Network Ten Unveils 2018 Lineup, Pilot Week Plans

Network Ten has revealed its 2018 lineup, which includes new local versions of Bachelor in Paradise and Blind Date, a range of shows from CBS, returning hits like MasterChef Australia and more.

New local content includes the anticipated event series Bachelor in Paradise, the scripted series Street Smart, Hughesy We Have a Problem, Russell Coight’s All Aussie Adventures and How To Stay Married as well as the new Aussie drama Playing for Keeps. Also coming to Ten are the fly-on-the-wall series The Secret Life Of Four Year Olds and a contemporary version of the classic dating show Blind Date, hosted by Julia Morris.

In mid-2018, Network Ten will introduce a special “pilot week.” For the first time on Australian TV, several pilots of homegrown shows across a number of genres will go to air in one week. The initiative represents a substantial investment in new local production.

Returning to the network this year are the tenth season of MasterChef Australia, the KFC Big Bash League and the Rebel Women’s Big Bash League, The Bachelor Australia, The Bachelorette Australia, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! and Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders. Also coming back in 2018 are Gogglebox Australia, Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Project, Family Feud, The Living Room, Shark Tank, CRAM, Todd Sampson’s Body Hack 2.0, Neighbours, Bondi Rescue, Studio 10 and more.

Network Ten has also lined up a number U.S. shows, including the upcoming crime series Instinct, starring Alan Cumming; SEAL Team, starring David Boreanaz; and 9JKL. The network will be airing Wisdom of the Crowd, along with NCIS, NCIS: New Orleans and NCIS: Los Angeles, and Bull and Madam Secretary. The U.K. export The Graham Norton Show will be joined by a new series from British food star Jamie Oliver.

Network Ten’s CEO, Paul Anderson, said: “We are now in the final stages of being acquired by CBS Corporation. This is a game changer for Ten and we believe a significant positive for the Australian media industry.

“CBS is a global entertainment giant, a mass media company that is the most-watched television network in the U.S., with one of the world’s largest libraries of entertainment content.

“Making and acquiring great content is their mission, and it is our mission as well. Broadcasting that great content across multiple platforms with leading-edge technology in an ever-changing environment is crucial and what better way for us to take on that challenge than by being part of the global media powerhouse that is CBS.”

Network Ten’s chief content officer, Beverley McGarvey, added: “This year we have had significant successes across a range of genres and we will expand on that in 2018 for an even better year of wonderful, powerful and engaging shows that connect with people across all screens.

“We remain absolutely focused on giving Australians brand-safe, family-friendly entertainment for all screens and will build on the brand and content success we have had in recent years with MasterChef Australia, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Project, The Bachelor Australia, The Bachelorette Australia, Gogglebox Australia, Australian Survivor and many others.”