Network Ten Officially Axes The Project After 16 Years
In a major shake-up of Australian television, Network Ten has officially announced that The Project will be axed, bringing an end to one of the country’s most recognisable current affairs shows. The final episode is scheduled to air on Friday, June 27, capping off an impressive 16-year run and over 4,500 episodes.
The move marks a significant change in Ten’s evening programming. The 7pm slot, once dominated by The Project, will now be taken over by the returning game show Deal or No Deal, while the network plans to launch a new national 6pm news and current affairs program.
“As a result of the changes, The Project will air for the last time on Friday, June 27, ending an incredible run of almost 16 years,” Network Ten said.
The cancellation has prompted a wave of reactions from the cast, the network, and Australian viewers who have grown up with the panel-style program since its 2009 debut as The 7pm Project.
The Project’s hosting team features Sam Taunton, Michael Hing, Hamish Macdonald, Georgie Tunny, Waleed Aly, and Sarah Harris. [Image: Ten]
Praise and Legacy of The Project
The Project wasn’t just another current affairs show—it carved a unique identity with its mix of hard news, entertainment, and opinion, often delivered with a distinctively Australian blend of humour and heart. Over the years, it won 11 Logies and a Walkley Award, with co-hosts like Carrie Bickmore and Waleed Aly earning Gold Logies for their work.
“The impact that The Project has had on the media and entertainment industry, countless careers, as well as on Australian society and culture, cannot be overstated,” said the network’s official statement.
Project creator Craig Campbell, now Creative Director at Roving Enterprises, acknowledged the emotional toll of the news on the staff:
“We have an extraordinary team making this show every day and I know this news will hit them hard. It’s been a privilege to work with them and the hundreds of others that joined us along the way.”
Sarah Harris Reacts With Humour
The show’s current co-host Sarah Harris was the first to respond publicly, offering a cheeky sign-off via the program’s social media pages:
“I’ve had a blast, [but] it’s time for me to take a breath and spend some time with my boys… keep an eye out for my OnlyFans page!”
The mix of sentiment and satire was fitting for a show that always straddled the line between serious journalism and cheeky commentary.
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The Project’s Ratings Slide
The writing may have been on the wall for some time. Despite its cultural relevance and loyal fanbase, The Project has seen a dramatic ratings decline in recent years. With viewers shifting towards streaming and on-demand platforms, traditional primetime television has struggled to keep up.
Just last week, entertainment commentator Peter Ford predicted the show’s demise:
“I don’t think The Project will see the year out,” he told 3AW Breakfast. “It will be replaced by a show based in Sydney.”
Ford’s prediction came true quicker than expected. The Project joins other high-profile Network Ten programs such as The Bachelor, The Masked Singer, and Gladiators, all of which were paused or dropped in the past year.
Channel 10 will replace The Project with a new current affairs show called Behind the Lines. [Image: Channel 10]
What Comes Next: Behind the Lines
As The Project prepares for its final broadcast, Ten is already investing in its replacement—Behind the Lines: A 10 News First Investigation. The new one-hour current affairs show is said to be harder-hitting and more journalistically driven than The Project, aiming to win back viewers hungry for in-depth reporting.
Former 7 News Spotlight journalist Denham Hitchcock is rumoured to host the upcoming program, which is currently under development at the network’s Sydney newsroom.
According to insiders, the show could launch as early as July or August, with a stronger focus on national investigations, deep dives, and sharp commentary.
A Cultural Shift in Australian Media
The cancellation of The Project is more than just the end of a television show—it signals a broader shift in how Australians consume media. Once a staple in households for nightly news with a twist, the show couldn’t escape the realities of changing viewing habits and the rise of digital platforms.
From its Oberon roots to the national stage, The Project reshaped Australian current affairs television with a fresh voice and format. It gave space to progressive conversations—from marriage equality to mental health, NDIS, and domestic violence—and invited celebrities, politicians, and everyday Australians to share the stage.
Final Thoughts
With The Project axed in Australia, many are reflecting on its contribution to public discourse. While not everyone agreed with its editorial stance or presentation style, its longevity and influence are undeniable.
As the sun sets on this chapter of Australian television, all eyes will be on what comes next. Whether Behind the Lines will strike a chord with audiences remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The Project has left an indelible mark on the media landscape.
