Channel 9 has unveiled its radical new reality show to stake its claim on prime time ratings, with Scott Cam among the celebs announced to take part.

It’s been a long time since a new reality TV show has managed to strike gold among Australian viewers. Desperate times call for a radical combination: Celebrities and sharks.

We’ve seen a horror run of local program cancellations in recent years, from established IP including Australian Ninja Warrior, SAS Australia, The Bachelor and The Celebrity Apprentice, to fresh offerings that barely survived their debut seasons, like My Mum, Your Dad, Stranded on Honeymoon Island and Million Dollar Island.

Now, as part of Channel 9’s reinvigorated programming slate in 2026, we have a shiny new series set to air next year, Shark!, which the network announced at its annual upfront event in Sydney on Wednesday.

Nine has announced its upcoming programming slate, including the new series Shark!
It will follow six celebs on a “dream island getaway” in the Bahamas, which also happens to be home to some of the most shark-infested waters in the world.

The Block host Scott Cam and Olympic swimming champion Ariarne Titmus have already signed on to star in the debut season, with a further four local stars set to be announced soon.

Scott Cam was announced among the star-studded celebs to take part in Nine’s new reality show Shark!

Ariarne Titmus will also make up the cast when the show premieres next year.
Hosted by shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder, the cast will face “high-tension, heart-stopping shark challenges that escalate in danger and intensity, from the safety of a protective cage to the ultimate test: an open water swim with one of the most aggressive of all sharks.”

The ambitious new show will no doubt attract curiosity eyeballs in its opening week (Scott Cam trading hammers for hammerheads has a ring to it), and it’s certainly a pivot from the typical dating shows that keep popping up, so it’ll be interesting to see if Shark! manages to break the disaster cycle come 2026.

Also new in 2026

Among the slate of other fresh offerings, Block designers Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer are teaming up for 1 Euro House, which will see the duo flip a derelict, one-euro property in the Italian village of Castronovo.

Shaynna and Darren take Italy. Picture: Nigel Hallett
“In this series the duo passionately reinvent key spaces, infusing each one with unique character through clever styling and structural vision,” Nine said in a statement.

“No detail will be overlooked as they transform every corner of the home, teaming up with local Italian artisans to incorporate handcrafted designs and custom furniture to root the home in its stunning surroundings.

“Much more than just a makeover program, 1 Euro House also explores the richness of Italian life, blending travel, culture and friendship.”

Returning shows

Married At First Sight is the gift that keeps giving, with the ratings juggernaut making a comeback next year for its 13th season.

Expanding on its enduring success, Nine announced the new, “unfiltered” Stan original MAFS After The Dinner Party, which will follow the cast members immediately after the explosive dinner parties that air on Nine.

“Picking up right where the drama left off and delving into the week’s most-talked about moments, this series is the ultimate hub for fans, providing an exclusive invitation into the MAFS inner circle. It’s the only place for viewers to find immediate participant interviews, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, expert analysis, and fan commentary,” a statement read.

John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Alessandra Rampolla return as the show’s resident experts with a new batch of cast members eager to, at least on paper, find love.

Firm favourites The Block, Lego Masters Australia, Travel Guides and The Hundred with Andy Lee have all been renewed, while surprise ratings success The Floor with Rodger Corser has been greenlit for a second season.

Nine also appeared to pour cold water, at least for now, on rampant rumours Today co-host Sarah Abo is on the out in favour of network newcomer Samantha Armytage.

Abo was listed alongside Karl Stefanovic as the face of the breakfast program, alongside newsreader Jayne Azzopardi, entertainment reporters Renee Bargh and Richard ‘Dickie’ Wilkins, sports presenter Danika Mason and weatherman Tim Davies.

However, news.com.au has been told Abo’s contract talks were stalled in recent weeks, while Stefanovic is understood to have inked a deal.

The Today show is returning for 2026.
It comes after The Australian’s Media Diary reported major talks were underway among executives at Nine HQ in Sydney as the network hatches a desperate bid to finally topple number 1 competitor, Seven’s Sunrise, in the breakfast ratings war come 2026.

Abo, who is on much less than Stefanovic’s $3 million salary at an estimated $800,000 per year, has reportedly sought a pay rise from next year, which could open the door for executives to go in a different direction.

“We hear Nine’s television kingmaker Michael Healy has made no secret of the fact he believes pairing Armytage and Stefanovic could prove the key to toppling Seven’s Sunrise and that the duo had long been his ‘dream’ Today show line-up,” Diary’s Steve Jackson wrote.