Network Ten Outlines Expanded Programming Slate

SYDNEY: A slew of new programs are headed to Australia’s Network Ten in 2013, including MasterChef: The Professionals.

Chef Marco Pierre White and MasterChef Australia host Matt Preston will front MasterChef: The Professionals, which sees 18 qualified chefs competing. Among the other local shows set for the 2013 roster are Recipe to Riches, produced by FremantleMedia Australia; Mr and Mrs Murder, another FremantleMedia Australia production; Batavia, based on the best-selling book by Peter Fitzsimons; and Wonderland, from Jo Porter, a producer on Packed to the Rafters and a writer on Winners & Losers. Also among the local crop are Secrets & Lies: The Track, a psychological thriller; Reef Doctors, a family adventure series; Shock of the Now, a live factual show that looks at the connected world; and The Truth Is, which features award-winning reporter Hamish Macdonald.

Network Ten has also lined up a number of imported series, including the new 12th season of American Idol, the CBS Television Studios’ drama Elementary and the BBC’s Ripper Street. Also on the slate is The Americans, produced by 20th Century Fox for FX in the U.S.

The network signed a deal to become the exclusive free-to-air broadcaster of all Wallabies Test matches under the SANZAR (South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) agreement until the end of 2015. In the summer of 2013, Ten will broadcast the Hopman Cup, while the Wallabies settle into their new home next year with the broadcasts of the British and Irish Lions Tour and the Rugby Championship.

James Warburton, Network Ten’s CEO, said: “For 2013 we have developed a schedule that builds consistency for our viewers and advertisers and will build our audience.

“It is a 40-week plan, consistently targeted with authentic Ten programs. Familiar, successful franchises will be in our schedule week in, week out, as well as a large number of new shows.”

Beverley McGarvey, Network Ten’s chief programming officer, added, “We want our viewers to be engaged and have a great experience when they come to Ten, Eleven and One.

“We want to inspire them and surprise them, but most of all we want to entertain Australians with authentic, accessible content.

“In 2013 we are proud to present viewers with our largest and most diverse drama slate. We are also cementing the growth we have seen in early evening this year by moving The Project to the 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. time slot and bringing The Simpsons back home to Ten at 6 p.m.”

She continued, “Our aim in 2013 is to deliver quality content to our audiences every week of the year and to offer them distinctive programs they cannot get anywhere else.”