Seven Network invests in docs while 7plus moves into the primary global content space
Australia’s Seven Network is keeping its core programming focus on mass-reach formats and sports in 2025 with new commissioning investments in documentary, and a digital-centric approach, the network revealed at its Upfronts showcase today.
Angus Ross
The network will introduce two new tentpole formats for the new year: Stranded on Honeymoon Island, a social experiment dropping newly matched couples on deserted islands and Once in a Lifetime, hosted by vet Chris Brown who takes fellow celebrities on wildlife adventures.
Seven Group managing director of television Angus Ross said the network invested more than AU$700M (US$456m) across news, sport and entertainment.
“The biggest shows and most reliable formats in the world are on Seven and 7plus, including Home and Away, Australian Idol, Farmer Wants A Wife, Dancing With The Stars, The Voice, My Kitchen Rules and The 1% Club.”
The new slate will feature 25 local entertainment shows across its free-to-air and digital platforms, spearheaded by the 37th season of enduring soap Home and Away. The network has commissioned the third season of local drama RFDS.
New documentary commissions centre around music with special event Working Class Man (the story of Jimmy Barnes), Live It Up: The Mental As Anything Story and Cold Chisel Live: 50th Anniversary Tour.
In lifestyle formats Better Homes and Gardens returns after celebrating its 30th anniversary along with new seasons of Border Security: Australia’s Front Line and Highway Patrol, plus The Hunters, The Rise And Fall Of Kings Cross, The Great Outdoors and cooking show Off The Grid.
In a strategy switch on overseas programming, the network is hosting its new dramas on digital channel 7plus, before screening on free-to-air. This will include all of its new overseas programming including Suits: LA, Doc, The Hunting Party, Grosse Pointe Garden Society, St Denis Medical, Ludwig and The Americas.
The network will drop one premium new series on 7plus every month during 2025 with Fox drama series Murder In A Small Town starting the trend next week.
7plus reported 30% audience growth in 2024 bolstered by sporting content and 50 FAST channels. In 2025, cricket and AFL will be available to stream, for free.
Seven group managing director of digital Gereurd Roberts said: “At 7plus, we talk about a bonfires and fireworks strategy. The bonfires are the library content, the show people watch every day, and they are growing. The first-run exclusives are the fireworks, the shows that deliver audiences spikes and bring new people to 7plus.”
He said the strategy has been showing results with 40% of 7plus’ active daily users only watch 7plus exclusives – premium library or first-run content, on demand.
The network said half of the content on 7plus is exclusive to the platform, including high end overseas content from key partners such as NBCUniversal, Disney, ITV Studios and Sony.
