Seven West Media : UNVEILS CONTENT PLANS FOR 201...

SEVEN UNVEILS CONTENT PLANS FOR 2019

Slate includes new Bevan Lee drama and two supersized reality hits

Geraldine Hakewill, Joel Jackson and Catherine McClements headline Miss Fisher spin-off

MKR's 10th anniversary season to launch the year "Top Gear meets food" in new Gordon Ramsay series New overseas dramas feature screen heavyweights Martin Clunes, Sheridan Smith, Kelsey Grammer and more

(Sydney, Friday October 26): The Seven Network today unveiled its content plans for 2019.

Four new local dramas, including the next offering from creator Bevan Lee; two supersized reality hits; a female spinoff to one of the year's most heart-warming hits and the landmark 10th season of one of Australia's biggest shows are just some of the programs set to take Seven into its 13th consecutive year of leadership.

Commenting, Seven's Director of Network Programming Angus Ross said: "After a close win last year, we promised to up our game in 2018, and the team has delivered in spades. We've broken records and dominated the ratings throughout the year. In fact, in every month we have never dropped below a 39% share, while our competitors have never been above 39%. Our worst is still better than their best.

"What's particularly pleasing is that this success is down to the strength and depth of our programming across the board. From 6am to midnight, we have the strongest spine of ratings winners, bar none. And with the AFL and Cricket locked up until 2022, Seven can guarantee those mass audiences, and certainty for our advertisers, for years to come."

NEW TO SEVEN IN 2019

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

From Australia's most prolific creator/writer Bevan Lee (Packed to the Rafters, A Place To Call Home, All Saints, Winners & Losers, Always Greener) comes an intense, high concept contemporary drama series about two disparate and disconnected worlds, thrown together by death and a sacrifice in one and the chance for new life in the other. Bold, daring, emotionally gripping, fast paced and unpredictable, BETWEEN TWO WORLDS will push the boundaries of popular commercial drama in Australia. BETWEEN TWO WORLDS is a Seven Studios production.

SECRET BRIDESMAIDS' BUSINESS

The lives of three friends are inextricably changed when one of them unwittingly invites a malevolent stranger into their world. A tangle of lies and laughter collides with a stalker's chilling obsession in this contemporary adaptation of Elizabeth Coleman's smash hit play. A celebration of female friendship reimagined as a high stakes thriller, SECRET BRIDESMAIDS' BUSINESS will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. SECRET BRIDESMAIDS' BUSINESS is a Seven Studios production.

MS FISHER'S MODERN MURDER MYSTERIES

Geraldine Hakewill (Wanted), Joel Jackson (Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door, Deadline Gallipoli) and Catherine McClements (Wentworth) headline this spin-off of one of Australia's most loved and successful series. Set in swinging '60s Melbourne, Hakewill portrays the gorgeously reckless Peregrine Fisher who inherits a windfall when the famous aunt she never knew, Phryne Fisher, goes missing over the highlands of New Guinea. Detective James Steed (Jackson) is a smart, ambitious cop constantly hamstrung by the rigid leadership of his immoral boss but respectful of the hierarchy. Instantly attracted to Peregrine, he's dazzled by her audacity and often drawn into her mad plans. With a mind like a steel trap, and ex-member of WW2 Special Forces, Birdie (McClements) is the 'M' of The Adventuresses' operation and club president. A tough woman of high expectations, she recognises the '60s are changing and they need new blood - but having Peregrine under her wing is also a way of staying connected to the old friend she misses desperately. MS FISHER'S MODERN MURDER MYSTERIES is produced by Every Cloud Productions with the assistance of Screen Australia and Film Victoria for Channel Seven.

THE SUPER SWITCH

Australia's most daring social experiment has gotten a whole lot bigger! Based on Seven's controversial series Seven Year Switch, six couples will put their relationships to the ultimate test in THE SUPER SWITCH. At a crossroads in their relationships, these brave couples will say goodbye to their loved ones to live in an experimental relationship with a total stranger. They will be paired with a like-minded person who will hold up a mirror to their own behaviour and help them answer the question - is the grass greener on the other side? This year, the social experiment has been supersized with all the couples split into two mansions, transforming the experiment into a shared experience. With three experimental couples living in each mansion, new dynamics, relationships, questions and answers will help all our couples decide if their real partner is in fact the one. THE SUPER SWITCH is a Seven Studios production.

WIFE SWAP

The mother of all social experiments is getting a facelift! Two women from two very different families swap their homes and lives for two weeks. But in this brand new reboot, the drama is intensified - with visits from the mothers-in-law and bombshells being dropped, these families are going to get a lot more than they bargained for. WIFE SWAP is a Screentime production for Channel Seven.

THE PROPOSAL

From the creator of The Bachelor comes the new sensation in dating shows. Each episode, 10 eligible daters compete in four pageant style rounds to win the heart of a mystery suitor or suitress whose identity is concealed from them. When the winner finally gets to meet their concealed suitor, it comes with a romantic proposal. Big and bold, THE PROPOSAL is a Warner Bros production for Channel Seven.

EXTREME WEDDINGS

A wedding is the most important day of a couple's life. But for some, an ordinary celebration just won't do. They want the extraordinary. Extreme locations, extreme themes, extreme expenses - our cameras will be there from the initial planning stages through to the big day. EXTREME WEDDINGS is a Seven Studios production.

INSIDE 'THE G'

For the first time ever, INSIDE 'THE G' takes viewers behind the scenes of one of the world's biggest and busiest stadiums - the MCG. 100,000 capacity, 2,500 staff, 165 years of history! The MCG is the place of our greatest national sporting memories, from Bradman to Warney to the greatest moments in AFL history. With unprecedented access to the cathedral of Australian sport, INSIDE 'THE G' will tell the stories of the projects, personalities and passions that bring this iconic stadium to life. From feeding the crowds to keeping them safe, every event offers a new set of challenges. INSIDE 'THE G' is a CJZ production for Channel Seven.

ISLANDS OF AMERICA

Martin Clunes embarks on an epic journey around the coast of America to discover what life is like on the surrounding islands for new documentary series, ISLANDS OF AMERICA. Following the successful series on the Islands of Britain and Islands of Australia, Martin has developed a fascination for the unique quality and appeal of island life, often in the most remote places on the planet. Now he's setting off on a 10,000 mile journey, from the west to the east, to explore the vast swathe of islands which are scattered beyond America's shores. He's travelling from the primeval landscapes of Hawaii and Alaska to the playgrounds of presidents along the eastern seaboard. There are more than 18,000 islands with registered names, plus thousands more too small to be labelled. Each island has its own character and its own unique story to tell, and offers a new way of examining a country we imagine we know so well. ISLANDS OF AMERICA is a Buffalo Pictures production for ITV.

GORDON, GINO AND FRED: ROAD TRIP

"Gordon, Gino and Fred's Road Trip proves instant TV gold as fans dub it 'Top Gear with food'" - Digital Spy Three big egos, one small van. Fiery chefs Gordon Ramsay, Gino D'Acampo and Fred Sirieix pack up their camper van and hit the road on a tour of their cherished homelands, where each of them has a special feast to prepare for. There are breakdowns (and it won't just be the van) along the way as they immerse themselves in extreme adventures competing to find the best ingredients from some of the most stunning locations. With three countries, three weeks and three "coqs au vin" in close confinement what could possibly go wrong? The series begins in Italy as Gordon and Fred join forces to help Gino put on a sumptuous feast for a very unique wedding blessing on the beach. In France, the threesome will help deliver the first oyster festival. The Scottish leg of the journey will see them taking part in some highland fun and games. This is food on tour like never before, but will it be a case of too many cooks? A recent ratings hit for ITV, GORDON, GINO AND FRED: ROAD TRIP is produced by Studio Ramsay.

INSPIRED BY ACTUAL EVENTS

AUSTRALIAN GANGSTER

The two-part drama is a punchy, funny and violent adrenaline-ride through Sydney's decadently gorgeous but completely inane world of crime. It's just the kind of story that writer and director Gregor Jordan (Two Hands, Ned Kelly) is the perfect person to tell. AUSTRALIAN GANGSTER is a Roadshow Rough Diamond production for Channel Seven, with production funding from Screen Australia in association with Create NSW.

TRUE CRIME

UNDERCURRENT

Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania. January 27, 2009. Mother of two, Sue Neill-Fraser, 55, is woken by a call from the police - her yacht is sinking out in the bay. Sue's partner, Bob Chappell, who was sleeping on board, has disappeared. The boat has been sabotaged, blood spatters the cabin stairs, a knife lies on the floor. Bob is never seen again, dead or alive. Sue soon becomes a suspect in Bob's murder investigation. During interviews with detectives, she is caught in a string of lies. Seven months later, detectives arrest Sue, charging her with murder. Sue strongly maintains her innocence. While evidence is circumstantial and there is no body, the case is strong enough to go to court. After a high-profile murder trial that splits the tight Hobart community, Sue is found guilty. In October 2010, she is sentenced to 26-years in prison. But this case is far from closed… a band of supporters refuse to accept that Sue Neill-Fraser is a killer and they begin their own investigation, much of it filmed as it happens. This is the story of UNDERCURRENT, a true-crime series in the tradition of The Jinx and Making a Murderer. An active, unfolding investigation with twists, revelations and cliff-hangers. A series with the potential to divide opinion and spark debate across the country, right up to the dramatic final episode when the threads come together and the truth is revealed. UNDERCURRENT is a CJZ production for Channel Seven.

RETURNING SERIES

The spine of Seven's schedule in 2019 will be live and free coverage of Australia's number one Winter and Summer sports, plus:

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SEVEN NEWS - Australia's number one news service SUNRISE - Australia's number one breakfast program

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THE MORNING SHOW - Australia's number one morning program THE CHASE AUSTRALIA - Australia's number one 5-6pm weekdays HOME AND AWAY - Australia's number one weeknight drama

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BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS - Australia's number one lifestyle program THE GOOD DOCTOR - Australia's number one drama

Also returning are:

MY KITCHEN RULES

Australia's number one cooking show is back with its 10th anniversary season. This landmark season of MY KITCHEN RULES will test teams like never before with new challenges, new locations, new faces and new rewards, while a record number of perfect scores keeps every contender on their toes. And, in a series first, can perfect strangers team up to win MKR? Judges Manu Feildel and Pete Evans are joined by Colin Fassnidge as passionate home cooks from all over Australia compete for $250,000 and the title of MKR Champions for 2019. MKR is a Seven Studios production.

HOUSE RULES

Whole house reveals will be the best yet when Jamie Durie joins judges Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Wendy Moore and host Johanna Griggs for the new season of HOUSE RULES. With massive challenges and a surprise transformation of warehouse proportions, the competition is tougher than ever but every team ends up with the ultimate reward - a complete transformation of their own home. Australia's much-loved renovation show is a Seven Studios production.

INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW DENTON

After five years away from our screens, Andrew Denton returned to Seven in 2018, bringing his unique interviewing style to a series of surprising and inspiring conversations. Among many highlights, the first series included the powerful story of Magda Szubanski, the controversially frank Guy Pearce, the extraordinary journey of kidnap survivor Amanda Lindhout, and a glimpse into the complex inner life of Rebecca Sharrock, a woman who can remember every day of her life. In 2019, INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW DENTON will be back with a whole new crop of amazing humans. The series is produced by Legacy Media for Channel Seven.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Celebrating its 11th season in 2019, SUNDAY NIGHT has stamped its position as the country's premier investigative news and public affairs programme, committed to delivering landmark investigations and exclusive reports and interviews that matter most to Australians. Host and senior correspondent Melissa Doyle leads a team of Australia's finest reporters, including Matt Doran, Steve Pennells, Denham Hitchcock, Angela Cox and Alex Cullen.

THE FRONT BAR

After a hugely successful 2018, Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher will be back with their funny and irreverent take on all things AFL. And, after the footy season is over, the Front Bar team just might take a humorous look at some new territory further afield… all from the comfort of their bar stools. THE FRONT BAR is produced by Front Bar Entertainment for Channel Seven.

INSTANT HOTEL

We're back for another fun-filled adventure across the country to find Australia's best Instant Hotel! From a unique desert retreat to a lush tropical hideaway, this season's teams will take the ride of their life as they travel the country with some quirky companions, visit some truly stunning locations and compete for a grand prize that will change our winning home hotelier's lives. INSTANT HOTEL is a Seven Studios production.

FIRST DATES

Australia's favourite fly-on-the-wall dating show returns with more single guys and gals hoping to meet their dream partner on a blind date. They've been matched on their likes and dislikes. Some will sizzle. Some will crash and burn. At the end of the night, they must decide… will they go on a second date? FIRST DATES is a Warner Bros. International Television Australia production for Channel Seven.

AUSTRALIAN SPARTAN

Season 2 welcomes Australia and New Zealand's fittest, fastest teams of athletes back into the Spartan arena where no one triumphs alone. In front of a live audience, hosts Edwina Bartholomew and Hamish McLachlan, along with sideline reporter Wendell Sailor, guide us through each episode's triumphs and tragedies as teams of three battle the course in a race for one of 10 places in the Grand Final, where one team will be crowned champions and win $150,000. AUSTRALIAN SPARTAN is a Eureka/Matchbox Pictures production for Channel Seven.

ZUMBO'S JUST DESSERTS

Seven has teamed up with US streaming giant Netflix to bring back ZUMBO'S JUST DESSERTS, an original Seven Studios concept from the makers of My Kitchen Rules. Australia's celebrated pâtissier Adriano Zumbo and acclaimed British chef Rachel Khoo reprise their roles as esteemed judges of this ultimate dessert makers competition.

International programs returning with new and continuing seasons include 9-1-1, CRIMINAL MINDS, MODERN FAMILY, THE RESIDENT and GREY'S ANATOMY, plus 7mate favourites THE SIMPSONS, AMERCIAN DAD and FAMILY GUY.

Seven will also continue to deliver the best in Australian factual programming with new episodes of BORDER SECURITY, HIGHWAY PATROL, MOTORBIKE COPS and SURVEILLANCE OZ to air in 2019.

EVENT TELEVISION

LADIES' NIGHT

One of the biggest and boldest hits of 2018 will be back in 2019 - but this time, it's LADIES' NIGHT! Eight female celebrities will pull together to create a show-stopping performance, as they battle to overcome their nerves and inhibitions, learn to love their bodies and raise awareness for women's health. The standard has been set and the ladies will have a lot to prove when they take to the stage for their own empowering, moment of glory. Who will dare to bare this time for a worthy cause? LADIES' NIGHT is a Seven Studios production.

CAROLS IN THE DOMAIN

On Saturday, December 22, Australia's biggest stars will come together at this iconic event to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Now in its 36th year, Woolworths CAROLS IN THE DOMAIN is the largest Christmas celebration in the country with close to 50,000 people on-ground and hundreds of thousands more watching from home across Australia. CAROLS IN THE DOMAIN is an Active TV production for Channel Seven.

AACTA AWARDS

Join us on Wednesday, December 5 for the Australian screen industry's star-studded night of nights. The 2018 AACTA Awards will honour the best achievements of the past year and celebrate 60 years of AFI | AACTA. The AACTA Awards are produced by AACTA for Channel Seven.