The Project Ends After 16 Years: A New Chapter Begins on Channel Ten
Well, this is a bit of a moment in Australian television history—Channel Ten has officially announced the cancellation of The Project . After 16 years on air and more than 4,500 episodes, the iconic current affairs and entertainment program will broadcast its final episode on Friday, June 27. This move marks a significant shift in the network's early evening programming strategy and signals the end of an era that has shaped how Australians consume news with a twist of humour and heart.
For many of us, The Project wasn’t just another news show—it was a space where headlines were unpacked, social issues spotlighted, and everyday Aussies given a platform. It launched in 2009 as The 7PM Project , with Carrie Bickmore, Charlie Pickering, and Dave Hughes at the helm. Over time, it evolved into something truly special—winning 11 Logie Awards, a Walkley, and even influencing national conversations around topics like marriage equality, domestic violence, environmental policy, and mental health.
But change is inevitable, especially in today’s fast-moving media world. According to Network Ten, the decision was part of a broader plan to revive early evening viewership. Ratings had been steadily declining, with recent episodes drawing only around 238,000 to 357,000 viewers nationally—numbers seen as unsustainable for a prime-time slot. Competition from streaming platforms and shifting audience habits made it harder for traditional television to hold its ground.
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With the show's end, long-time co-hosts Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris will also be leaving the network. Their departure is symbolic of a major transition, but they’ve certainly left a lasting legacy. Aly, known for his editorial segments like Something We Should Talk About , reminded viewers that news could be compassionate, engaging, and accessible. Harris brought warmth and emotional depth, often making us laugh or cry—sometimes both in one segment.
But the end of The Project doesn’t mean the end of current affairs on Ten. In its place, a new national, one-hour news and insights program will debut, airing six nights a week. Journalists Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace—recently recruited from Channel Seven—are set to anchor the fresh format. The show aims to combine traditional reporting with thoughtful analysis and will be managed by Ten’s broadcast news VP, Martin White. Some staff from The Project are expected to transition to the new production.
The cultural impact of The Project can’t be overstated. It helped shape public discourse, brought important issues to the forefront, and gave voice to those often left unheard. From pushing for a ban on single-use plastic bags to raising over $3.5 million for families in medical crises, the show stood for more than just ratings—it stood for change.
While it’s always hard to say goodbye to something that’s been such a staple in our living rooms, sometimes the best way to honour the past is to embrace the future. The Project may be ending, but its spirit—of informing with empathy, challenging the norm, and making news relatable—will no doubt live on in whatever comes next.
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