 11, and Matilda, 12, at home. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

THEN: Cosi, Sam and the girls when he announced his new show. Picture: SUPPLIED

“I’ve absolutely loved my time at Nine – they gave me a crack when I had nothing to show,” he told the Sunday Mail.

Cosi – who also co-hosts SAFM’s breakfast radio show with Rebecca Morse and Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann – confessed he wrestled with the decision, but the opportunities Seven offered were “astronomical”, including funding production.

Currently, the program – which showcases regional and city destinations and promotes South Australian businesses – is completely self-funded.

“A lot of people don’t realise that. The first (season) didn’t make any money; we barely broke even,” Cosi said.

“It’s very challenging for any self-funded show in Australia, and we’ve been able to manage to do it for a decade.

“We’ve got far more efficient. But anything I can do to shore up the commercial side of the show for my team and to grow … of course, I had to look at that.

“South Aussie with Cosi was SA’s smallest TV production when it started a decade ago and it now has grown to become the state’s biggest non-news TV show. We are incredibly proud of that.

“When I look at the Channel 7 building at Hindmarsh, surrounded by SA icons like the brewery lights, the Entertainment Centre and The Gov, it really is the perfect place for us to call home.”

Cosi after he signed a lucrative deal for his SA show with China. Picture: Dean Martin

South Aussie with Cosi has grown steadily since its launch in 2011 to become the highest-rating local travel and lifestyle series on Adelaide television.

Seven has screened several programs against it in the Sunday 5.30pm timeslot, including SA Weekender.

Nine has consistently won the ratings, which has flowed on to its 6pm news bulletin. An industry insider believes this bold move is also a bid by the network to narrow that gap.

Cosi's long been a passionate supporter for South Australia.

Seven Adelaide’s general manager, Andy Kay, said he was thrilled to welcome Cosi to the network.

“Adelaide has a worldwide reputation as one of the most liveable cities in the world and nobody promotes the city, and the state, like Cosi,” he said.

“His ability to connect to audiences, on television and on social media, with enthusiasm and energy is evident in every episode.

“He will also be working with us on some of our signature programs and we look forward to working together to develop ideas and program concepts.”

A Nine spokesman said South Aussie with Cosi was one of many programs it had developed and supported over its 61-year history in SA.

“We wish Cosi all the best and we will continue to work with local talent and producers to broadcast programs that resonate with our audience,” he said.