Former host shares thoughts on a popular show’s shocking cancellation

After 16 years of laughter, debate, and a fair share of controversy, Channel Ten has officially pulled the plug on The Project, confirming the beloved current affairs program will air its final episode on Friday, June 27. 

For many Australians, this marks the end of an era—one that’s seen the show become a nightly staple, blending news with humour and heart in a way few others have managed.

The Project’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From its humble beginnings—when, as Peter Helliar puts it, ‘it was going to get sacked every second week’—to its status as a Logie-winning juggernaut, the show has weathered the storms of changing tastes and shifting ratings. 

Over its run, it’s picked up 11 Logies, including two Golds for Waleed Aly and former host Carrie Bickmore, and has launched or cemented the careers of countless Australian media personalities. 

But, as with all good things, the curtain must fall. In recent years, The Project’s ratings have taken a hit, and after much speculation, Channel Ten has decided to ‘revise’ its early evening schedule. 

The new lineup will feature a national one-hour news, current affairs, and insights program at 6 pm, following the local 5 pm news bulletins, with Deal or No Deal shifting to 7 pm. 

The network says this move reflects the ‘successful growth in audiences to Network 10 local news bulletins and coverage’, but for many, it feels like the end of a unique chapter in Australian television.

Peter Helliar, who left The Project in 2022 after a long stint as co-host, spoke candidly about the cancellation on Nova 100’s Jase & Lauren. 

‘Really sad, really sad. What an amazing legacy that show has, I think, 16 years. As you guys know, very few shows get to the second season,’ he reflected. 

Helliar described The Project as ‘the little engine that could’, recalling how it was constantly under threat in its early days, only to become a launchpad for household names and a platform for fresh faces and legends alike.

He also highlighted something many viewers might not have considered: the show’s role in supporting Australia’s creative industries. 

‘The amount of comedians and musicians and filmmakers who have said to me over the years, The Project was the reason we sold tickets. And that’s missing now,’ Helliar said. 

The show wasn’t just a news program—it was a stage for artists, a place where new talent could reach a national audience, and a rare space where serious issues could be discussed with empathy and wit.

Of course, the human cost of the cancellation is significant. ‘That was a really hard day, because a lot of people lost their jobs yesterday,’ the former host noted, echoing the sentiments of many in the industry. 

The Project’s current hosts—Sarah Harris, Hamish Macdonald, and Waleed Aly—are all set to leave Channel 10 after the final episode, while other familiar faces like Sam Taunton and Georgie Tunny will pop up elsewhere on the network.

The reaction from fans has been heartfelt and, at times, emotional. Social media has been flooded with tributes from loyal viewers, some of whom have watched since the very first episode. 

‘Sad news!!! My husband & I have been loyal viewers for 15 years!! Love this show… the news with a twist of humour… GREAT people, GREAT stories, and GREAT work! Will miss you all,’ wrote one fan on social media. 

Another shared, ‘I’m really saddened by this news. I watch The Project every night as the news is too heavy for me these days… and I love the more upbeat vibe. Not sure what I’ll be watching moving forward.’

For many, The Project offered a softer, more accessible take on the day’s events—a welcome alternative to the often relentless tone of traditional news. It was a place where tough topics could be tackled with sensitivity, and where the lighter side of life was never far away. 

As one viewer put it, ‘I’ve watched The Project since day dot & love the way news is delivered differently. It’s delivered in a softer way that suits me better than regular news. I’ll be lost without it and will miss seeing you all.’

So, what’s next for Channel Ten’s early evenings? The network is betting on a new national news and current affairs program, reportedly to be fronted by former Channel 7 journalists Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 

Details are still under wraps, but the move signals a shift towards more traditional news coverage—perhaps a sign of the times, as audiences seek out trusted information in an increasingly complex world.

But for now, it’s time to say goodbye to The Project—a show that, for better or worse, changed the way we watch, discuss, and even laugh about the news. 

Whether you tuned in for the headlines, the humour, or the heartfelt interviews, there’s no denying the impact it’s had on Australian television and culture.

Were you a regular viewer of The Project? How do you feel about its cancellation, and what will you miss most? 

Do you think Channel Ten’s new direction will fill the gap, or is this the end of an era? We’d love to hear your thoughts and memories in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the legacy of a show that dared to do things differently—and, for 16 years, succeeded.

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