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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Australian comedy royalty joins TV Central for a candid, funny and surprisingly revealing conversation.

This week on the TV Central: One on One podcast, Aaron Ryan sits down with one of the most influential figures in Australian television history — Tom Gleisner.

From creating comedy classics like Frontline, The Late Show and The Castle to steering modern favourites like Have You Been Paying Attention? and The Cheap Seats,

Tom reflects on a remarkable career that has shaped generations of Australian comedy.

In a wide-ranging interview filled with laughs, behind-the-scenes stories and classic Working Dog humour, Tom talks about the evolution of Australian television, why HYBPA still works after all these years, and whether Australians will ever discover the truth behind the show’s suspiciously perfect “60-second clock”.

• Why Have You Been Paying Attention? continues to dominate Australian television
• The secret chemistry behind the HYBPA cast chaos
• Tom responds to the “fake 60-second clock” conspiracy
• How The Cheap Seats became one of Australia’s most-loved comedy panel shows
• The enduring culture and success of Working Dog Productions
• Whether we could see more Thank God You're Here
• Looking back at the legacy of Frontline and why it still feels relevant today
• Stories from the glory days of The Late Show
• Why Russell Coight became an Australian comedy icon
• Tom’s thoughts on influencing a new generation of Australian comedians
• Whether there’s any chance of a The Panel revival
• And why Working Dog’s style of comedy has endured for decades

It’s a warm, funny and nostalgic conversation with one of Australia’s greatest comedy minds — and a must-listen for anyone who grew up quoting Working Dog productions.

For more television news, streaming updates, ratings, reviews, podcasts and exclusive interviews, head to TV Central.

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Australian Survivor: Redemption is officially upon us, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most intense, emotional, and game-changing seasons yet.

For David Genat, this season brings a different kind of challenge — not playing, but hosting. After three stints in the game, including a win on Australian Survivor: All Stars, David is back, and this time he's guiding 24 new castaways through 45 brutal days of survival, strategy, and chaos.

But let’s be clear: David isn't here to just sit back and enjoy the show. Redemption is all about unfinished business, and what David knows about this season? Well, it might just be the most ruthless one yet.

In our latest podcast, David sits down with us to spill all the details on Australian Survivor: Redemption, and here’s a sneak peek of what we cover:

• What it feels like to be hosting instead of playing after three seasons in the game
• Is hosting harder than playing? Or just a different kind of terrifying?

• What does “redemption” mean in real time? Is it all about strategy, emotions, or pure chaos?
• Why this season kicks off with a brutal challenge — no easing in
• How quickly do players start cracking under pressure?

• Returning players like Harry, Brooke, Simon, and Mark are walking in with targets the size of Uluru — but does their self-awareness help or hurt them?
• Does having reality TV experience from shows like Big Brother and The Traitors NZ give players an edge, or does Survivor humble them all equally?

• Taking over hosting duties from Jonathan LaPaglia after 11 seasons — how does David handle the fan expectations?

• Are the players even able to follow the wild instructions for these challenges, or are they just hoping instinct will kick in?

• What winning Deal or No Deal Island taught David about reading people

• Why now is the perfect time to jump in for new viewers
• One word to sum up this season (hint: it’s intense)

So, what can you expect from Australian Survivor: Redemption? A season full of high-stakes drama, unexpected alliances, brutal betrayals, and the kind of game play that only a redemption season can bring.

Don’t miss David’s inside scoop on everything that’s about to unfold — because if you think you’ve seen it all, think again.

Australian Survivor: Redemption premieres Monday, February 23 at 7:30pm on 10 — but until then, hit play on our latest episode with David Genat and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

For all the latest television news head to www.tvcentral.com.au

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