What’s hot on TV in 2016

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These are tough times for TV networks. With the growing popularity and low cost of streaming services like Netflix and Stan, Aussies are being more choosey than ever when it comes to spending time in front of the TV.

ABC

Many favourites are returning to ABC and of course, lots of good homegrown drama, reality shows and comedy.

BARRACUDA
From the writer and the creative team behind ‘The Slap’, this is the story of Danny Kelly, who dreams of winning Olympic gold in the pool for Australia.

THE GREAT EDUCATION EXPERIMENT
A reality show about what goes on in our high schools as it spends a year in the life of a state school on the outer suburbs of Melbourne.

ICE WARS
A four-part examination of the impact Ice has on users, and society. Over 1.3 million Aussies have admitted using the drug.

KEEPING AUSTRALIA ALIVE
100 cameras film 24 hours in an everyday Australian hospital. A no-holds-barred look at what goes on in our health system.

ROSEHAVEN
Rural Tasmania will provide the spectacular backdrop for this new comedy series created by and starring two of Australia’s most loved comic talents: Luke McGregor and Celia Pacquola.

RETURNING FAVOURITES
A new Jack Irish telemovie with Guy Pearce returns, along with new series of Janet King, Rake, Shaun Micalleff’s Mad as Hell, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, The Code, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Doc Martin, Call The Midwife, Vera, Wallander, Humans, Upper Middle Bogan, Black Comedy, and thankfully a second series of ‘Glitch’ – one of the highlights of 2015.

NETWORK TEN

While the return of the ‘X-Files’ has fans already excited, it’s a year for Ten packed with quality US drama and home-grown favourites, plus the return of an old favourite. Welcome back ‘Offspring’…we’ve missed you.

BROCK
Matthew Le Nevez from Offspring will portray the life of an Australian sporting legend, who had a life off the track as eventful as it was on. Also stars Steve Bisley and Natalie Bassingthwaite.

THE WRONG GIRL
From the writers of The Secret Life Of Us comes the story of Lily, played by Jessica Marais as the producer of a daily TV show who falls in love with Jack, the shows new chef.

LONG LOST FAMILY
Anh Do and Chrissie Swan star in a reality show which reunites long-lost family members. Based on the UK show that was a smash hit with viewers and became ‘must-see’ TV.

AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR
For the first time Aussies will get the chance to take part in our own version of the hit US reality show. Expect sun, surf and lots of drama.

THE X-FILES
Scully and Mulder return in a six-part TV event that already has fans going into meltdown.

AMERICAN CRIME STORY
Not much is known about this one but check out the cast: John Travolta, Nathan Lane, Selma Blair, Cuba Gooding Jr, David Schwimmer and heaps more! Launches in the US next month so expect it to be fast-tracked.

RETURNING FAVOURITES
Shark Tank, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, Masterchef (with Nigella Lawson), Gogglebox, Family Feud, The Living Room, Have You Been Paying Attention, NCIS LA/New Orleans, The Good Wife, Modern Family, CSI:Cyber, Limitless and a brand new series of Offspring starring Asher Keddie.

SEVEN NETWORK

Seven has one sparkling jewel in the crown, in the shape of the Olympics which are taking place in Rio, but there is plenty more content on seven this year.

KISS BANG LOVE
Ten Aussie singles will be matched with 15 potential partners in a radical experiment. Some are acquaintances, others may be former lovers. Will a quick pash lead to love?

THE DAY THE CASH CAME
What if you were given a case full of cash? In this experiment, cameras follow several Aussie families as they are given a heap of bucks. Will they invest wisely or spend the lot? Each decision must be their own as we share their highs and lows.

THE SECRET DAUGHTER
Jessica Mauboy stars in this family drama about a part-time country singer whose chance meeting with a rich city hotelier triggers a series of life-changing events.

MOLLY
Based on his best-selling biography, Samuel Johnson portrays Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum in the mini-series that charts the rise of probably the most influential and powerful man in the Aussie music industry.

RETURNING FAVOURITES
My Kitchen Rules, House Rules, 800 Words, Home & Away, Sunday Night, The Chase Australia, Dancing With The Stars, The X Factor, and Winners & Losers.

NINE NETWORK

Now screening in High Definition on Channel 9, there’s no denying that the big drawcard for many this will be NRL in crisp HD. While it may not seem a big deal to many, for those of us who love footy, it IS a big deal. Prepare to finally make the most of that big screen HD TV!

HIDE & SEEK
A crime thriller about the investigation into a network of potential terrorists who enter Australia under false passports after a murder is committed. From the writer of Outrageous Fortune and Go girls.

HERE COME THE HABIBS
When a Lebanese migrant family, the Habibs, strike it rich and move to Australia’s poshest postcode, their neighbours know this can only mean one thing – trouble!

HOUSE OF BOND
House Of Bond tells the rags-to-riches-to-rags tale of controversial business tycoon Alan Bond from the 1960s-90s. It is the outrageous story of how a cheeky, knockabout Ten-Pound-Pom fought his way from the back alleys of Fremantle to become the richest man in Australia.

YOU’RE BACK IN THE ROOM
It’s mind over matter with the hilarious new game show that gives contestants the opportunity to win cash prizes while being under the power of hypnotism. Standing between them and the money will be hypnotist Keith Barry, who puts each one under hypnosis to thwart their efforts. Hosted by Daryl Somers.

THIS TIME NEXT YEAR
This show will feature ordinary people on a mission to transform their lives in extraordinary ways over the course of 12 months. They pledge to change their life by “this time next year”. This could be anything from losing half their body weight, finding the love of their life or even becoming a parent.

PRISON: FIRST & LAST 24 HOURS
In this emotion-charged new observational series, viewers will get an unprecedented insight into life behind bars in Australia in the 21st Century. Following offenders starting the first day of their jail sentence and those experiencing their final 24 hours locked up, Prison: First & Last 24 Hours offers a no-holds-barred look at the impact on their family, friends and corrections officers.

RETURNING FAVOURITES
Love Child, House Husbands, The Voice, Australia’s Got Talent (with guest judge Kelly Osbourne), The Block, Reno Rumble, Married at First Sight, The Farmer Wants A Wife, The Embassy, Kings Cross ER.