THE ABC has unveiled a star-packed program lineup for 2026, promising a year of fresh comedy, ambitious drama, landmark anniversaries and the return of some of Australia’s most recognisable faces.
Among the biggest announcements is Julia Morris stepping into the role of a delightfully chaotic school principal in the new comedy Class Clowns, where she will oversee a classroom of comedians completing ludicrous assignments based on classic school subjects.
Anne Edmonds will also debut a new comedy, Bad Company, which she has written, created and stars in. Set inside a theatre company on the brink of collapse due to its artistic director’s spectacular ineptitude, the series will also star Kitty Flanagan as the high-powered executive brought in to save the day.
Sam Pang is another familiar face moving into scripted comedy, starring in Ground Up as an AFL administrator sent to Tasmania to establish a new team. The catch? He also has to convince locals to back a billion-dollar stadium proposal that nobody can agree on.
In a major creative coup, Shaun Tan’s cherished 2008 illustrated anthology Tales from Outer Suburbia will be reimagined as an animated series exploring surreal suburbia through the eyes of siblings Klara and Pim. Tan said his stories always circled the idea of belonging and displacement, suggesting the themes would resonate with viewers of all ages.
The ABC will celebrate major milestones in 2026, with Australian Story turning 30, and Play School celebrating an extraordinary 60 years.
Music lovers also have reason to rejoice, with Guy Sebastian joining classical pianist Andrea Lam and host Amanda Keller for the second season of the feel-good hit The Piano.
Entertainment offerings will feature – the result is a packed and diverse year ahead for Australia’s national broadcaster, offering everything from chaotic comedy and soul-soothing music to hard-hitting documentaries and nostalgic revivals.
