ABC announces its 2026 comedy line-up
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has released its eagerly anticipated 2026 line-up, pairing familiar faces with bold new concepts. Among the standout entries are Sam Pang in Ground Up, a fresh scripted comedy, and Kitty Flanagan, who headlines a second new ABC comedy. The announcements underscore ABC’s commitment to homegrown humor that reflects contemporary Australian life while pushing creative boundaries.
Executives describe the slate as a mix of contemporary absurdity, workplace satire, and character-driven storytelling, designed to engage both long-time fans and new audiences. Filming is set to begin in coming months, with premieres expected across ABC’s platforms as the year progresses.
Ground Up: Sam Pang’s football comedy heads to Tasmania
Ground Up stars Sam Pang as a football administrator charged with overseeing the Tasmanian chapter of Australia’s AFL project. The series follows his mission to build the state’s first AFL team and the construction of a dedicated stadium, all while navigating politics, personalities, and the pressures of turning a grand vision into reality.
Aliasing details reveal a workplace comedy centered on sports administration, with Pang bringing his signature mix of wit and observational humor to a scenario ripe for both laughs and genuine drama. Ground Up promises not only big league banter but relatable moments about ambition, teamwork, and the sometimes absurd realities of turning a dream into a public spectacle.
Creative teams behind Ground Up emphasize authentic pacing, character-driven arcs, and Australian cricket-and-football culture sensibilities. While plot specifics remain under wraps, early production notes suggest the show will blend punchy dialogue with heartfelt scenes, offering a unique look at the behind-the-scenes world of sport’s most dramatic moments.
Kitty Flanagan’s new ABC comedy
Joining the 2026 slate is another all-new comedy led by Kitty Flanagan. While details about the title and premise are being kept tightly under wraps, the project is positioned as a fresh addition to ABC’s comedy roster, leveraging Flanagan’s well-loved style—sharp wit, relatable character work, and a strong sense of place. Viewers can expect a comedic voice that blends everyday life with sharper social observations, delivered with Flanagan’s distinctive warmth and timing.
As with Ground Up, the Kitty Flanagan project is described as collaborative and ensemble-driven, inviting a diverse cast and creative team to bring a new world to Australian screens. ABC indicates the series will explore themes that resonate with modern Australian audiences, balancing humor with moments of honesty and insight.
What this means for Australian comedy
ABC’s 2026 line-up signals a renewed focus on homegrown storytelling that reflects Australian life in all its complexity. By pairing Sam Pang’s sharp, observational humor with Kitty Flanagan’s acclaimed voice, the network aims to deliver comedies that feel both timely and timeless. Industry observers note the emphasis on strong character-driven narratives, practical settings, and humor that thrives on everyday experiences rather than gimmicks.
With production underway, fans can look forward to a summer of announcements about casting, behind-the-scenes features, and sneak peeks. The multi-series approach also reflects a broader industry trend toward robust streaming and linear collaboration, ensuring these comedies reach broad audiences while maintaining the quality and feel of genuinely Australian storytelling.
What to watch for next
Keep an eye on official ABC updates for casting confirmations, release windows, and additional project details. Ground Up’s blend of sports culture and workplace comedy is likely to become a talking point, while Flanagan’s new project may attract viewers looking for witty, character-driven humor with a distinctly Australian voice.
