The buzzer is officially back, with Network 10 on Sunday confirming Australian Ninja Warrior will return after months of speculation over the hit format’s future.
Wildlife warrior Robert Irwin will lead the reboot alongside 10’s Beau Ryan and Georgie Tunny as the iconic format returns to Australian screens after being axed by Nine following its 2022 season.
As TV Blackbox reported back in April, the Endemol Shine Australia-produced competition format was nearing a deal to move to a new home at 10 after months of industry speculation that a reboot was imminent.
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At the time, discussions were centred on both the series’ new home, possible new location, and who would front the reboot, with Robert Irwin and Beau Ryan both among the names understood to be in contention.
The announcement is also likely to fuel speculation over Irwin’s future involvement in Seven’s recent revival of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, with his upcoming hosting role at the Logie Awards further strengthening expectations he may return as co-host.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph’s Jonathon Moran, Irwin said hosting Australian Ninja Warrior was an easy decision, describing the series as one of the few reality competitions that celebrate optimism, determination and everyday heroes.
Irwin said taking on the hosting role was a full circle moment, having grown up watching the series and dreaming of one day tackling the course himself.
“I’ve been a fan since I was a kid. I always dreamt I could do the course myself, but hosting it, this is my foot in the door. This is my audition to be able to run the course.”
Irwin also said Ninja Warrior stood apart from many reality formats because it was “positive and fun”, adding it was the kind of show children could look up to and contestants could genuinely aspire to emulate.
The reboot also gives Ryan a new prime time role after The Amazing Race Australia was pulled for 2026 just prior to filming, while Tunny continues her rapid rise as one of Network 10’s most versatile on air talents.
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Australian Ninja Warrior originally aired on Nine for six seasons between 2017 and 2022 after being adapted from the long running Japanese format Sasuke.
Further details on the reboot, including its filming location, are expected to be revealed soon, with the series to premiere on 10 in 2027.
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