I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here won’t return in 2027, Network 10 confirms

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Why Network 10 Is Resting the Franchise
• A Look at the Show’s Performance and Cultural Impact
• The Hosting Era: From Chris Brown to Robert Irwin
• Competitive Landscape and the Global Interest
• What Happens to the 2027 Television Calendar?
• Will I’m A Celebrity Return to Australian Television?
  • Sources

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here is stepping away from Network 10‘s lineup after the successful 2026 season finale. On May 22, 2026, the Australian broadcaster formally announced the reality series will not return in 2027, calling the move a strategic “rest” for the franchise. The announcement follows the Season 12 premiere, which drew 925,000 viewers—the show’s strongest launch in three years—cementing its enduring appeal despite industry speculation about its future.

Why Network 10 Is Resting the Franchise

Network 10 framed the decision as a deliberate programming strategy, not a cancellation. According to a formal statement from the network, “We have made the decision to rest I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here”—language that distinguishes a temporary pause from permanent abandonment. Industry observers noted that this type of hiatus is common in television, allowing networks to rebuild audience anticipation, reduce production costs, and strategically evaluate the show’s long-term positioning. The 2026 season delivered strong ratings despite earlier speculation that declining viewership might force the network’s hand.

The timing of the announcement comes after rival networks have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the global franchise, according to reports from Australian media outlets. This suggests Network 10 may be reassessing its creative and financial priorities before making a definitive call on the show’s future. The move also allows the network flexibility to focus on other productions during the 2027 television season.

A Look at the Show’s Performance and Cultural Impact

Since its Australian debut on Network 10 in 2015, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here has established itself as a cornerstone reality program. The format—based on the British ITV original series of the same name—sees celebrities confined to a jungle camp in South Africa, competing in trials for food and comfort. Over 12 consecutive seasons, the show has cycled through dozens of prominent Australian personalities, creating genuine drama, memorable alliances, and unexpected winner outcomes that keep audiences engaged.

The 2026 premiere’s 925,000-viewer average represented a notable rebound from earlier seasons. This figure underscores persistent audience loyalty despite the competitive reality TV landscape. Concetta Caristo’s victory in the April finale generated significant social media discussion, with viewers actively engaged in the competition mechanics and emotional arcs—hallmarks of successful reality television that continues to thrive despite predictions of genre fatigue.

The Hosting Era: From Chris Brown to Robert Irwin

Julia Morris has been the constant presence since the show’s inception, serving as primary host throughout all 12 seasons. For the majority of that run, she was paired with veterinarian and television personality Dr. Chris Brown. In 2023, Robert Irwin—the young wildlife educator and son of the late Steve Irwin—joined as co-host, replacing Dr. Brown. Irwin’s appointment marked a generational shift in the show’s presentation, bringing fresh energy and appeal to a younger demographic.

Both hosts expressed emotional reactions to the 2027 hiatus announcement. According to Network 10’s statement, the network said it “look[s] forward to working with Julia Morris and Robert Irwin on other projects.” This language preserves the relationship for potential future resurgence or alternative programming, preventing the acrimonious departures that sometimes plague reality show cancellations. Irwin, in particular, released a statement indicating his gratitude for the opportunity, though neither host publicly confirmed what their post-I’m A Celebrity projects might entail.

Competitive Landscape and the Global Interest

The announcement of the hiatus occurs amid significant industry activity surrounding the I’m A Celebrity franchise globally. ITV in the United Kingdom recently recommissioned its version through 2028 with hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, demonstrating the format’s continued viability on major broadcasters. Meanwhile, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! South Africa has been developed as a companion series, suggesting the parent company is exploring multi-territory monetization strategies.

Rival Australian networks have reportedly made inquiries about acquiring the Australian rights, raising questions about whether the one-year pause represents a negotiation period or genuine programmatic repositioning. If another broadcaster acquires the franchise, it could trigger significant shifts in the Australian reality television market—particularly given I’m A Celebrity’s proven audience reach and cultural footprint.

What Happens to the 2027 Television Calendar?

Network 10 has not publicly announced any replacement programming for I’m A Celebrity’s typical January-February scheduling slot on its 2027 calendar. This creates both a programming void and an opportunity—the network could deploy alternative reality formats, international imports, or genre-shifting content to test audience appetite for different entertainment. Historically, successful networks use such gaps to experiment with fresh concepts or to reduce redundancy in their reality TV portfolio.

The decision also raises questions about potential streaming impact. Network 10’s digital platforms have aggressively promoted I’m A Celebrity content, including exclusive jungle footage and post-episode analysis. The 2027 hiatus means no new streaming content in this category during that year, potentially affecting subscriber engagement metrics for the network’s digital offerings.

Will I’m A Celebrity Return to Australian Television?

Network 10’s language around the decision deliberately leaves the door open. The use of “rest” rather than “cancel” signals that executives have not ruled out revival, particularly if competitive pressure or audience demand resurfaces. Reality television history shows that strategic hiatuses often precede returns with refreshed formats—recasting, new locations, or revised mechanics that renew viewer intrigue.

For fans in the United States and international markets, the hiatus presents no direct impact on local viewing since the Australian I’m A Celebrity largely circulates through unofficial channels outside its primary broadcast territory. However, production industry professionals monitoring reality TV trends internationally will be watching closely to see whether Network 10 revives the series in 2028 or whether rival network interest results in a format acquisition and rebranding.

Sources

• Network 10 Official Statement – May 22, 2026 announcement re: I’m A Celebrity hiatus
• TV Tonight Australia – Official confirmation and industry context
• SMH.com.au – Network 10 strategic positioning and rival network interest reporting
• PerthNow Entertainment – Host statements and production details
• Wikipedia – Historical series data, premiere dates, and ratings context
• Pedestrian.tv – 2026 season winner and finale coverage