After being on the roster for almost 16 years, Network 10 has officially announced the end of The Project, with its last show to air on Friday, June 27.
On Monday, Network 10 announced that it has revised its early evening program schedule for later this month. Unfortunately, as a result, The Project will be coming to an end.
“At the core of the changes will be an expansion of Network 10’s successful news coverage, with the launch of a new national one-hour 6pm news, current affairs and insights program six days a week to complement 10’s one-hour 5pm local news bulletins,” a statement from Network 10 read.
“This reflects the successful growth in audiences to Network 10 local news bulletins and coverage. Our focus continues to be on serving our free-to-air audiences with more of the content they are increasingly watching.”
Throughout its run on Aussie TV, The Project has produced more than 4,500 episodes, clocked 11 TV Week Logie Awards and one Walkley award.
“The Project led the way with thought-provoking and unique conversations on primetime television covering a myriad of topics including marriage equality, animal welfare, disability awareness, NDIS, and domestic and family violence,” the statement continued.
“The show has successfully balanced humour and heart with poignant discussions about current affairs and celebrity interviews that had the whole country, and sometimes the world, talking.
“The impact that The Project has had on the media and entertainment industry, countless careers, as well as on Australian society and culture, cannot be overstated.
“We would like to thank those in front of and behind the cameras who have made The Project the success it has become over the years, and we are proud that so many presenters and regular guests have become household names in Australia.
“Thank you to the hosts who have graced the desk over the years and of course, the current hosts Sarah Harris, Waleed Aly, Georgie Tunny, Hamish Macdonald, Sam Taunton, Susie Youssef and Rove McManus.”
The Project issues a statement after being axed
Following the devastating news, The Project issued a statement to its viewers, thanking them for their support throughout the years.
“For nearly 16 years, The Project has been Australia’s destination for the news when you want a little bit, of a giggle,” it wrote on IG.
“Well, we have loved every second, but all good things come to an end, and so are we on June 27.
“To everyone who has watched, supported, donated money to help families across Australia, worked on the show or just liked a social post. Thank you.
“This show is not possible without all of you.”
Current co-host Sarah Harris joked by urging fans to “keep an eye out for [her] OnlyFans page”. Ugh, we love that good ol’ Project bantz.
“I’ve had a blast, [but] it’s time for me to take a breath and spend some time with my boys… Keep an eye out for my OnlyFans Page,” she penned.
Fellow co-host Waleed Aly also issued a statement, writing, “The Project kicked down the door of how news could be done”.
News of The Project‘s axing comes shortly after an insider told Daily Mail Australia that the news show was headed for “imminent collapse”.
Per the Sydney Morning Herald, The Project only clocked between 238,000 and 357,000 viewers nationally last week, with one insider — who claims to be a “senior industry figure” — describing it as “unsustainable”.
What’s replacing The Project?
According to TV Blackbox, it’s been reported that The Project could be replaced by a “heavier news and current affairs program” titled Behind the Lines, which is set to be hosted by former 7News Spotlight reporter Denham Hitchcock.
Per the publication, it’s set to air only four nights a week at 6.30pm and is expected to launch sometime in July or August.
Last year, Network 10 also axed a bunch of faves from its roster, including The Bachelors, The Masked Singer and Gladiators.
