As we wave goodbye to the reruns and nostalgia of yesteryear’s television, 2025 is poised to be a landmark year for Australian reality TV. The landscape is set to be transformed with a mix of returning favourites and a fresh batch of shows that promise to capture our imaginations and, quite possibly, our evenings. So, grab your remote and mark your calendars, because here’s the lowdown on the most anticipated Aussie reality TV shows set to premiere in 2025.
The Golden Bachelor: Love knows no age
Channel Nine’s announcement of The Golden Bachelor has set hearts aflutter across the nation. This spin-off of the beloved dating franchise is making waves by featuring senior citizens in their quest for romance. After the show’s success in the US with 72-year-old Gerry Turner as the lead, Australia is ready to embrace love in the golden years.
Samantha Armytage, the cherished former presenter of Farmer Wants A Wife, will be at the helm, guiding hopeful singles over 60 through the trials and tribulations of finding love on television. Armytage’s excitement is palpable as she takes on the role of TV Cupid for a more ‘mature crowd.’ With applications now open, this show is a testament to the timeless nature of love and the belief that it’s never too late to find your perfect match.
Survivor: Australia v The World – A global showdown
For the die-hard Survivor fans, 2025 is set to deliver a season like no other. Survivor: Australia v The World will pit the best Australian contestants against international champions from the US, South Africa, Finland, and New Zealand. While the season’s duration is shorter than usual, the intensity is expected to be at an all-time high, with a production insider hinting at it being the ‘most thrilling season’ ever filmed.
Channel 10 has yet to drop the official airdate, but the buzz is already building. This global showdown, filmed over 14 days in the picturesque Samoa, is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they cheer on their homegrown heroes.
Once in a Lifetime: Wild adventures with Chris Brown
Channel Seven’s Once in a Lifetime is set to take viewers on a wild ride with the beloved veterinarian and TV personality, Chris Brown. This series promises to push boundaries as Brown and a host of Australian celebrities, including Mick Molloy, Amanda Keller, Kate Ritchie, and Matt Preston, embark on global wildlife journeys. The show’s premise of aiding iconic animals while avoiding becoming prey themselves is as thrilling as it is noble.
Big Brother Australia: A nostalgic revival
Big Brother Australia is making a grand return with a promise to bring back the original charm that had Australians glued to their screens in the early 2000s. Channel 10 is reviving the show with live nominations, live evictions, and a new host, Mel Tracina. Known for her wit and cultural commentary on The Cheap Seats, Tracina is set to breathe new life into the series while paying homage to its roots.
The show’s sixteenth season will feature a new house and a fresh format, yet it aims to recapture the authentic experience that made Big Brother a household name. Tracina’s enthusiasm for rekindling the show’s original spirit is a beacon for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
With these shows and more on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of unmissable television for Australian audiences. Whether you’re in it for the love, the competition, the adventure, or the nostalgia, there’s something for everyone. So, get ready to set your DVRs, join the conversation, and immerse yourself in the drama and excitement of Australia’s most exciting reality TV shows of 2025.
Which of these upcoming reality TV shows are you most excited about? Will you be applying for The Golden Bachelor, or perhaps cheering on your favourite Survivor contestant from the comfort of your living room? Share your thoughts and let’s get the conversation started!
Also read: Six popular Australian TV shows from the 1960s and ’70s
