Ratings result: Seven is officially Australia’s most-watched TV network in first-half of 2026

Seven was Australia’s most-watched network in the first half of 2026, with Seven Perth recording double-digit audience growth across news, sport, entertainment and streaming in the first half of the year.

Seven’s commercial total TV share sits at 55 per cent in WA, maintaining a significant lead over its competitors and reinforcing Seven’s position as the State’s most-watched network.

“These results are something our entire team can be incredibly proud of because they reflect the trust West Australians continue to place in Seven every single day,” Seven West Media chief executive Maryna Fewster said.

“We’re proud to be part of the fabric of this state and grateful for the continued support of our viewers, clients and community partners.”

7NEWS WA continues to dominate as the State’s preferred nightly news bulletin, delivering a total TV audience of 183,000 — well ahead of its nearest rival.

In the mornings, Sunrise delivers a daily audience of 59,700 West Australians, a whopping 221 per cent ahead of its nearest competitor Nine.

And it is not just news drawing eyeballs to the station: Seven’s sport lineup continues to dominate as well.

AFL coverage has reached more than 1.96 million West Australians so far this season, with audiences increasing 33 per cent, driven by a remarkable 174 per cent increase in viewers streaming matches on 7plus Sport.

Matches involving Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles have averaged 130,000 total TV viewers.

Seven says the strong numbers are in part driven by their local commentary team and expanded pre and post-match football programming.

Last summer’s cricket coverage provided the highest-rating Test series ever on the network, with 17 per cent more West Australians watching Australia reclaim the Ashes than watched last summer’s victory over India.

The Big Bash League also recorded strong audience growth, up 14 per cent year-on-year, culminating in the Perth Scorchers’ BBL Final victory reaching 313,000 people across WA.

Programming stalwart Home And Away remains WA’s number one free-to-air drama, attracting a nightly audience of 137,000.

Special episodes showcasing iconic WA locations proved especially popular, helping to achieve 30 per cent year-on-year audience growth.

In the reality space, Seven’s entertainment line-up continues to resonate strongly with local audiences, with Farmer Wants A Wife up 29 per cent year-on-year and Australian Idol reaching 1.3 million West Australians across the season.

Nationally, The Seven Network has claimed the top spot also, with a reach of 17.6 million Australians every month.

The network was number one with viewers in 17 of 26 weeks so far and is also the fastest growing commercial streaming and on-demand platform, with 7plus increasing its audience 49.7 per cent in the first half of this year.

Southern Cross Media Group’s Managing Director, Television and Streaming, Angus Ross attributes the success to the strong performance of Seven’s news, sport and entertainment shows.

“The reach and engagement of our trusted news and our live sport is demonstrated by the big and growing audiences of 7NEWS, Sunrise, AFL and cricket in the first half of 2026,” he said.

“At the same time, some of our most established local shows added new viewers during the half, including Farmer Wants A Wife, Australian Idol, Home and Away, The Chase Australia and Better Homes and Gardens – proving the enduring appeal of great Australian entertainment.”

The network’s lineup of programming has seen Seven gain a TV commercial share of 41.7 per cent in all people (6.00am to midnight) during the first six months, compared to Nine Network’s 41.5 per cent share and Network Ten’s 16.8 per cent.

Mr Ross said the network, which will broadcast the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next month, has more to come, and has “the strongest second-half line up we’ve had in years.

“We will have strong audience momentum for the rest of 2026 with key content including the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, The Voice, My Kitchen Rules, the TV WEEK Logie Awards and much more,” Mr Ross said.