ABC has hit the ground running in 2026, launching a packed slate of local productions, returning favourites and new acquisitions across both broadcast television and ABC iview.
In this special TV Central: One on One podcast, Aaron Ryan sits down with ABC Head of Programming, Acquisitions and Streaming, Roberta Allan, to discuss the strategy behind the network's fast start to the year, evolving scheduling decisions, the growing role of streaming, and what's still to come across the remainder of 2026.
From breakout hits and audience favourites to commissioning decisions and accessibility initiatives, Roberta provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the ABC is navigating a rapidly changing media landscape while continuing to invest in distinctive Australian storytelling. Whether you're an ABC viewer, television fan or industry observer, there's plenty to unpack in this wide-ranging conversation.
In this episode:
• Why ABC launched so many key programs so early in 2026
• The changes to Monday night programming and whether the experiment has worked
• The strategy behind staggered seasons for shows like Hard Quiz and Back Roads
• The remarkable audience response to The Piano
• Why Blue Murder Hotel was scheduled on Saturday nights
• Whether Top End Bub's earlier streaming release impacted ABC audiences
• The reaction to Urzila Carlson's new comedy series Urzila
• Why QI suddenly disappeared from the ABC schedule
• How viewing habits are changing across broadcast television and ABC iview
• What happens when entire seasons are released on iview for binge viewing
• The story behind new commission Ground Up
• Why ABC has revived Race Around the World for a new generation
• The success and impact of Goolagong
• What viewers can expect from upcoming Australian series Flower & Flour
• The ongoing expansion of Auslan services across ABC platforms
• A preview of what's still to come on ABC and ABC iview throughout 2026
There's plenty more podcasts to listen to, along with the latest TV news, streaming information, ratings, cinema movie reviews and more at TVCentral.com.au.
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