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Network 10 officially confirmed on May 22, 2026, that “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” will not return to Australian television screens in 2027, effectively ending the franchise after 12 consecutive seasons. The network said it would “rest” the long-running reality competition rather than pursue a traditional cancellation, marking a significant shift in Channel 10’s programming strategy targeting shifting audience engagement patterns.
🔥 Quick Facts
- 12 seasons aired between 2015 and 2026 on Network 10
- Season 12 (2026) premiered January 18, 2026, with hosts Julia Morris and Robert Irwin
- Concetta Caristo, a 31-year-old comedian and Triple J host, won the final Australian season in February 2026
- Network 10 statement: “We have made the decision to rest I’m a Celebrity in 2027 as we focus on offering our audiences fresh entertainment options.”
The End of an Australian Television Institution
“I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” debuted on Network 10 in 2014, becoming one of the network’s flagship reality programs. The show imported the format from the British original, placing Australian celebrities in a jungle camp where they faced survival challenges, public voting, and daily trials designed to test both their physical endurance and mental resilience. The format proved immediately successful, drawing millions of viewers during its peak seasons and establishing itself as a staple of Australian summer television.
The franchise became known for launching or revitalizing careers, with numerous participants gaining increased visibility following their jungle stints. Julia Morris and Robert Irwin, who took over hosting duties for the Australian version, became synonymous with the program through their chemistry and genuine interactions with contestants.
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Ratings Pressure and Strategic “Resting”
The cancellation announcement comes amid industry speculation about declining viewership numbers. Network 10’s official statement used the euphemism “resting” rather than “cancelled,” suggesting the door remains open for future revival. According to reports, Season 12 had 187% higher viewership in its premiere week compared to the same period the previous year, indicating the show could draw audiences when fresh cast members captured public interest. However, sustained viewership throughout the season reportedly presented challenges as audience engagement fluctuated.
The decision aligns with broader changes in reality television consumption patterns. Recent industry developments reflect similar trends, with networks increasingly retiring established franchises to explore alternative programming models. Reality competition shows face intensifying competition from streaming platforms and shorter-form content, forcing traditional broadcasters to recalibrate their content strategies.
The Final Season and Viewer Response
The 12th season, which concluded earlier this year, featured 14 contestants competing for the title. Concetta Caristo emerged victorious, claiming the crown and donating prize money to her chosen charity. Despite strong premiere numbers, the series operated with a notable operational change: 2026 marked the first year the entire season was pre-recorded rather than filmed live, a significant shift from the show’s traditional format that allowed for daily eliminations and real-time audience voting.
This production change sparked discussion among fans, with some viewing it as a fundamental departure from the show’s core appeal. The shift to pre-recorded episodes reduced the spontaneity and unpredictability that had defined the franchise since its inception, potentially influencing sustained engagement through the 12-week run.
What This Means for Australian Reality Television
| Aspect | Details |
| Network | Network 10 (Australia) |
| Seasons Run | 12 seasons (2015-2026) |
| 2026 Status | Final season completed with Concetta Caristo as winner |
| 2027 Status | Official “rest” announced (no new season scheduled) |
| Hosts (Final Season) | Julia Morris and Robert Irwin |
| Production Format | Pre-recorded (first year of change from live broadcasts) |
Network 10’s decision reflects broader industry challenges facing traditional broadcast television in 2026. Industry analysis of the cancellation suggests the network is shifting resources toward developing new intellectual property rather than sustaining aging formats. The move creates programming gaps that the network must fill with alternative reality, competition, or entertainment concepts.
“We have made the decision to rest I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2027 as we focus on offering our audiences fresh entertainment options.”
— Network 10 Spokesperson, Official Statement, May 2026
Looking Forward: What Happens Without the Jungle?
The cancellation raises questions about the format’s future both in Australia and globally. The international “I’m a Celebrity” franchise includes versions in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and other markets, each operating independently. Network 10’s decision to rest rather than cancel keeps the possibility of revival open, potentially for a reformatted version or an eventual relaunch with a completely different approach.
For Australian television audiences, the absence of “I’m a Celebrity” in 2027 represents the end of an era. The show launched careers, created memorable television moments, and provided consistent entertainment through its 12-year run. Whether the network will eventually resurrect the format or retire it permanently remains uncertain, but the “resting” terminology suggests flexibility rather than finality.
Can “I’m a Celebrity” Make a Comeback?
Reality television history shows that cancelled or rested franchises sometimes return with significant changes to format, casting, or premise. If Network 10 eventually revives “I’m a Celebrity,” producers might consider alternative venues beyond the jungle setting, different host pairings, or evolved challenge structures to address audience fatigue. The success of “I’m a Celebrity: All Stars” seasons in some markets demonstrates continued appetite for the IP when executed with fresh approaches. For now, though, Australian viewers will look elsewhere for their jungle-based reality television fix starting in 2027.
Sources
- Network 10 Official Statement — Confirmed cancellation details via Mediaweek, May 22, 2026
- News.com.au — “Channel 10 confirms axing of TV favourite, I’m A Celebrity” reporting and analysis
- Variety Australia — Network 10 announcement coverage and industry context
- Wikipedia Australian TV Series Database — Season 12 details and final winner confirmation
- TV Tonight Australia — In-depth analysis of Network 10’s programming decision
