‘We can do much better’: Seven has not been idle in 2024 line-up

Seven’s boss James Warburton is confident the network can continue to consolidate its spot, and even extend its lead on its rivals, as it’s 2024 line-up is unveiled.

Viewers can expect a completely revamped Australian Idol next year, with Seven conceding there was a distinct lack of chemistry between the judges.

Seven managing director and CEO James Warburton was frank in his assessment of the one-time ratings juggernaut on rival network Ten, saying they were looking to make a much better Idol next year.

Warburton officially confirmed original Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines would replace US singer Harry Connick, who notably clashed with Kyle Sandilands, ahead of the official announcement of the network’s 2024 program slate launch. Logie-winning Amy Shark completes the all-Australian judging panel for the second season of the reality singing competition on Seven.

Seven’s Australian Idol judging panel, Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark.

“Already we are seeing – in production so far – the dynamic between the three of them is strong,” Warburton said.

“We’re looking to make a much better Australian Idol. While we were happy with how it came up, we think we can do better.

“Sometimes you probably stick too close to the (original) formula … it’s always that fine line between it being expected and moving it forward a little bit more.”

The revamped Idol was among a slew of announcements at the network’s annual Upfronts presentation in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Seven’s star recruit Dr Chris Brown – who the network spectacularly poached from Ten in November – has a reasonable workload to earn his rumoured $1 million-a-year pay cheque.

As former host Daryl Somers leaked on his Instagram this week, Brown will join Sonia Kruger on Dancing With the Stars, as well as his two previously announced projects – including Dream Home, replacing reality reno show House Rules – which has been rested since 2021.

Seven will keep Dr Chris Brown busy in its 2024 programs.

Brown’s global adventure series now has a name – Once in a Lifetime – and will see Australia’s most loved vet pushed to his limits in pursuit of the ultimate animal encounter. But he won’t be alone, Brown will be taking some of Australia’s most entertaining personalities along as his vet assistant.

The network is continuing to add to its reality stable, commissioning Made In Bondi. A spin-off from the wildly popular Brit reality series Made In Chelsea, it will follow the lives and loves of Sydney’s young socialites. Set in one of Sydney’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, every episode is tipped to provide a front-row seat to jaw-dropping parties, breathtaking fashion and sizzling romances.

Stranded On Honeymoon Island – branded the year’s “biggest and most radical dating experiment” – will see couples matched together following a speed dating event, before being left on a deserted island in nothing but their wedding attire.

Warburton is also looking forward to shaking up the 2024 Logies broadcast, and says as long as Sam Pang – whose stint as host this year was universally lauded – wants the gig, it’s his.

Sam Pang hosting the 2023 Logie Awards. Picture: Channel 7

“It had the best Logies ratings since 2017 – but again there’s a lot of things that we can do better,” he says.

“Even in talking with Sam, there’s probably some areas where we can insert a little bit more of him into the show as well.”

Drama, RFDS has been greenlit for a third season. Picture: Supplied

Drama RFDS has been greenlit for a third season, while tentpoles MKR, SAS Australia, The Voice, Farmer Wants a Wife and The 1% Club are all returning as Seven looks to continue its reign as Australia’s No.1 network.

Warburton’s confident the network can continue to consolidate its spot, and even extend its lead on its commercial competitors Nine and Ten.

“I think our competitors are distracted a bit – they’ve got other things to their business,” Warburton said.

“We eat, sleep and breathe the content and, look, we never take it for granted.

“We know that if you are the most watched, you’ve got to keep on turning it up.

“Whether it’s news or whether it’s Sunrise or whether it’s entertainment, you’ve got to keep exciting the audience and keep them coming back.

“It’s something we never take for granted, but our reputation is that we will continue to be the most watched.”

Originally published as ‘We can do much better’: Seven has not been idle in 2024 line-up