After years of making headlines, raising eyebrows, and dividing opinions in households across the country, one of Channel 10’s most talked-about programs may be facing a major shift—and the chatter behind the scenes is growing louder.

Whether it’s a reinvention, a quiet exit, or something in between, change seems to be on the horizon.

So what’s really going on, and what could it mean for the future of prime-time TV in Australia?


Since its debut in 2009, The Project has been a staple of Australian television, blending news, entertainment, and panel banter in a way that was, at the time, quite fresh.

The original trio—Carrie Bickmore, Charlie Pickering, and Dave Hughes—set the tone, but it was the later lineup, including Bickmore, Peter Helliar, Waleed Aly, and Hamish McDonald, that really made the show a household name.


The Project even scooped up a few Gold Logies along the way, with Bickmore and Aly both taking home the coveted award.

But as with all good things, change is inevitable. In recent years, the show has faced declining ratings, budget cuts, and the departure of key hosts.

Bickmore and Helliar both exited in 2022, leaving a rotating cast of presenters—Aly, Sarah Harris, Sam Taunton, and Georgie Tunny—trying to keep the ship afloat.


TV industry veteran Peter Ford didn’t mince words when he spoke to 3AW Breakfast, predicting, 'I don’t think The Project will see the year out.

Quite frankly, at the moment, it’s more of a mercy killing than an axing.' Ouch! It’s a sentiment echoed by many in the industry who have watched the show’s ratings slide and its cultural impact wane.

So, what’s next? According to TV Blackbox, Channel 10 is already preparing a replacement—a new current affairs program set to launch as early as August.

Unlike The Project’s hour-long format, the new show will reportedly run for just 30 minutes and air Monday to Thursday, trimming back both airtime and production costs.

The move to broadcast from Sydney (where The Project already airs on Sundays) is another cost-saving measure.

While details are still under wraps, Channel 10 has been busy poaching talent from rival networks, offering generous salary bumps to lure experienced journalists.
Among the new recruits are Denham Hitchcock, a former producer for Seven’s Spotlight and Sunday Night, and ex-Seven correspondent Amelia Brace.

With these heavy hitters on board, it’s clear Channel 10 is serious about making a splash with its new offering.

The television landscape has undergone significant changes since The Project first appeared on our screens.

With streaming services, social media, and 24-hour news cycles, viewers have more choices than ever—and traditional current affairs shows are feeling the pinch.

Channel 10’s decision to revamp its primetime lineup is a sign of the times as networks scramble to stay relevant and financially viable.

For many Aussies, The Project has been a nightly ritual—sometimes loved, sometimes loathed, but always part of the conversation.

Channel 10 isn’t alone in rethinking its approach to current affairs. Across the board, networks are experimenting with shorter formats, new faces, and diverse storytelling styles.

Did you watch The Project? Will you miss it, or do you think it’s time for something new? What would you like to see in a current affairs program aimed at Aussie viewers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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