14 Aussie, 1 Million Dollars: Television's Ultimate Adventure Returns

FAMOUS FACES, NEW TWISTS, AND LIMITLESS ADVENTURES AWAIT AS THE SUMMIT RETURNS TO CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW ON SUNDAY, MAY 12, AT 7.00PM.

Brimming with fresh twists, a dynamic cast and an even more challenging location, The Summit is back bigger than ever after redefining large-scale adventure in 2023. Think you know the drill? Think again. Back guiding us through these heart-pounding trials and daring escapades is Australian actor Jai Courtney.

Everyone faces their own mountain to climb. Among everyday heroes, who will conquer the summit? Will Lochie the dairy farmer seize victory? Can David, a theatre director, and Theo, a stay-at-home dad, craft compelling strategies? Will Mat Rogers, a sporting legend and seasoned Australian Survivor, brave the wilderness once more for victory? Will the quick-thinking of actors Olympia Valance and Simmone Jade Mackinnon suffice? And can Tiffani Wood, a former pop star turned devoted mother, rise to success?

Jai Courtney says: “Last year we were just getting started. This year in The Summit we are going sky high. What the trekkers put themselves through, and the effect it has on them as individuals, is truly special to witness. When humans are pushed to their limits and beyond, remarkable things happen.”

Our trekkers will once more be stripped of their creature comforts, plunging into the awe-inspiring landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Against this backdrop of natural marvels, a series of jaw-dropping challenges awaits, designed to test their courage and morals, and push their physical limits to breaking point.

With their backpacks containing an equal share of one million dollars, the group must reach the peak of a distant mountain in just 15 days to win the cash they’re carrying.

Get set for a whirlwind of drama, obstacles and strategic betrayal as they vie for the ultimate prize. Be careful who you trust. This season's trekkers are:

- Aerospace Engineer – Ava, 29, WA
- Nurse – Charlotte, 35, NSW
- Theatre Director – David, 59, WA
- Unprofessional Poker Player – Sharksey, 30, QLD - Dairy Farmer – Lochie, 31, TAS

- Sporting Legend – Mat, 48, QLD
- Actor – Olympia, 31, VIC
- Bali Bombing Survivor – Phil, 43, WA
- Farmer – Ros, 41, QLD
- Actor and Single Mum – Simmone, 51, NSW - Wharfie – Taylor, 28, VIC
- Stay-at-home Dad – Theo, 49, VIC
- Former Pop Star – Tiffani, 46, NSW
- Personal Trainer – Trisha, 43, SA

Join us for an extraordinary expedition where unexpected alliances will form, shocking betrayals will play out, and all 14 mountain trekkers will vie for victory.  

As they race to the pinnacle, who will survive to claim the prizemoney? Welcome to The Summit, a blockbuster action-adventure filled with cliff-hangers, where reaching the top is just the beginning.

Since the groundbreaking premiere of The Summit in 2023, the format co-developed between Nine and ESA has been sold to several European territories, including CBS in the USA, with its premiere set for later this year.

The Summit is a 9Network and Endemol Shine Australia (A Banijay company) original series, produced by Endemol Shine Australia.

THE SUMMIT PREMIERES ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW ON SUNDAY, MAY 12 AT 7.00PM

#TheSummit
Follow The Summit on Facebook, Instagram and X

For further information, please contact:

Alex Dyer

alex.dyer@nine.com.au

MasterChef Australia And Crown Resorts Launch Unique Dining Experience With ALUMNI.

Crown Resorts and MasterChef Australia are setting the table to welcome fans and foodies to a new pop-up restaurant and unique, dining experience called ALUMNI at Crown Melbourne, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

ALUMNI will see a rotating cast of MasterChef Australia alumni at a pop-up restaurant for a limited time, serving dishes from the cuisine they are best known for.  

Each ALUMNI chef will take up rotating residency for three weeks, commencing with Kishwar Chowdhury (16 May – 2 June), then Callum Hann (6 – 23 June) and Khanh Ong (27 June – 14 July) with a surprise fourth MasterChef Australia cook to be announced late June. 

The creative brainchild and collaboration between media agency Initiative, integrated creative agency Mediabrands Content Studio (MBCS), Paramount Brand Studio and Endemol Shine Australia, ALUMNI is the latest iteration to support Crown’s brand platform “Here’s Where Things Get Interesting”, launched in September 2023.  

Rod Prosser, Chief Sales Officer, Paramount Australia, said this announcement is breaking new ground for the MasterChef franchise and demonstrates Paramount Brand Studio’s expertise in collaborating with partners and brands to redefine brand integrations. 

“The Paramount Brand Studio team has amplified this audience opportunity and worked closely with our partners to create a remarkable brand extension and experience like nothing we’ve seen before in Australia. 

“It’s a direct hit with consumer desire and we can’t wait for Australians to see, smell, touch and taste MasterChef Australia at ALUMNI.”

Tamar Hovagimian, Head of Integration & Partnerships, Paramount Brand Studio said: “This one-of-a-kind partnership with Crown demonstrates how Paramount continues to innovate and evolve traditional sponsorships, maximising our entire content ecosystem to scale this sponsorship unlike anything we’ve done before.” 

Crown Resorts EGM of Brand & Marketing, Yolanda Uys, said: “Crown is a leading curator of exceptional, interesting experiences in Australia, and we are incredibly excited to partner with MasterChef Australia to bring a unique dining experience with the launch of ALUMNI at Crown Melbourne.

“Crown is Australia’s largest hospitality employer, with 51 restaurants and 31 bars across our three resorts. Each year we train approximately 75 apprentice chefs to go on to have illustrious careers, so as a leader in the hospitality industry, nothing brings us more joy than to partner with these chefs, and further add to our stable of world-class restaurants as we bring the magic of this iconic partnership to life for Australian foodies to enjoy.” 

Crown’s partnership with MasterChef Australia will play a role across all stages of the marketing funnel via tier one sponsor entitlements. Awareness of ALUMNI will be driven via the MasterChef Australia franchise including integrated billboards, social campaign across all platforms; in-house promotion throughout Crown venues in Perth and Sydney and the launch of a bespoke TVC featuring the celebrity chef line up nearer ALUMNI’s opening date. 

“There’s media sponsorships, brand collaborations and then there’s audacious ideas like this,” added Chris Colter, Chief Strategy & Product Officer, Initiative. “Both these iconic brands have more than come to the table, harnessing their entire experience ecosystems to maximise the cultural and commercial potential of this partnership.

“I couldn’t be more proud to see this come to life, and have already reserved my table at ALUMNI!”

Angélica Naranjo, Head of Original & Integrated Content, MBCS said: “Some of the best brand partnerships happen when you look beyond the predictable. ALUMNI is an example of an unusual union but one which will ultimately attract new customers, create new revenue streams and drive growth for both brands. 

“This is just the sort of project MBCS excels at bringing to life and we can’t wait to see this idea in action, delighting and engaging a whole raft of new devotees both for Crown and MasterChef,” added Angélica.

Marty Benson, Director of Content, Melbourne, Endemol Shine Australia said: “Showcasing diverse and talented Australian cooks is at the heart of MasterChef Australia and ALUMNI is a wonderful celebration of our legacy and success stories. 

“MasterChef Australia is a life changing experience with so many of our contestants carving out entirely new careers so it’s wonderful to see the ongoing impact of our show through the ALUMNI dining experience.

“And just like MasterChef Australia, ALUMNI will celebrate food from around the world with Kishwar, Callum and Khanh reflecting their cultures through their unique cuisine.”

For more information and ALUMNI bookings visit crownmelbourne.com.au

MasterChef Australia Continues Tonight At 7.30pm

On 10 And 10 Play.

Want to know more? Get in touch with: 

Bronwyn Fardon

Head of Corporate Communications

E: bfardon@networkten.com.au

Campaign Credits

Crown Resorts

Group Executive General Manager, Brand & Marketing: Yolanda Uys

Group Head of Brand: Andy Holmes

Group Head of Media, Digital & Social: Carter McVines

Group Head of Creative Services: Janelle Toomey

Group Senior Brand Manager: Candice Arbery

Broadcast: Paramount Brand Studio

Head of Paramount Brand Studio: Michael Stanford

Head of Integration & Partnerships: Tamar Hovagimian

National Partnerships Manager: Emma Hardey

National Activations Manager: Rebecca Yeoh

Media: Initiative

Managing Director: Sam Geer

Chief Strategy Officer: Chris Colter

Sydney Head of Investment: Daniela Rocchi

Client Director: Alison Bongailas

Partnerships Manager: Sophie Hobson

Integration Partnership: MBCS

Managing Director: Olivia Warren

Head of Original & Integrated Content: Angelica Naranjo

Senior Client Director: Jack Davidson

MasterChef Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay company).

Director of Content, Melbourne: Marty Benson

Commercial Partnerships Director: Meredith Hoban

Executive Producer: Simon Child

Chloe Beguely: Commercial Partnerships Manager

Danielle Belotti: Commercial Partnerships Producer

A GLOBAL SHOWDOWN - LEGO MASTERS AUSTRALIA VS THE WORLD

PREMIERE SUNDAY, APRIL 14, AT 7.00PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

In a world first, Logie-winning LEGO® Masters Australia is back for its sixth season with a global showdown.

In a momentous Olympics year, it’s “Australia vs The World” at LEGO® Masters, with four brand-new teams from Australia taking on four International LEGO® counterparts from Denmark, Germany, France and USA. 

Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake returns as host, alongside judge Ryan “Brickman” McNaught. Special guest Sophie Monk joins the dynamic duo for the most demanding challenges we have seen in a season so far.

The international teams have competed in their own local LEGO® Masters competition before, but now they’re up against four Australian teams who comprise the brightest and best new builders in the country, including a LEGO® store manager, a LEGO® art designer and an official LEGO® master builder.

The Aussies have an undeniable home-ground advantage and come with the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s required in a LEGO® Masters Australia competition.

This season, there will be special guest appearances from Australian radio presenter and comedian Michael “Wippa” Wipfli and Jordy Hocking from Lego Masters Season 1. This year, the challenges are more demanding than ever. They include LEGO® go kart racing, a spectacular window display challenge, fan favourite Is It Fake? with a Parisian twist and celebrating 85 years of Batman.

LEGO® Masters: Australia vs The World will host the ultimate showdown, with contestants reaching incredible new levels of creativity as the most skilled brick artisans on Earth delve into the endlessly expanding brick pit, striving to make their country proud.

With this year’s brick pit ready to go with more than 4 million bricks on offer, viewers can expect the most unbelievable builds in LEGO® TV history as teams build to their hearts’ content for the most prized trophy of all.

LEGO® Masters: Australia vs The World comes from producers Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Company). The series is adapted from an original UK format from Tuesday’s Child Productions and The LEGO® Group.

LEGO MASTERS AUSTRALIA - TEAMS

Ben (24) & Eric (21)

These friends from Newcastle bonded over their love for bricks whilst working at the LEGO® store together. Spending 20 hours a week building, they have a particular interest in custom vignettes. They are ready to take their skills out of the LEGO® retail space and into the Masters arena.

Dianne (59) & Shane (38)

Mother and son Dianne and Shane are ready to showcase their unique building skills on the LEGO® Masters Australia stage. They are more than just family – these two are an inseparable team. With a connection forged through a shared love of creativity, competition and enchantment, this Disney princess and mathematics whizz spark joy not just in their builds, but in everything they do.

Charlie (19) & Haley (25)

Solo builders Charlie and Haley will be a force to be reckoned with when paired for the first time in this season’s battle of the best. Having achieved fabulous success in both their LEGO® accomplishments and personal careers, this young female duo are ready to front up against some of the toughest competition LEGO® Masters Australia has ever seen.

Sam (38) & Emilio (38)

This quirky Victorian duo is high-energy, ultra-competitive and ready to attack every challenge with gusto. Bricks play an important part in their relationship, with the loveable couple meeting years ago at a LEGO® themed adult scavenger hunt. With Sam specialising in digital LEGO® artwork and Emilio having a keen eye for aesthetics and colour coordination, this is a duo to watch out for.

Krystle (36) & Michelle (44)

LEGO® building superstars Krystle and Michelle represent America in this season’s intercontinental competition. Both hailing from Texas, the pair are teaming up for the first time. Krystle competed in Season One of LEGO® Masters USA and then won the 2023 Celebrity LEGO® Masters Holiday Bricktacular Special. Michelle appeared in Season Two.

Felix (21) & Annalena (27)

Representing Germany, these fitness fanatics and winners of LEGO® Masters Germany Season One are ready to put on a show for Australia. Unsurprisingly, they met 10 years ago at a track and field training day. With both thriving in their personal lives and LEGO® approaches, they are ready to take their building capabilities to the next level on LEGO® Masters Australia.

Camille (34) & Caroline (22)

To celebrate the Olympic games in France, semi-finalists in Season 3 of LEGO® Masters France, siblings Camille and Caroline, are back for another crack at LEGO® glory – on the other side of the world. After placing third in 2022, they are hoping that with an extra year of building under their belts, 2024 might see them inching higher up the brick totem pole and into the winning position.

Peter (41) & Ida (33)

Hailing from the original home of LEGO®, Danish team Peter and Ida have one strategy when it comes to tackling the Australian competition: have fun. Quirky, bright, playful friends, the duo were runners up on Season 2 of LEGO® Masters Denmark. Arriving in Australia for the first time, Ida and Peter are excited to have another opportunity at taking out the LEGO® Masters title.

For further information please contact:

Nine Publicity

Alexandra Reed

alexandra.reed@nine.com.au

0402 355 444

Paramount+ Greenlights Season Two Of Australian Original Series NCIS: Sydney

The International Hit Receives A Simultaneous Cross-Continent Renewal In The U.S. By The CBS Television Network.

Paramount+ today announced that international smash hit, and Australia’s most-watched local series premiere since the launch of Paramount+, NCIS: Sydney, has been greenlit for a second season. Production will begin shortly. The announcement coincides with a season two renewal by the CBS Television Network in the U.S.

The first international iteration of the global NCIS franchise outside of the U.S, NCIS: Sydney is a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS Agents and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) who have been grafted into a multi-national taskforce to keep naval crimes in check.

Having only just found their feet, in season two, the agents of NCIS: Sydney square off against a much more powerful adversary, threatening the very stability of the region… and the team itself. 

Paramount ANZ’s Creative Advisor Drama, Rick Maier said: “This is such a powerful acknowledgement of both the great work and the wonderful audience response for season one. We’re thrilled to be going again with our brilliant cast, story team, crew and the best backdrop we know.”

Head of International Co-Productions and Development at CBS Studios, Lindsay Martin said: “We are ecstatic over the warm welcome NCIS: Sydney received in its freshman season. The success of our first international expansion of the franchise further demonstrates the strength and global demand of this iconic IP. We can’t wait for fans to spend more time with these characters and see what new stories this wonderful creative team has in store for season two.”

Executive Producer and Showrunner for Endemol Shine Australia, Morgan O’Neill said: “We’re beyond stoked with the response to the first season of the show, both in Australia and around the world, and that the team at NCIS: Sydney are returning for a second season. We’re especially thrilled to invite our audience deeper into the lives of our core team, peeling back the layers to find out what really makes them tick. This will be even more important as we see the bonds of the new family tested to breaking point in the face of a much more potent enemy looming on the horizon...”

NCIS: Sydney stars Olivia Swann, Todd Lasance, Sean Sagar, Tuuli Narkle, Mavournee Hazel and William McInnes. The series is created by Morgan O’Neill, who serves as executive producer alongside Endemol Shine Australia’s Sara Richardson and Michele Bennett. Produced by Endemol Shine Australia for CBS Studios and Paramount Australia, and distributed outside Australia by Paramount Global Content Distribution, NCIS: Sydney season one is streaming now on Paramount+ in New Zealand, USA, UK, South Korea, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and will be available later this year in Japan.

NCIS is one of the world’s most successful TV dramas, ranking as the #1 U.S. TV drama franchise globally. In the U.S. alone, NCIS has amassed over 4.37 trillion minutes viewed across the entire franchise during its 20 years on TV. NCIS, NCIS: LOS ANGELES, NCIS: HAWAI’I and NCIS: NEW ORLEANS, have been licensed in over 200 markets worldwide and NCIS won the International Audience Award as the most watched television series by Médiamétrie and Eurodata in 2014, 2015 and 2017. The franchise will reach its 1,000th episode milestone on April 15th.

NCIS: Sydney (season two) joins a host of the Paramount+ Australian Originals currently streaming on Paramount+ including Paper Dolls, Last King Of The Cross (S1), The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers, with Fake and Top Gear Australia streaming soon.

You can stream 20,000 hours of unique stories, iconic stars, live sport and a mountain of entertainment on Paramount+ for $9.99 per month for a monthly subscription, or $89.99 for an annual subscription.  

About Paramount+ 

Paramount+ is a global digital subscription video streaming service from Paramount that features a mountain of premium entertainment for audiences of all ages. Internationally, the streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including SHOWTIME®, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel™, in addition to a robust offering of premier local content. The service is currently live in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and South Korea. 

About CBS Studios

CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading suppliers of entertainment programming with development and production for broadcast, cable networks, streaming services, and other emerging platforms. The Studio’s expansive portfolio spans a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted programming, which includes genre-defining franchises such as NCIS, CSI and the ever-growing Star Trek universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, as well as an extensive library of iconic intellectual property. The Studio also develops and produces local language and international content originating outside of the US for viewers around the world.

About Endemol Shine Australia

Endemol Shine Australia (ESA), a Banijay Group company comprises proven leaders in television and digital production whose shows have become ratings hits. ESA’s slate represents the most exciting and popular programming on Australian free-to-air networks and pay TV channels–including MasterChef Australia, Australian Survivor, Big Brother, LEGO Masters, Married at First Sight, Gogglebox, Hunted, The Bridge, The Traitors, and the International Emmy Award winning Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds as well as acclaimed dramas including RFDS, Bali 2002,Blue Murder: Killer Cop, Offspring, Sisters, Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door and INXS: Never Tear Us Apart.

Join the conversation:  

www.ParamountPlus.com.au

@ParamountPlusAU

@NCISverse

@cbstv

#NCISSydney

For more information please contact:

Heidi Packer

National Publicist

E: hpacker@networkten.com.au

Karina Jurisic

National Publicist

E: kjurisic@networkten.com.au

Yani Chang

CBS Studios Press 

E: yani.chang@viacomcbs.com

Katie Tisherman 

Paramount Global Content Distribution Press 

E: katie.tisherman@viacomcbs.com 

Gordon Ramsay and Janine Allis search for Australia’s next food star

Australia’s newest entrepreneur hopefuls, looking to turn their dreams into reality, will put everything on the line in Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, a brand-new series for the 9Network, premiering Tuesday, March 26, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

Breaking into the multi-billion-dollar food and beverage industry can be an impossible feat, unless you’re lucky enough to have some big investors behind you. 

Global culinary superstar and CEO Gordon Ramsay will be pitted against Australian business mogul Janine Allis. With an investment of $250,000 each, they’re on the hunt for Australia’s most exciting and innovative new food and drink ideas to mentor and invest in. 

Contestants will first pitch their concepts hoping to win a place in the competition and their dream investor. With only 14 spots up for grabs, they will need to put their best foot forward to impress Gordon and Janine for the chance to be selected in one of their teams. 

These two teams of driven, ambitious, competitive and creative contestants will then have to fight to survive and compete in various high pressure challenges. The losing team faces an intense grilling from Gordon and Janine where one team member will be eliminated. 

Battling it out for their place to the top, they’ll need to prove they have what it takes across all the essential elements of running a successful business including customer service, marketing, sales, branding and event management. 

The winning entrepreneur from each team will take home a cash prize of $250,000 investment, as well as a one year mentorship program from either Gordon or Janine as their investor. 

Gordon Ramsay said: “This is a competition that highlights the most exciting food and drink ideas in the country, some of which may have never been heard of before. Viewers will see what Australia has in terms of Food Stars, and these businesses are going to surprise you.” 

Janine Allis said: “Australia’s food and beverage businesses are some of the most innovative in the world, and the entrepreneurs behind them have thrown everything they have into it. Food Stars showcases some of these extraordinary concepts and products, and viewers will get to see just what they’re made of. It is one hell of a journey.” 

Who will have the raw ingredients and what it takes to become Australia’s next Food Star? 

This bold and competitive format with Gordon Ramsay, already broadcasting in the UK and US, is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (A Banijay company) and Studio Ramsay Global (a FOX Entertainment company), for the 9Network. 

GORDON RAMSAY’S FOOD STARS
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Christabel Huynh
9Network Publicity
christabel.huynh@nine.com.au