Australian TV shows that failed to air in 2017

From the runaway success of Australian Ninja Warrior and the surprising hit True Stories with Hamish And Andy, Australian television viewers had plenty of new fare to choose from in 2017.

However, for every Hell’s Kitchen or Hoges, there were plenty of shows, promised this year by the networks, that didn’t manage to see the light of day.

Warnie

From a telemovie about Shane Warne to an Olivia Newton-John biopic starring Delta Goodrem: A look at some of the Australian TV programs that failed to see the light of day in 2017

The unauthorised telemovie of one of Australia’s most flamboyant sportsmen was announced, with much fanfare, at Channel Seven’s 2016 Upfronts event and was hoped to be one of the network’s flagship shows for the year.

However, the project was eventually dropped altogether by Seven as it was alleged the production had failed to cast a lead.

In a statement to News Corp, a spokesperson said the project had been dropped as it ‘wasn’t the right fit for our production and programming schedule.’ 

Shane had previously spoken out against Channel Seven’s plans to make a telemovie about his life, telling Triple M in 2016 he was ‘a little bit disappointed’.

‘Put me on the record, it’s got absolutely nothing to do with me,’ Shane said. 

Accidental Heroes

Defection: Accidental Heroes was set to star Bachelorette Sophie Monk

Defection: Accidental Heroes was set to star Bachelorette Sophie Monk

Following on from the monumental success of Sophie Monk’s turn on the 2017 series of The Bachelor, in which she found love with pub heir Stu Laundy, Channel nine would’ve hoped that Accidental Heroes could have capitalised on that success.

Essentially a clip show, Accidental heroes was to see Sophie joined by Nick Cody, presenting an array of ‘the greatest fails’ ever to be caught on camera, in the same vein of MTV’s ridiculousness with Rob Dyrdek.  

However, it appears that the show has been scuttled, with Sophie recently announcing she will host the anticipated series Love Island.

 Underbelly Files: Chopper

Delayed: Another biopic that failed to see the light of day in 2017 was the tale of infamous gangland figure Mark 'Chopper' Read in Underbelly Files: Chopper

Delayed: Another biopic that failed to see the light of day in 2017 was the tale of infamous gangland figure Mark ‘Chopper’ Read in Underbelly Files: Chopper

Another biopic that failed to see the light of day in 2017 was the tale of infamous gangland figure Mark ‘Chopper’ Read in Underbelly Files: Chopper. 

Announced in November 2016, the anticipated drama drew much interest, largely for Arron Jeffrey’s looking almost unrecognisable as the earless criminal, despite the role having already been played, with aplomb, by Eric Bana in the 2000 feature film

While Channel Nine anticipated a 2017 airing, production on the series began midway though the year, pushing it’s air date back to 2018.

 The A List

No go: Billed as an interview program in the vein of Inside the Actor's studio, The A List was to be an eight-part series hosted by entertainment guru Richard Wilkins that was to feature in-depth chats with in demand superstars

No go: Billed as an interview program in the vein of Inside the Actor’s studio, The A List was to be an eight-part series hosted by entertainment guru Richard Wilkins that was to feature in-depth chats with in demand superstars

Billed as an interview program in the vein of Inside the Actor’s studio, The A List was to be an eight-part series hosted by entertainment guru Richard Wilkins that was to feature in-depth chats with in demand superstars.

However, the show fell off the radar this year and Channel Nine has no plans to air it next year.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph recently, a spokesperson said the show was kaiboshed after an issue with obtaining music rights.

‘The issue with it is around music clearance and rights which is taking longer than we had hoped. The show is completed but we can;t put it to air until the clearances are done.’  

Olivia: Hopelessly Devoted To You

Yet another bio-pic that fell by the wayside in 2017 was Hopelessly Devoted To You – a retelling of the life of iconic Australian singer Olivia Newton John.

Announced by Seven in November 2016, the series generated much anticipation largely due to the fact that Olivia was to be played by fellow lauded songstress Delta Goodrem.

While fans of the Grease superstar may have felt short changed that the series did not premiere this year, it is slated to be one of seven’s flagship shows in the 2018 lineup.

Almost time: Yet another bio-pic that fell by the wayside in 2017 was Hopelessly Devoted To You - a retelling of the life of iconic Australian singer Olivia Newton John - starring Delta Goodrem. It will instead air in 2018

Almost time: Yet another bio-pic that fell by the wayside in 2017 was Hopelessly Devoted To You – a retelling of the life of iconic Australian singer Olivia Newton John – starring Delta Goodrem. It will instead air in 2018

Russell Coight’s All Aussie Adventures

Glenn Robbins’ satirical take on Australian adventure travelogue shows, such as the Leyland Brothers, The bush Tucker Man and various Steve Irwin’ programs, proved a ratings hit when it aired for two seasons in 2001 and 2002.

After 15 years out of the spotlight, Ten announced in November 2016 that they would be giving Russell another chance to shine this year. 

Fans of Glenn’s laconic sense of humour need not be too disheartened though, as the Herald sun reported in August that filming would continue until the end of the year with a 2018 premiere slated for early 2018.

Bushwhacked: Glenn Robbins' revival of his Russel Coight charachter has also been pushed back to 2018

Bushwhacked: Glenn Robbins’ revival of his Russel Coight charachter has also been pushed back to 2018

  



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