By Joshua Haigh
Copyright news
BINGE has announced brand new show Apocalypse, which has been commissioned by the UK’s Channel 4 in a partnership between the two broadcasters.
In a world-first social experiment, contestants from the UK and Australia will be dropped into a post-apocalyptic city armed with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Contestants, who are all from regular backgrounds and have notable expertise to help them survive an apocalypse, will be forced to work together to not only adapt to survive, but thrive in an environment that’s out to get them.
“No phones. No supplies. No outside contact. Just their instincts, their choices, and each other,” the BINGE release states. “What unfolds is part survival series, part psychological experiment: a pressure-cooker test of humanity, trust, and resourcefulness.”
The upcoming series, which marks one of Foxtel’s most ambitions productions ever, will be spread across eight episodes that asks both contestants – and viewers – the ultimate question: “Could you survive the end of the world?”
Speaking of the survival show, Howard Myers-Rifai, Head of Unscripted Originals, Foxtel Group, said: “Apocalypse is a bold new adventure for BINGE, and we couldn’t be more excited to team up with Channel 4 on this ambitious one-of-a-kind series.
“By throwing everyday people into a wild, post-disaster – and very real – urban playground, we’re set to discover what happens when ordinary people face the ultimate survival challenge – with plenty of twists and unexpected moments along the way. We can’t wait for audiences to experience the drama, the teamwork, and the sheer unpredictability of Apocalypse.”
Elsewhere during upfronts, BINGE showcased an array of new shows, ranging from Australian dramas and groundbreaking reality TV, alongside returning international favourites.
New high-octane drama Run, inspired by the exploits of Australia’s most infamous
bank robber, Brenden Abbott, will arrive in 2026 starring George Mason, Robyn Malcolm, Keiynan Lonsdale and Ashleigh Cummings.
True crime fans have The Postcard Bandit to look forward to. The two-part documentary will tell the true story of Abbott’s life, who sent postcards to authorities hot on his trail while on the run across the country.
If Comedy is more your thing, new commission Tough Love tells the story of adult siblings who are struggling with the prospect of losing their mother and the realisation that they’ll need to become self-sufficient to survive.
Plenty of Binge favourites will also be returning next year, with Colin From Accounts and High Country both celebrating their third and second seasons respectively.
It’s great news for fans of reality television too, with Billion Dollar Playground, Selling Houses Australia, and The Great Australian Bake Off all making a comeback.
There are plenty of exclusive international offerings too, with Succession’s Sarah Snook joining Dakota Fanning in new thriller All Her Fault.
White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood and Doctor Foster’s Suranne Jones will star in romantic comedy Film Club, and Hollywood stars including Jennifer Garner and Regina Hall will feature in drama The Five-Star Weekend.
Other new shows will include The Lady starring Natalie Dormer, The Burbs starring Keke Palmer and The Copenhagen Test starring Simi Liu.
