10’s UPFRONT Programming announcement for 2021 might have been filled with plenty of musical performances and special effects. But it has also provided very little detail regarding the future of a number of programs.
While yesterday’s announcement focused on highlighting the return of popular series, it was also notable for the number of shows that were missing.
The two most obvious exclusions were Dancing With The Stars and Bachelor in Paradise.
A spokesperson for 10 confirmed the axing of Dancing With The Stars telling Mumbrella;
“We have decided to hang up our dancing shoes, lycra pants and sequinned jackets for the time being,”
The second season of Dancing with the Stars aired in a Sunday timeslot this year against the might of MAFS on Nine. Unsurprising, the ratings for the expensive live tv production were dismal, with the program also having to contend with Covid issues.
The decision to axe Dancing with the Stars means the 2018 Gold Logie winner, Grant Denyer is now without a show at the network.
10 have avoided using the term “axed” with Bachelor in Paradise Australia, preferring to describe the show as “rested”. This year’s season was moved into a 7:30pm timeslot due to a shortage of other content.
Ratings for the entire Bachelor franchise have been down in 2020 with viewers tiring of the overexposed format.
The long list of shows not mentioned in yesterday’s Upfronts presentation includes:
- Kinne Tonight
- Family Feud
- Ambulance Australia
- The Secrets She Keeps
- Trial by Kyle
- My Life is Murder
- Mr. Black
- Taboo
- One Born Every Minute Australia.
10 declined to respond to TV Blackbox when questioned about the future of these series.
Junior MasterChef Australia and Drunk History Australia, did not rate a mention during the Upfront presentation, but perhaps this is unsurprising considering both are currently airing, and ratings have not been positive.
Todd Sampson’s Body Hack was included in the media release provided by 10 yesterday. However, this was later thrown into doubt with the networks Chief Content Officer, Beverley McGarvey telling MediaWeek the program would not be returning, but added there;
“will be something new featuring Sampson.”
10 received funding from Screen Australia to produce four episodes of BodyHack for the most recent season. However, only three episodes were produced before COVID-19 travel restrictions were enforced.
10 have also only provided limited information regarding its multi-channel programming for 2021.
A media release from the network promoted a plethora of comedy repeats for 10 Peach, but failed to provide details for series including;
- Nancy Drew
- Charmed
- The Neighborhood
- Dating #No Filter
- and the final season of Man with a Plan.
10 has also not confirmed if US series In the Dark will be returning soon to 10 Bold. The program recently wrapped its second season abroad.
Additional reporting by Aaron Ryan
