ABC Declares Its 2026 Comedy Slate
Australian broadcaster ABC has lifted the curtain on its 2026 line-up, spotlighting a fresh wave of comedy that blends new characters with familiar talents. The announcements place Sam Pang and Kitty Flanagan at the forefront of a slate designed to mix sharp wit, location-driven humor, and character-driven storytelling. Fans can expect a broader range of formats, from scripted comedies to ensemble-driven series, each built to resonate with diverse Australian audiences.
Ground Up: Sam Pang’s Canvas for a Tasmanian Tale
Leading the charge is Ground Up, a scripted comedy created for ABC that stars Sam Pang as a football administrator tasked with overseeing Tasmania’s ambitious push to launch the state’s first Australian Football League team, along with the construction of a dedicated stadium. The premise marries workplace satire with regional pride, exploring the bureaucratic quirks that emerge when sport, politics, and regional identity collide. Pang’s experience in observational humor and live performance is expected to bring a grounded, relatable vibe to a story driven by the stakes of a historic sports expansion.
The series is poised to blend behind-the-scenes sports administration with character-based humor, tapping into the often-absurd realities of project timelines, funding negotiations, and the personalities that populate a high-stakes stadium build. Ground Up also offers potential for notable guest appearances, local color from Tasmania, and a soundtrack that nods to the island state’s cultural landscape. As ABC positions the show within its commitment to Australian storytelling, Ground Up may become a touchstone for fans of smart, workplace-centric comedy with a regional heart.
Kitty Flanagan’s New Series: A Fresh Spin on Everyday Anecdotes
In addition to Ground Up, Kitty Flanagan is stepping into a new scripted project that promises the kind of sharp, observational humor she’s known for. While details remain under wraps, the project is described as character-driven and dialogue-rich, offering a platform for Flanagan to showcase her timing, social commentary, and warmth. Viewers can anticipate a series that leans into everyday experiences—the small victories and miscommunications that define modern life—infused with Flanagan’s signature energy and audience rapport.
Flanagan’s involvement signals ABC’s ongoing commitment to female-led comedies that balance wit with heart. The collaboration likely aims to expand the type of humor on screen, from quick-fire one-liners to longer-form arcs that let actors explore nuanced relationships and personal growth. For fans, this project represents another opportunity to see Flanagan in a role that leverages her strengths as a performer, writer, and performer of cultural nuance.
What This Means for Australian Comedy
ABC’s 2026 line-up emphasizes a return to grounded, character-centric storytelling while still embracing innovative settings and formats. By pairing a high-profile star like Sam Pang with a strong comedic voice like Kitty Flanagan, ABC is signaling a balanced approach that values both crowd-pleasing humor and more intimate, observational work. The inclusion of Ground Up’s Tasmania-focused premise also reflects a broader trend in Australian television: telling Australian stories across diverse landscapes, beyond the capital cities, to broaden appeal and representation.
Industry analysts note that the success of such series depends on a tight balance of witty writing, authentic performances, and production quality that can handle both the sports-adjacent elements and the everyday humor in the new Flanagan project. If delivered well, Ground Up could become a standout for fans of federation-era sports lore, while the Kitty Flanagan project could anchor a broader push for contemporary, relatable Australia-wide comedy.
What to Expect Next
As production moves forward, ABC viewers can expect additional casting announcements, teaser footage, and a clearer release window for 2026. The network’s emphasis on homegrown talent and location-rich storytelling suggests these comedies will offer something uniquely Australian, with broad international appeal for streaming partners and festival circuits alike. For now, fans should look forward to a year of humor that reflects Australian life with warmth, wit, and a healthy dose of satire.
