Seven will launch Winning Arvo from Monday, 22 September, introducing a new afternoon schedule that combines popular game shows with live news updates delivered by Alex Cullen.
Airing from 1.00pm weekdays on Seven and 7plus, the format pairs brain-teasing quiz shows with extended hourly news bulletins. Cullen will provide breaking news headlines from Australia and around the world throughout the afternoon.
The schedule includes a mix of international and local formats, with Blankety Blank, Bridge of Lies, The Chase UK and The Chase Australia all featured. At 4.00pm, Seven will broadcast its regular Afternoon News.
“I’m so excited to be coming home to Seven and I can’t wait to take viewers through the afternoon with something that’s never been done before,” Cullen said. “We’re making afternoons fun along with delivering the news that matters.”
Earlier this month, Cullen announced on GOLD104.3’s The Christian O’Connell Show, where Cullen also works as the resident sports guru, that he had signed a deal with Seven.
“It was a significant day yesterday with me, signing a contract with Seven, which was really exciting. I’m going to be the Afternoon Host on Channel Seven. So we’re going to be taking you through the afternoon from three o’clock” he said at the time.
Aaron Howison, Seven’s Programming Director, said the new format was designed to refresh afternoon television. “Winning Arvo marks an evolution in afternoon television – an irresistible mix of thrilling, high-stakes game shows and Australia’s number one news service. This supercharged line-up offers our audience a fresh, engaging, and fast-paced afternoon viewing experience.”
Winning Arvo schedule
1.00pm
• 7NEWS with Alex Cullen – breaking headlines from Australia and abroad.
• Blankety Blank – Bradley Walsh leads Britain’s blank-iest game show with a celebrity panel.
2.00pm
• 7NEWS with Alex Cullen.
• Bridge of Lies – Ross Kemp hosts a strategy-driven quiz where one wrong step can end the game.
3.00pm
• 7NEWS with Alex Cullen.
• The Chase UK – Bradley Walsh returns to host the general knowledge contest.
4.00pm
• Seven’s Afternoon News – local, national and international updates, including sport, finance and weather.
5.00pm
• The Chase Australia – Larry Emdur hosts as contestants face off against The Chasers.
Cullen rejoined Seven in July after 13 years with the network. Winning Arvo is the first of several upcoming projects featuring his work as both a journalist and host.
Winning Arvo launches Monday, 22 September, from 1pm on Seven and 7plus.