Seven in 2025: All the big announcements from Channel 7’s upfronts

In 2025, the Seven Network is set to continue its legacy as the go-to destination for top-quality Australian television, with a lineup spanning more than 20 locally-produced shows, a diverse sports roster, and expanding offerings on 7plus, its popular streaming platform.

Seven’s TV and digital audiences have grown this year, driven by the No.1 news service, the best lineup of sport in Australia, hit 7.30pm entertainment shows, the country’s No.1 drama series and the ever-growing library of exclusive content on 7plus.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: First look at the big changes coming to Channel 7.

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Record-breaking audience growth

Seven’s audience reach has grown substantially, bolstered by a combination of the network’s 6pm news, top-rated morning shows, and blockbuster winter and summer sports events.

Seven West Media CEO Jeff Howard emphasised Seven’s unique connection to Australian audiences, achieved through an “unrivalled blend of traditional and digital content”.

Seven’s lineup in 2025. Credit: Supplied

“We’re focused on delivering valuable connections every day,” Howard said in a statement.

“With new enhancements on 7plus and insights from our AI partner Databricks, we’re creating a deeply personalised experience for both viewers and advertisers.”

Powerhouse entertainment slate

Seven’s 2025 lineup brings back favourites such as Australian Idol, The Voice, Farmer Wants a Wife, and The 1% Club, alongside hit dramas such as Home and Away and RFDS.

Dancing With the Stars will return, with comedian Shaun Micallef the first big name announced for the new series.

Two new high-profile shows, Stranded on Honeymoon Island and Once In A Lifetime, promise to captivate viewers.

The former will pair adventurous singles in an isolated paradise, while Once In A Lifetime follows Dr Chris Brown on global wildlife missions, joined by well-known Aussie personalities including Matt Preston and Kate Ritchie.

Celebrating Aussie music, Seven will broadcast a Cold Chisel Live: 50th Anniversary Tour special event and Working Class Man, a special about Jimmy Barnes.

The network will also air Live It Up: The Mental As Anything Story, chronicling one of Australia’s most beloved bands.

Shaun Micallef will compete on the 2025 season of Dancing With the Stars. Credit: Seven

Expanded news and current affairs

In response to the public’s increasing engagement with news, Seven will introduce a new hour-long noon bulletin alongside the expanded The Morning Show, which now runs from 9am to 12pm.

7NEWS Spotlight and other popular programs will return, keeping audiences informed and engaged.

“In an increasingly dystopian world of conspiracy theorists and deepfakes and misinformation, our journalism has never been more important,” Seven’s Director of News and Current Affairs and Seven West Media Editor-in-Chief Anthony De Ceglie said.

“On any given day, 10 of the 24 hours on Seven are proudly produced by the 7NEWS team, from Sunrise and The Morning Show to our morning, afternoon, prime-time 6pm and late-night bulletins, plus 7NEWS Spotlight on Sunday nights.

“7NEWS.com.au is one of the most popular news sites in the country and there is also Australia’s only digital evening newspaper, The Nightly.

“We know audiences are changing. The race for eyeballs has never been more crowded. We’re producing modern and dynamic content for high-value audiences that have never been more engaged or informed with the news.”

Anthony De Ceglie, Seven’s Director of News and Current Affairs and Seven West Media Editor-in-Chief, presents at Seven’s Upfronts. Credit: Seven

New international hits on 7plus

Seven’s “7plus first” strategy brings exclusive international series directly to the platform.

Among these are Suits: LA, The Americas narrated by Tom Hanks, and The Hunting Party.

“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,” Seven Group Managing Director, Digital Gereurd Roberts said.

“The first-run exclusives are the fireworks, the shows that deliver audience spikes and bring new people to 7plus.

“It’s a strategy that is working.”

Returning overseas favourites include The Rookie, 9-1-1, 9-1-1 Lonestar, The Irrational and Alert: Missing Persons Unit, plus 7Bravo shows including Below Deck Down Under, Below Deck, Below Deck Mediterranean, Deadly Waters with Captain Lee, Paris & Nicole: The Encore and Real Housewives of New York City.

Unmatched sporting coverage

Seven’s sports offering has something for every fan, from the AFL and cricket to horse racing and Supercars.

2025 marks the first year that both AFL and cricket will stream live and free on 7plus.

Sports Director Chris Jones noted that Seven’s coverage would include fresh commentary from popular personalities such as Kane Cornes and Nick Riewoldt, as well as kids’ commentaries for Sunday AFL matches, giving fans new ways to experience the action.

Mel McLaughlin and Trent Copeland present at the Channel 7 upfronts. Credit: Seven

Building deeper connections with partners

Seven is enhancing its data-driven approach, aiming to forge stronger advertiser relationships through tools such as 7REDiQ and Phoenix, the world’s most advanced TV trading system.

National Television Sales Director Katie Finney highlighted Seven’s goal of delivering high-value audiences to advertisers in innovative ways that align with viewing trends.

“At Seven, we are passionate about connecting our advertising partners with high-value audiences at scale through content that Australians love,” she said.

“With our audience insights via 7REDiQ, AI-driven predictability, and the streamlined trading process via Phoenix, we are committed to being better business partners than ever.

“Our focus is on driving improved business outcomes and growth for our partners in 2025.”