Yahoo Lifestyle 
Seven axe popular reality show for 2024 amid huge changes
Insiders say the network is prioritising other reality TV projects.
One of Channel Seven’s most popular reality TV shows has reportedly been axed from the network’s 2024 programming lineup. Despite being announced at last year’s Upfront event in October, SAS Australia won’t be returning for a fifth season according to Daily Mail.
The publication reports that initial casting discussions took place between the network and its production company Screentime but negotiations eventually “fizzled out”. Meanwhile, an insider tells Yahoo Lifestyle that there had been whispers of a potential cancellation for weeks as the series typically films in April.
“No one’s been told that the series is officially axed, but we all just assumed so because of how much time is needed to push out the series,” they said, adding that it would be difficult to produce a new season by the end of the year due to the show’s large scale.
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Since premiering in 2020, SAS Australia has seen 66 celebrity recruits pushing themselves to their limits in a series of extreme physical and psychological tests. While the first three seasons were filmed in NSW, last year’s season took place at an abandoned military outpost in Jordan.
Although he won’t be returning to his role of Chief Instructor, fans can still expect to see Ant Middleton on their TVs this year when he hits the dance floor on the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars.
Why was SAS Australia cancelled?
SAS Australia’s cancellation will come as a shock to fans as last year’s finale was seen by 1.85 million viewers on Seven and 7plus, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year.
A production insider tells Yahoo Lifestyle that a potential reason why Seven may have chosen to rest the format this year is to prioritise their other reality TV projects.
“Seven seem to be focusing on new shows this year and putting all of their money and resources behind getting Australia’s next big hit,” they share.
“They’ve just launched their new renovation series Dream Home and there are a few other big shows still to come like Stranded on Honeymoon Island and Made in Bondi. Plus, Chris Brown has an animal series in the works called Once in a Lifetime.”
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A “well-placed insider” has since told Daily Mail that SAS Australia might not be off Australian screens for long as a rival network may commission the series next year.
“Channel Nine have shown interest in picking up the show for 2025,” the source said.
Yahoo Lifestyle has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
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