Network Ten announced their 2019 programming schedule overnight and amongst it are big changes for the network, including new branding, updated channel names and a seemingly renewed approach to live music performances.
The network launched their pilot week program back in August, which gave Australian viewers unprecedented power in choosing which programs would make the cut, through social media reaction and viewer feedback, as well as ratings.
According to The Age, Drunk History, Disgrace, Skit Happens and Dave were not picked up for full seasons, while Trial By Kyle with radio host Kyle Sandilands, Taboo with comedian Harley Breen, and Bring Back Saturday Night with Rove McManus were all commissioned for full seasons by the network.
McManus' variety show, which featured comedic appearances from Mel Buttle, Merrick Watts, Alex Lee and voiceovers from Judith Lucy, a skit from singer Delta Goodrem and a musical appearance from Brisbane's Conrad Sewell during its pilot, will offer a new platform for live music performance on the network.
It's also been confirmed that the network will premiere Sunday Night Takeaway, hosted by Julia Morris and Chris Brown.
The show is expected to follow the format of the popular UK program, Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, a variety style program that features the segment "End Of The Show" Show, which sees musical guests perform their latest chart hit. Previous acts on the UK show have included the likes of Kylie Minogue, George Ezra, Robbie Williams and more.
While the breakfast TV world has sporadic live music performances, Network Ten's addition of these two programs, which at most will feature two live music performances weekly, proves that commercial television's primetime hours are still severely lacking in their support of the Australian music scene.
ABC last night premiered their brand new live music program, The Set, which debuted with 224,000 viewers. Read our review for it here.
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