The Block is one of Australia’s most popular and longest running reality TV shows. First premiering in 2003, the show has aired 18 seasons so far on the Nine Network. With its trademark blend of drama, design, and renovation, The Block has become a beloved fixture of Australian television.
So with the show being on air for nearly 20 years, many fans are wondering – is The Block Australia still going in 2023? Let’s take a look at the status of the show and its future.
The Block Australia Season 18 in 2022
The most recent season of The Block aired in 2022, filmed in the Melbourne suburb of Gisborne South. This was the 18th season of the hit renovation show. Some key details about The Block Australia season 18:
- The season premiered on August 8, 2022 on the Nine Network
- There were 5 couples competing as contestants
- The contestants renovated 5 houses on ten acre property in Gisborne South
- Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie were the winners, taking home $1.6 million in prize money
- The auction took place over two days on November 5-6, 2022
- All 5 Gisborne South houses sold for a combined total of $14.14 million
So in 2022, The Block aired as normal – proving the juggernaut reno show was still very much on the air after 18 seasons.
Has The Block Australia Been Renewed for 2023?
With season 18 wrapping up in November 2022, the big question is whether The Block has been renewed for another season in 2023. And the good news is – yes!
In October 2022, the Nine Network confirmed that The Block had been renewed for season 19 in 2023. This ensures the show will continue airing new episodes next year.
Key Details About The Block Australia Season 19
- It will air on the Nine Network in 2023 (exact premiere date TBA)
- The location is still being kept a secret
- Scott Cam will return as host
- Judges Neale Whitaker, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer will also be back
- There will be 5 new couples competing as contestants
So despite some speculation that The Block may be ending, it is still going strong and will return with season 19 in 2023 on Nine Network.
The Block’s Future Beyond 2023
Not only has The Block been renewed for season 19, but reports indicate the show also has plans beyond 2023.
Sources from production company Endemol Shine Australia have suggested that they have approvals locked in for The Block to film more seasons through 2024 and potentially 2025. This includes already scouting locations for filming.
Executive Producer Julian Cress of The Block has also given interviews stating that he does not see the show ending anytime soon. The Block still rates well, and continues to be one of Nine Network’s most popular and reliable franchises.
So barring any major surprises, it seems The Block Australia will continue gracing Australian TV screens through at least 2024 or 2025.
Reasons Why The Block Keeps Getting Renewed
Why does The Block continue to be renewed year after year? Here are some of the key factors:
- Strong ratings – it consistently performs well for the Nine Network
- Cheap to produce – it costs much less than producing scripted dramas
- Proven formula – after 18 seasons, the renovation show formula clearly still works
- advertiser friendly – product placement and sponsorships make it profitable
- Reinventable – changing locations each season keeps it fresh
As long as it enjoys strong ratings and loyal fans, The Block seems poised to film new seasons for years to come. Of course anything can happen, but it is one of Australia’s most enduring reality franchises.
How Many Seasons Has The Block Australia Aired?
The Block premiered in 2003, making 2023 its 20th year on air. Here is a quick overview of how many seasons have aired so far:
- Season 1 – Bondi, NSW – 2003
- Season 2 – Manly, NSW – 2004
- Season 3 – Brighton, VIC – 2005
- Season 4 – Manly, NSW – 2006
- Season 5 – Emerald, VIC – 2007
- Season 6 – Middle Park, VIC – 2008
- Season 7 – Melbourne, VIC – 2009
- Season 8 – Melbourne, VIC – 2010
- Season 9 – Richmond, VIC – 2011
- Season 10 – Melbourne, VIC – 2012
- Season 11 – Melbourne, VIC – 2013
- Season 12 – Melbourne, VIC – 2014
- Season 13 – South Melbourne, VIC – 2015
- Season 14 – Port Melbourne, VIC – 2016
- Season 15 – Elsternwick, VIC – 2017
- Season 16 – St Kilda, VIC – 2018
- Season 17 – Oslo Hotel, VIC – 2019
- Season 18 – Gisborne South, VIC – 2022
With 18 seasons aired so far since 2003, plus season 19 set for 2023, The Block has been an Aussie TV staple for two decades now.
The Block’s Popularity and Impact
Part of the reason The Block has endured is thanks to its continued popularity after 18 seasons on air.
Some signs of The Block’s enduring popularity and cultural impact in Australia:
- It consistently draws over 1 million viewers per episode, very strong ratings for Australian reality TV.
- Has multiple fan pages and viewer discussion groups with thousands of members.
- Contestants become minor celebrities in Australia after appearing.
- Fans closely follow the renovation reveals each week on social media.
- The auctions at the end of each season draw huge public interest.
- Catchphrases like “Wow!” and contestant names enter Aussie pop culture lexicon.
- Tourists have flocked to past Block houses to see the renovations in person.
- The show has launched successful media careers for past contestants.
After nearly 20 years on air, The Block has become part of Australia’s cultural fabric. It doesn’t show any signs of waning popularity, which has certainly contributed to its continued renewal.
Changes and Evolution of The Block Over 18 Seasons
While the core format has remained the same, The Block has evolved and changed over 18 seasons on air:
- Locations have got grander – from modest apartments to enormous houses.
- Budgets have increased – from $40,000 in season 1 to over $400,000 now.
- Challenges have become more elaborate – e.g. building a tramway.
- Product placement is more obvious.
- Contestants are younger, attractive, and social media savvy.
- Judges panel has completely turned over.
- Safety regulations have increased.
- Sponsorships from Bunnings and Mitre 10 make renovations easier.
The basic renovation competition remains the same. But The Block has adapted to changing tastes and technologies over its long run on Australian TV.
The Block’s Future – More Seasons Forecast
Given its continued popularity and renewal through at least 2024, what can we expect from The Block’s future in Australia?
- The show is likely to celebrate 20 seasons within the next year or two.
- Locations will get more extravagant – houses worth $5 million+ may be featured.
- Renovation and design technology like 3D printing could be incorporated.
- Augmented or virtual reality could supplement house tours.
- The social media and influencer profile of contestants will become even more important.
- More past contestants may return for “all-star” seasons.
- Charitable causes and partners may feature more heavily in challenges.
While retaining it’s familiar format, The Block will probably evolve to take advantage of new technologies and Australia’s changing tastes. The formulas still works, but expect bigger and more elaborate seasons in the future.
Conclusion
In summary – The Block Australia is still definitely going strong. It has been renewed through 2023 for season 19, and likely even further through 2024 or 2025.
After 18 seasons since 2003, the renovation competition show remains one of the Nine Network’s most popular series. While the format has evolved, the core formula of remodeling houses with teams of contestants still resonates with Australian viewers.
Given its continued excellent ratings, advantage as a cost-effective program for Nine, and reinventable nature through changing locations – The Block seems poised to film many more seasons in the years ahead. It is now an iconic Australian reality TV franchise, and a key part of the pop culture landscape Down Under.
So for renovating fans eager for more, have no fear – The Block Australia will still be going strong through 2023 and well beyond!