Has The Masked Singer been axed? Reality show’s future on Channel 10 uncertain as ‘production company gauges interest from rival networks’

The future of Channel Ten’s wacky reality show The Masked Singer Australia is reportedly at stake.

The show, which has been airing for five seasons, has not been given an air date until 2024, despite being announced on the Channel Ten Upfronts in October.

And according to Television tonightProducers Warner Bros TV have quietly ‘gauged interest from rival networks’, meaning the franchise could leave Ten altogether.

Apparently the singing guessing game, presented by Osher Günsberg, is very expensive to produce due to the elaborate costumes, high production quality and international talent required to stage the show.

This, coupled with the tough advertising market, has reportedly put the franchise’s viability for Ten in doubt.

Furthermore, The Bachelors and its various spin-offs – also hosted by Günsberg – have also not been given dates until 2024, despite being announced during the Upfronts.

Speaking to TV Tonight, a spokesperson for Ten said: ‘We are currently confirming our programming schedule for the second half of the year, with announcements to be made shortly.’

It comes after Channel 10 suffered the worst year in its ratings history in 2023, as viewers abandoned its once flagship programs in droves.

And according to TV Tonight, producers Warner Bros TV have quietly ‘gauged interest from rival networks’, meaning the franchise could leave the Ten altogether.

Industry blog website TV Blackbox reported by October, the network had endured its worst year ever in OzTam history since the ratings system began in 2001.

Viewers have gradually moved away from once-popular shows such as The Project, MasterChef Australia, The Masked Singer Australia and Gogglebox.

At the time, the embattled network ranked as the fourth most popular station in Australia, well behind Seven, Nine and ABC.

Furthermore, The Bachelors and its various spin-offs – also hosted by Günsberg – have also not been given dates until 2024, despite being announced during the Upfronts. (Pictured L-R: Wesley Senna Cortes of The Bachelors, Ben Waddell and Luke Bateman)

An insider told TV Blackbox at the time that part of the problem was that the network continually struggled to retain viewers.

‘Ten has no returning fans. If so, why do The Project, MasterChef, HYBPA, Gogglebox, The Masked Singer and many more lag behind year after year?

“They have no sport, the Melbourne Cup is gone. They can’t launch a new show – most recent example: Shark Tank,” they said.

It comes after Channel 10 suffered the worst year in its ratings history in 2023, as viewers abandoned its once flagship programs in droves. (Image: The Project presents Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris)