Seven is claiming a narrow lead for the first half of 2026, reporting a national total TV commercial share of 41.7%, narrowly ahead of Nine’s 41.5%, according to figures released by the broadcaster.
The figures cap a first half that combined strong performances from Seven’s established brands with a more varied run for its entertainment slate. While Farmer Wants A Wife, Australian Idol, Home and Away, AFL and cricket continued to attract large audiences, newer commissions delivered mixed results as the network balanced established franchises with new formats.
My Reno Rules rated modestly and, given the lengthy lead times required for renovation formats, appears unlikely to return in 2027. Glenn & Mick’s Celebrity Intervention found an audience without becoming a breakout success, while SAS: UK vs Australia struggled to gain momentum following its delayed Australian premiere.
Elsewhere, The Chase Australia enjoyed something of a resurgence, rebounding after increased competition over recent years, while Farmer Wants A Wife continues to prove a reliable performer. Seven also heads into the second half of the year without Dancing with the Stars on its schedule for the first time in several years.
Streaming also remained a key focus, with Seven reporting further growth for 7plus as it prepares for a second half featuring the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the Rugby League World Cup, The Voice and My Kitchen Rules.
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The most-watched news and sport and some of Australia’s most popular entertainment shows have made the Seven Network the #1 network in the first half of 2026, capturing more viewers across its broadcast channels and 7plus than any other network.
The combination of 7NEWS, Home and Away, AFL, Test cricket, Big Bash League, Australian Idol, Farmer Wants A Wife, Sunrise, The Chase Australia, The 1% Club and other hit programs gave Seven a total TV commercial share of 41.7% in all people (6.00am to midnight) during the first six months, compared to Nine Network’s 41.5% share and Network Ten’s 16.8%.
Seven was the most popular network in 17 of the 26 weeks in the first half and increased its 6.00am to midnight audience in all people and grocery shoppers. Every month, Seven reaches 17.6 million Australians nationally.
7plus was the fastest growing commercial streaming and on-demand platform, increasing its audience 49.7% in the first half and boosting its share from 38.7% to 40.1% year-on-year. Minutes consumed on 7plus jumped 49% during the first half of 2026, while the number of daily active users increased by more than 12%.
Southern Cross Media Group’s Managing Director, Television and Streaming, Angus Ross, said the rapid growth of 7plus – coupled with the strong performance of Seven’s key news, sport and entertainment shows – reflected the momentum the network has built in recent years and its standing as the home of Australia’s best content.
“Day in, day out, Seven delivers the moments that matter to Australians, from live sport and breaking news to the best local drama and entertainment shows – all for free.”
he said.
“The reach and engagement of our trusted news and our live sport is demonstrated by the big and growing audiences of 7NEWS, Sunrise, AFL and cricket in the first half of 2026.”
“At the same time, some of our most established local shows added new viewers during the half, including Farmer Wants A Wife, Australian Idol, Home and Away, The Chase Australia and Better Homes and Gardens – proving the enduring appeal of great Australian entertainment.
“The final thrilling weeks of Farmer Wants A Wife will take us into the strongest second-half line up we’ve had in years.”
“We will have strong audience momentum for the rest of 2026 with key content including the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, The Voice, My Kitchen Rules, the TV WEEK Logie Awards and much more.”
Mr Ross said.
“Our key daily and weekly shows including Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Chase Australia, 7NEWS, Home and Away and Better Homes and Gardens will run hot for the rest of the year, plus we will have more AFL including the Final Series and the Brownlow Medal, more Supercars including the Bathurst 1000, horse racing and the Channel 7 Telethon in Perth. Seven will once again be the most watched network in 2026.”
Seven dominated news and current affairs in the first half, led by 7NEWS at 6pm, which was the most-watched evening news bulletin nationally and increased its total TV audience 3%.
Sunrise and Weekend Sunrise won the breakfast TV battle every week – capturing over 35% more viewers than their closest rivals and securing their biggest winning margin in eight years – while The Morning Show dominated morning TV, growing audience by 2%
Seven cemented its position as the home of live sport, delivering the highest-rating Test cricket series ever on the network (and up 12% on the previous summer) and the most-watched Big Bash League in six years (up 8% on last summer).
Seven’s AFL coverage has reached 13.5 million Australians so far this season, with its total TV audience up 7%.
The phenomenon that is Home and Away powered on, increasing its audience 13%, winning the highly competitive 7.00pm timeslot (Monday to Thursday) and scoring its biggest audience since 2022, while The Chase Australia was up 5%.
Seven’s entertainment hits have won new fans this year. Farmer Wants A Wife is up 16% so far this season, while Australian Idol recorded its biggest season ever on Seven. Newcomer My Reno Rules is the most-watched new entertainment show, closely followed by Glenn & Mick’s Celebrity Intervention.
Seven’s National Television Sales Director, Katie Finney, said:
“The first half of 2026 has been defined by continued momentum for Seven. On both broadcast and 7plus, we’re delivering audience growth across our news and entertainment slate.”
“Sport continues to be a powerful growth engine for brands, creating cultural moments that unite Australians and delivering audiences at scale. Our live and free coverage is attracting record numbers to Seven and 7plus and, importantly, those viewers are staying to engage with our premium entertainment and news content.”
“For advertisers, that means more opportunities than ever to connect with highly engaged audiences. With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games just weeks away, followed by the 2026 Rugby League World Cup on home soil, we’re entering an incredibly strong second half of the year that will continue to deliver scale, engagement and results for our partners.”
she said.
Seven has the most watched shows in Australia, by reach:
- #1 news program – 7NEWS
- #1 winter sport – AFL
- #1 Australian drama – Home and Away
- #1 lifestyle show – Better Homes and Gardens
- #1 breakfast show – Sunrise/Weekend Sunrise
- #1 morning show – The Morning Show
First half 2026
National total TV commercial shares (%): 6.00am to midnight
| All people | 25 to 54s | Grocery shoppers | |
| Seven Network | 41.7 | 37.8 | 41.9 |
| Nine Network | 41.5 | 44.1 | 41.5 |
| Network Ten | 16.8 | 18.1 | 16.6 |
First half 2026
National total TV commercial shares (%): 6.00pm to midnight
| All people | 25 to 54s | Grocery shoppers | |
| Seven Network | 39.8 | 34.3 | 39.9 |
| Nine Network | 42.2 | 45.8 | 42.1 |
| Network Ten | 17.9 | 19.8 | 18.0 |
First half 2026
National BVOD commercial shares (%):
| BVOD | VOD | Live streaming | |
| 7plus | 40.1 | 39.3 | 40.5 |
| 9Now | 45.9 | 36.3 | 51.0 |
| 10 Play | 14.0 | 24.4 | 8.5 |
