ABC Unveiled Its 2020 Programming This Week... But Where's The Music?

ABC announced its programming for 2020 yesterday and while many fan-favourite shows are confirmed to be returning, questions surround some of the network's music-based shows. 

At the top of that list is live music show The Set which recently wrapped up its second season. While the Upfronts announcement took place on the very set the show is filmed, there is no confirmation that The Set will return for a third season. 

The Linda Marigliano and Dylan Alcott-hosted programme, which has featured live performances from the likes of Amy Shark, The Teskey Brothers, The Presets, Vera Blue and Ball Park Music, has struggled to garner a consistent or healthy audience after two seasons. At its lowest point in the most recent season, just 58,000 viewers tuned into The Set as it went to air. 

Meanwhile, The Recording Studio, which premiered in April and offered participants "the chance of a lifetime, to help them professionally record the one song that means more to them than any other" is also unconfirmed to return for a second season in 2020 despite a positive reception.

The soundtrack for The Recording Studio won the ARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theatre Cast Album just last month. 

When contacted by The Music about the future of these shows, ABC said in a statement, "At this stage, we don’t have any news to share...

"There are many programs not yet commissioned, so stay tuned for further announcements early next year."

Speaking to The Music today, TV Tonight's David Knox said yesterday's news was not an encouraging sign for The Set, but there may still be hope for The Recording Studio.

"[The Set] was well made, if not necessarily in the right slot. The chances of a return are tricky I suspect," Knox said.

"The Recording Studio was a lovely series but could return, potentially for 2021 I am hearing."

In positive news, stalwart music video series rage will return, while three previously-announced Spicks & Specks specials will also air in 2020, following another reunion show this month.

Midnight Oil documentary, Backburning (which premiered at the 2017 Sydney Film Festival), is also scheduled to premiere on ABC next year.

Other ABC favourites including the Wil Anderson-led Gruen, Julia Zemiro's Home Delivery and Luke McGregor and Celia Pacquola's Rosehaven have all been renewed for new seasons.

AusMusic Month will also return in 2020 with this year's already shaping up to be one of its best yet as it will feature Spicks & Specks, a documentary on '90s music series Recovery, Michael Hutchence doco, Mystify and a special for triple j's One Night Stand.