Future of The Project in Jeopardy as Channel 10 Eyes Major Shake-Up: “More of a Mercy Killing Than an Axing”

After 16 years on air, The Project may be nearing the end of its long and often turbulent run on Channel 10. Industry whispers and insider reports suggest the network is preparing to replace the flagship current affairs program with a fresh, retooled alternative—possibly as soon as July 2025.

According to TV Blackbox, a new current affairs-style program is currently in development and could debut within weeks. The new format is expected to run four nights a week—Monday through Thursday—leaving the traditionally weak-performing Friday slot off the table. That shift alone would slash The Project’s airtime dramatically, from six hours of live television weekly to just two.

A Long Goodbye?

The rumors were amplified recently when entertainment commentator Peter Ford predicted the end was near, telling 3AW Breakfast, “I don’t think The Project will see the year out. Quite frankly at the moment, it’s more of a mercy killing than an axing.”

That blunt assessment reflects a broader sentiment in the industry: while The Project once offered a fresh, youthful spin on current events, its influence has faded in recent years. Despite attempts to refresh the panel and attract new audiences, ratings have continued to slide. While the show still has loyal viewers, it has struggled to maintain cultural relevance in an increasingly competitive media landscape.

Rethinking the Format

Sources close to the network indicate that the new show will likely be a 30-minute current affairs program airing four nights a week, replacing The Project‘s hour-long episodes. With this move, Channel 10 appears to be aiming for leaner production, sharper storytelling, and a more cost-effective schedule.

This also suggests a significant change in strategy for the network. While The Project’s casual panel format aimed to blend news, entertainment, and opinion, the upcoming show may steer more toward hard-hitting journalism and investigative reporting.

TV Blackbox reports that this new project is being “quietly prepared” for a launch as early as July or August. While many details remain under wraps, the reduced broadcast hours and restructured format indicate a significant shift in Channel 10’s approach to early evening programming.

What About the Hosts?

As for the current panel—Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Sam Taunton, and Georgie Tunny—their futures remain uncertain. Channel 10 has not yet commented on what role, if any, the presenters will play in the new show.

The network has, however, made notable additions to its newsroom in recent months, which could offer clues. Former Seven Network correspondent Amelia Brace recently joined Channel 10, and high-profile journalist Denham Hitchcock—known for his work on Spotlight and Sunday Night—has also come on board. Industry speculation suggests Hitchcock is being groomed to host the new show.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Hitchcock confirmed his move to Ten:

“Well, here we go. I’ve switched channels. But also in a way – I’ve come full circle,” he wrote. “I grew up watching my father on Channel Ten News every night. I had a bunk bed with eyewitness news stickers all over it – and can still sing the theme song.”

He added: “I’m delighted to start work here today – joining the network to help with its plans for the future. To everyone who keeps sending me stories to look into: keep them coming. I read every message.”

A Strategic Overhaul

Further signaling a shake-up, veteran journalist Dan Sutton has reportedly been tapped to lead Ten’s newly announced Longford Investigative Unit. While officially presented as a new journalistic division, some believe it’s a strategic cover for the production team behind the forthcoming show.

All signs point to a comprehensive reboot of Channel 10’s early evening lineup—a move that some insiders see as long overdue.

The decision to potentially pull The Project could also result in several key scheduling gaps, including its long-held 6:00 p.m. slot on Sunday evenings. While the network hasn’t announced how it will fill those openings, one possibility is running reruns of other programs, similar to how it airs Deal or No Deal repeats on Fridays.

What Went Wrong?

The Project launched in 2009, the brainchild of Rove McManus and his production company, Roving Enterprises. It set out to reimagine the news by combining journalistic integrity with humor and celebrity appeal. At its peak, the show broke ground with bold interviews and sharp political commentary.

But over time, critics argue, it lost its edge. Accusations of political bias, tonal inconsistencies, and panel chemistry issues have plagued its later years. High-profile departures, including Lisa Wilkinson’s abrupt exit and Carrie Bickmore’s emotional farewell, only added to the sense of instability.

Despite several rebrands and format tweaks, The Project hasn’t been able to regain its early momentum. It now finds itself in a challenging media environment where audiences are fragmented, and younger viewers are increasingly turning to streaming platforms and social media for news.

What’s Next?

For Channel 10, the gamble is clear: can a new current affairs format reinvigorate its prime-time lineup and capture viewers lost to streaming and rival networks? With experienced journalists like Denham Hitchcock and Dan Sutton in the mix, the answer might be yes—if the network strikes the right tone.

And for The Project? Its legacy is already cemented as one of Australia’s most distinctive and controversial news programs. Whether its final episode airs this month or later in the year, its influence on Australian television will be long remembered.

Channel 10 has yet to make an official announcement, and Yahoo Lifestyle has reached out for comment. For now, all eyes are on July.