The Block (Australian TV series)
| The Block | |
|---|---|
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| Created by |
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| Presented by | |
| Starring |
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| Judges |
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| Opening theme |
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| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 12 |
| No. of episodes | 552 (as of 13 November 2016) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | |
| Location(s) | |
| Running time | 30–90 mins (including ads) |
| Production company(s) |
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| Release | |
| Original network | Nine Network |
| Picture format | |
| Audio format | Stereo |
| Original release |
– present |
| External links | |
| Website | |
The Block is an Australian reality television series broadcast on the Nine Network. The series follows four or five couples as they compete against each other to renovate houses/apartments and sell them at auction for the highest price.
The series first ran for two consecutive seasons in 2003 and 2004, and was originally hosted by Australian gardening guru Jamie Durie. The first season was filmed at Bondi and the second at Manly.
The Nine Network revived The Block after a six-year absence, with a third season commenced airing on 22 September 2010,[3][4] this time hosted by television personality and builder Scott Cam.[5] The third season again took place in Sydney, in the suburb of Vaucluse.[6]
Moving to Victoria, Australia, the fourth season was filmed in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond, Victoria on Cameron Street. Breaking with tradition, season four was filmed in four side-by-side houses as opposed to an apartment block of four. Season four saw television personality Shelley Craft join Scott Cam in hosting the show.
Season five began airing in April 2012. As with season four, season five has retained the four separate houses format, as opposed to four apartments in a single apartment block as in earlier seasons. Season five is again set in Melbourne, on Dorcas Street, and is set in four adjacent multi-storey town houses. Season six returned to Sydney, in Bondi, for the tenth year anniversary, this was the last season that involved renovating houses, as from its seventh season, the contestants have renovated rundown apartment blocks, rundown buildings and former hotel buildings.
The first three seasons of The Block aired once weekly for 13, 26 and 9 weeks respectively.[7][8][9] For seasons four, five & six The Block was aired every weeknight, taking on the tagline "7'OBlock Weeknights," and every Sunday night for 8 weeks.[10][11] Since season 7, the 7'OBlock tagline only occurs on Sunday nights and airs at 7:30 on weeknights.
The Block receives new sponsors every season, though their main sponsors include Mitre 10, Suzuki, The Good Guys, Domain & Swisse
One of the main furniture and lighting suppliers is Sokol Furniture, a furniture wholesaler based in Melbourne, Australia.[12][13]
Format
The original format of the series featured four couples with a prior relationship renovating a derelict apartment block in the Sydney suburb of Bondi, with each couple renovating a separate apartment over a period of 12 weeks and with a budget of A$40,000. The apartments were then sold at auction, with each couple keeping any profit made above a set reserve price and the couple with the highest profit winning a A$100,000 prize. The current format is relatively the same except the series usually features five couples, it is mainly based in Melbourne suburbs & the budget is $100,000+.[14]
Hosts and judges
| Starring | Seasons | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | |
| Current | |||||||||||||
| Scott Cam | Host | ||||||||||||
| Neale Whitaker | Judge | TBA | |||||||||||
| Shelley Craft | Host / Challenge Master | ||||||||||||
| Keith Schleiger | Foreman | TBA | |||||||||||
| Shaynna Blaze | Judge | TBA | |||||||||||
| Darren Palmer | Guest | Judge | TBA | ||||||||||
| Dan Reilly | Contestant | "Foreboy" | "Foredan" | TBA | |||||||||
| Former | |||||||||||||
| Jamie Durie | Host | ||||||||||||
| John McGrath | Judge | Guest | Guest | Guest | |||||||||
| Romy Alwill | Guest | ||||||||||||
Series overview
| Season | Title | Type of Building | Location | Episodes | Originally aired | Result | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season premiere | Season finale | Winning team | Winning profit (AUD) | Total Profit | ||||||
| |
The Block[a] | Rundown Apartment Complex | Bondi, NSW | 13 | 1 June 2003[15] | 17 August 2003[16] | Adam Thorn Fiona Mills |
$156,000 | $256,000 | |
| |
The Block 2[b] | Manly, NSW | 26 | 18 April 2004[17] | 25 July 2004[18] | Andrew Rochford Jamie Nicholson |
$78,000 | $178,000 | ||
| |
The Block 2010 | Vaucluse, NSW | 9 | 22 September 2010 | 24 November 2010 | John and Neisha Pitt | $205,000 | $305,000 | ||
| |
The Block 2011 | Rundown Workers Cottages | Richmond, VIC | 51 | 20 June 2011 | 21 August 2011 | Polly Porter Warwick "Waz" Jones |
$15,000 | $115,000 | |
| |
The Block 2012 | Rundown Terrace Houses | South Melbourne, VIC | 69 | 16 April 2012 | 1 July 2012 | Brad Cranfield Lara Welham |
$506,000 | $606,000 | |
| |
All Stars | Rundown Heritage-Listed Semi-Detached Houses |
Bondi, NSW | 39 | 4 February 2013[19] | 20 March 2013[20] | Phil Rankine Amity Dry |
$295,000 | $395,000 | |
| |
Sky High | Former Hotel | South Melbourne, VIC | 66 | 12 May 2013[21] | 28 July 2013 | Alisa and Lysandra Fraser | |||
| |
Fans v Faves | Former Warehouse | Albert Park, VIC | 61 | 27 January 2014 | 9 April 2014 | Steve O'Donnell Chantelle Ford |
$636,000 | $736,000 | |
| |
Glasshouse | Former Office Building | Prahran, VIC | 65 | 27 July 2014 | 12 October 2014 | Shannon and Simon Voss | $335,000 | $435,000 | |
| |
Triple Threat | Former Apartment Block | South Yarra, VIC | 58 | 27 January 2015 | 29 April 2015 | Darren and Deanne Jolly | $835,000 | $935,000 | |
| |
Blocktagon[c] | Former Hotel | 47 | 6 September 2015 | 25 November 2015 | Dean and Shay Paine | $655,000 | $755,000 | ||
| |
The Block 2016 | Heritage Art Deco Building | Port Melbourne, VIC | 46 | 21 August 2016 | 13 November 2016 | William Bethune Karlie Cicero |
$715,000 | $815,000 | |
| |
TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | 2017 | 2017 | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
Combined Profits
Auction
| Season | No. of teams | No. of properties sold at auction | After Auction Sales | Winning Prize | Average Auction Profit | Combined Auction Profit1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003 | 4 | $0 | $100,000 | $110,750 | $443,000 | |
| 2 | 2004 | 4 | 2 | $77,500 | $155,000 | ||
| 3 | 2010 | 4 | 3 | $90,000 | $113,166 | $339,500 | |
| 4 | 2011 | 4 | 1 | $122,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 | |
| 5 | 2012 | 4 | $0 | $435,750 | $1,743,001.01 | ||
| 6 | 2013 | 4 | $203,750 | $815,000 | |||
| 7 | 5 | $256,600 | $1,283,000 | ||||
| 8 | 2014 | 4 | $581,625 | $2,326,500 | |||
| 9 | 5 | $141,000 | $705,000 | ||||
| 10 | 2015 | 4 | $766,250 | $3,065,000 | |||
| 11 | 5 | $487,800 | $2,439,000 | ||||
| 12 | 2016 | 5 | $567,000 | $2,835,000 | |||
| 13 | 2017 | TBA | TBA | ||||
| Overall Combined Profit | $16,164,001.01 | ||||||
| Including Prize Money ($1,200,000) | $17,364,001.01 | ||||||
| Including After Auction Sales ($212,000) | $17,576,001.01 | ||||||
- ^1 The combined auction profit excludes the winning prize money & after auction sales
Returning Teams
| Contestants | Relationship | Original Season | Returning Season | Combined Profit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alisa & Lysandra Fraser | Twin Sisters |
7 | $395,000 | 8 | $616,000 | $1.011m3 |
| Darren & Deanne Jolly | Married with children |
9 | $10,000 | 10 | $935,000 | $945,000 |
| Brad Cranfield & Dale Vine2 |
Best Mates | 5 | $606,000 & $355,000 |
8 | $507,2503 | $859,625 & $608,625 |
| Dan & Dani Reilly | Married | $448,000 | 6 | $220,000 | $668,000 | |
| Phil Rankin & Amity Dry | Married with children |
1 | $60,000 | $395,000 | $455,000 | |
| Josh & Jenna Densten | Married | 4 | $50,000 | $275,000 | $325,000 | |
| Mark Bowyer & Duncan Miller | Best Mates | 3 | $47,000 | $25,000 | $72,0003 | |
- ^2 Brad & Dale were both contestants on season 5, but they were with there partners (Lara & Sophie respectively). In season 8, they returned to the show as a team.
- ^3 This amount of money is split between the two contestants in the team
Season Synopsis
Season 1
The first season of The Block began airing on 1 June 2003 on the Nine Network, replacing Backyard Blitz and Location Location in the network's flagship timeslot[22] of Sunday at 6:30 to 7:30 pm (AEST).[14] The season was presented by Backyard Blitz host Jamie Durie and filmed in Bondi, New South Wales, with the majority of filming being completed prior to the series airing for editing purposes.[14]
Selected from approximately 2000 applicants,[14] the four couples in the season were:
- Adam Thorn (aged 30) and Fiona Mills (27), a married couple from Banksia, New South Wales. A data analyst and former sales representative, the couple had renovated three properties prior to competing on The Block.[23][24] They renovated the first ground floor apartment (flat number one) and were widely considered the "show favourites" throughout the course of the season.[23] Their apartment—which was the last to be auctioned—sold for $751,000 earning them the highest profit of $156,000 as well as the winning prize of $100,000.[23] Mills appeared on the cover of Ralph while the season was airing in July 2003.[25]
- Warren Sonin (37) and Gavin Atkins (35), a sales manager and public relations manager from Elizabeth Bay, New South Wales. They are the first male same-sex couple to compete on The Block[23][26][27]
- Paul and Kylie Ingram –
- Phil Rankine and Amity Dry –
The auction profits had a combined result of $443,000.
| Flat | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Adam & Fiona | $595,000 | $751,000 | $156,000 | $256,000 | 1st |
| 2 | 2 | Warren & Gavin | $595,000 | $670,000 | $75,000 | $75,000 | 3rd |
| 3 | 1 | Phil & Amity | $595,000 | $655,000 | $60,000 | $60,000 | 4th |
| 4 | 3 | Paul & Kylie | $595,000 | $747,000 | $152,000 | $152,000 | 2nd |
Season 2
Following the success of the first season, an expanded second season of 26 episodes, airing twice weekly, premiered on 18 April 2004. The season was again set in Sydney, although in the suburb of Manly rather than Bondi where the first season was located.
The auction profits had a combined result of $155,000 with two properties not selling at auction.
Selected from over 18,000 applicants, the four couples in the season were:
| Flat | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Jason & Kirsten | $795,000 | $872,000 | $77,000 | $77,000 | 2nd |
| 2 | 3 | Andrew & Jamie | $790,000 | $868,000 | $78,000 | $178,000 | 1st |
| 3 | 1 | Matt & Jane | $795,000 | $795,000 | $0 | $0 | 3rd (Tie) |
| 4 | 4 | Steven & Richard | $800,000 | $800,000 | $0 | $0 | 3rd (Tie) |
Two original contestants, Dani and Monique Bacha, left the program in January 2004, two weeks into the second season, when it was reported that Dani had spent six months in jail in 2002 following his conviction for a drug-related offence.[28] Andrew Rochford and Jamie Nicholson replaced Dani and Monique Bacha.
Season 3
After a long break, the series was revived in 2010 with a set of four apartments in the upmarket suburb of Vaucluse in Sydney being renovated and Scott Cam replacing Jamie Durie as host.[29]
The auction profits had a combined result of $339,500 with only one property not selling at auction
| Flat | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Josh & Nisha | $900,000 | $1.105m | $205,000 | $305,000 | 1st |
| 2 | 2 | Mark & Duncan | $860,000 | $907,000 | $47,000 | $47,000 | 3rd |
| 3 | 4 | Erin & Jake | $910,000 | $997,500 | $87,500 | $87,500 | 2nd |
| 4 | 3 | Chez & Brenton | $880,000 | $970,000 (Sold after Auction) | $90,000 (After Auction) | $90,000 | 4th |
Season 4
Season four saw six major changes to the format of The Block.
- The location has changed to Melbourne instead of Sydney.
- An initial elimination week saw eight couples reduced to four.
- Instead of a block of flats with four apartments, there are four separate houses next to one another.
- Contestants now have to renovate the exterior of their home, in addition to the interior.
- Instead of two one-hour-long episodes airing per week, six episodes now air per week with a mix of one-hour- and half-hour-length episodes.
- Shelley Craft has been introduced to help host special challenges where contestants can win extra cash and prizes for their houses.
- A weekly episode named The Blocked: Unlocked was introduced. Hosted by Shelley Craft, the episode shares a personal insight into The Block transformations as the couples guide us through their completed rooms, it also includes behind the scenes footage and footage not seen on TV.
Eight couples were initially selected, with four being eliminated and the other four being given keys to the houses. The four remaining teams are:
- Josh and Jenna – House 1 (Blue)
- Polly and Waz – House 2 (Yellow)
- Katrina and Amie – House 3 (Green)
- Rod and Tanya – House 4 (Red)
The winners of The Block are Polly and Waz. They made $15,000 in profit and due to the other three couples houses being passed in, they also won the $100,000 grand prize making them the winners. Also in this finale episode, Josh proposed to Jenna, his girlfriend for 5 years and partner on The Block.
This was the worst auction in the history of The Block with auction profits having a combined result of $15,000 due to only one property selling at auction.
| House | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Josh & Jenna | $950,000 | $1.000m (Sold after Auction) | $50,000 (after Auction) | $50,000 | 2nd (Tied) |
| 2 | 2 | Polly & Waz | $840,000 | $855,000 | $15,000 | $115,000 | 1st |
| 3 | 3 | Amie & Katrina | $860,000 | $860,000 (sold after Auction) | $0 (after Auction) | $0 | 2nd (Tied) |
| 4 | 4 | Rod & Tania | $850,000 | $922,000 (sold after Auction) | $72,000 (after Auction) | $72,000 | 2nd (Tied |
Polly and Waz were the only couple whose property sold at auction, with the other three failing to meet their reserve prices. Following the auction, Amie and Katrina's property sold for their exact reserve amount, meaning they would not take any winnings from appearing on The Block. Also, Rod and Tania's property sold for the highest profit on The Block at $72,000 (however, as it was after the auction, Polly and Waz are still the winners).
Season 5
This season, like season four, is also based in Melbourne, in the inner city suburb of South Melbourne with four double storey side by side terrace houses located at 401 – 407 Dorcas Street. The properties are all on separate titles with car access from Montague St and plans approved to allow for a third story extension.[30]
Eight couples were initially selected, with four being eliminated and the other four being given keys to the houses. The four remaining teams are:
- Dale and Sophie – House 1 (Blue)
- Mike and Andrew – House 2 (Yellow)
- Brad and Lara – House 3 (Green)
- Dan and Dani – House 4 (Red)
The auction profits had a combined result of $1,743,001.1
| House | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | Dale & Sophie | $975,000 | $1.330m | $335,000 | $335,000 | 4th |
| 2 | 4 | Mike & Andrew | $966,000 | $1,400,001.01 | $434,001.01 | $434,001.01 | 3rd |
| 3 | 1 | Brad & Lara | $1.114m | $1.620m | $506,000 | $606,000 | 1st |
| 4 | 2 | Dan & Dani | $992,000 | $1.440m | $448,000 | $448,000 | 2nd |
Season 6
It was announced during the finale of the fifth season that an all-star edition of the series would air in 2013, with viewers able to vote for couples to return from past seasons. These votes were taken into consideration when selecting the contestants, and the four returning couples were announced in October 2012 as Phil and Amity (of season one), Mark and Duncan (season three), Josh and Jenna (season four) and Dan and Dani (season five).[31] Phil and Amity won All Stars with a total of $1,670,000 selling for their home. The auction profits had a combined result of $815,000
Production for the series relocated from Melbourne—which had hosted the prior two seasons—to its original location of Bondi in Sydney to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the show's first season.[32] Filming took place over nine weeks from October to December 2012.[33]
Darren Palmer, who was a guest judge in the fourth and fifth seasons, replaced John McGrath as a permanent judge for this season. Both Neale Whitaker and Shaynna Blaze reprised their roles as judges from the previous season.[34]
| House | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Phil & Amity | $1.375m | $1.670m | $295,000 | $395,000 | 1st |
| 2 | 2 | Mark & Duncan (& Dale) |
$1.345m | $1.370m | $25,000 | $25,000 | 4th |
| 3 | 1 | Josh & Jenna | $1.375m | $1.650m | $275,000 | $275,000 | 2nd |
| 4 | 3 | Dan & Dani | $1.355m | $1.575m | $220,000 | $220,000 | 3rd |
Season 7
The Nine Network renewed The Block for a seventh season to air after Easter in 2013.[35] The location for this season was 142 Park Street, South Melbourne. The building consists of 5 levels, with each couple was allocated a full level to renovate. Alisa and Lysandra renovated level 1, Matt and Kim were responsible for level 2, level 3 was occupied by Bec and George, level 4 was completed by Madi and Jarrod and level 5 was made over by Trixie and Johnno.
Twin sisters Alisa and Lysandra win the block with a profit of $295,000. The auction profits had a combined result of $1,283,000
| Level | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Alisa & Lysandra | $1.140m | $1.435m | $295,000 | $395,000 | 1st |
| 2 | 5 | Matt & Kim | $1.205m | $1.455m | $250,000 | $250,000 | 3rd |
| 3 | 4 | Bec & George | $1.265m | $1.507m | $242,000 | $242,000 | 4th |
| 4 | 3 | Madi & Jarrod | $1.310m | $1.601m | $291,000 | $291,000 | 2nd |
| 5 | 2 | Johnno & Trixie | $1.400m | $1.605m | $205,000 | $205,000 | 5th |
•[36] Alisa & Lysandra win the block with $4000 profit lead over Madi & Jarrod
Season 8
Applications for the eighth season of the series opened whilst the seventh season was airing, with couples aged between 18 and 65 years old being sought by casting agents.[37] Filming for the season is scheduled to occur between November 2013 and January 2014, and aired from 27 January 2014.[37]
The season 8 was based in the Melbourne suburb of Albert Park, Victoria. The production company paid $5.9 million for 47 O’Grady Street, a brick warehouse that was then transformed into four luxury apartments.[38]
The working title of season 8 was "Fans vs Favourites" as shown in the 2014 preview that was aired on the Big Brother 2013 finale. Returning to The Block, Brad and Dale (season 5) / Alisa and Lysandra (season 7). Joining The Block, The Super K's – Kyal and Kara and The Retro Rookies – Steve and Chantelle. Steve O'Donnell and Chantelle Ford won the block with a profit of $636,000 + $100,000 winners prize money. The auction profits had a combined result of $2,326,500
| Loft | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Steve & Chantelle | $1.834m | $2.470m | $636,000 | $736,000 | 1st |
| 2 | 2 | Kyal & Kara | $1.872m | $2.440m | $567,250 | $567,250 | 3rd |
| 3 | 3 | Alisa & Lysandra | $1.759m | $2.375m | $616,000 | $616,000 | 2nd |
| 4 | 1 | Brad & Dale | $1.802m | $2.310m | $507,250 | $507,250 | 4th |
In May 2014, it was reported that Lukas Kamay – who had won the auction for Alisa and Lysandra's apartment – had been arrested for his involvement in an insider trading scam. As a result, the $500,000 deposit he had paid was frozen and the apartment was seized. The apartment will be re-sold at a later date.[39] It's unclear whether Alisa and Lysandra will receive the money they would have received had the scandal not broken, or if they are now considered to have come fourth and did not sell their apartment at auction.
Season 9
The ninth season of The Block featured contestants renovating a former office building in Prahran, Victoria into luxury apartments, with the season subtitled as The Block: Glasshouse.[40] Filming began in April 2014. One of the contestants was former professional Australian rules footballer Darren Jolly and his wife Deanne as one of the couples.[40] The season debuted on 27 July 2014 at the 6:30 time slot. .[40]
Shannon and Simon Voss won the block with a profit of $335,000 + $100,000 winners prize money, while Michael & Carlene and Darren & Deanne made the bare minimum of $10,000 above reserve, even newly-weds Karstan & Maxine only netted $40,000 in winnings. The auction profits had combined results of $705,000
| Apt | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | Michael & Carlene | $1.380m | $1.390m | $10,000 | $10,000 | 4th (Tie) |
| 2 | 1 | Chris & Jenna | $1.500m | $1.810m | $310,000 | $310,000 | 2nd |
| 3 | 3 | Max & Karstan | $1.670m | $1.710m | $40,000 | $40,000 | 3rd |
| 4 | 2 | Simon & Shannon | $1.565m | $1.900m | $335,000 | $435,000 | 1st |
| 5 | 4 | Darren & Deanne | $1.370m | $1.380m | $10,000 | $10,000 | 4th (Tie) |
Season 10
The Block has been renewed for a Tenth season which will air on 27 January 2015, production has already started in South Yarra.
The working title of season 10 was "Triple Threat" as shown in the 2014 preview that was aired on 23 November 2014. It was premiered on January 27, 2015 where contestants renovate a former three-level block of flats. Darren & Deanne (season 9), Bec & George and Matt & Kim (both season 7) returned to vie for a spot as contestants, while former contestant Dan Reilly from seasons 5 and 6 returned, this time as an apprentice foreman ("foreboy") under Keith's guidance after Dan himself became a qualified builder, who was a qualified carpenter during his stints as a contestant.
Former contestants Darren and Deanne[41] won the season with $835,000 + $100,000 prize money, all contestants won over $665,000. This is the highest making combined auction profits with a result of $3,065,000
| Apt | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Josh & Charlotte | $1.390m | $2.200m | $810,000 | $810,000 | 2nd |
| 2 | 1 | Tim & Anastasia | $1.420m | $2.175m | $755,000 | $755,000 | 3rd |
| 3 | 2 | Ayden & Jess | $1.335m | $2.000m | $665,000 | $665,000 | 4th |
| 4 | 3 | Darren & Deanne | $1.455m | $2.290m | $835,000 | $935,000 | 1st |
Season 11
The Block has been renewed for an eleventh season which will go into production in May 2015. Season 11 is expected to see the show go 'back-to-basics' after ratings declines during the tenth season, this will see episodes cut from 90 to 60 minutes, fewer episodes, the eliminations will be removed and Thursday night episodes have been dropped.[42][43]
Filming for season 11 began on May 15, 2015. This season will renovate the former Hotel Saville in South Yarra - an octagonal, eight floor brick building. The title for Season 11 is The Block: Blocktagon. [44]
Co-creator Julian Cress said that this season of the block will have no tradies and only passionate do-it-yourself couples, in other seasons of the block, at least one person in each team has a trade. The change comes in the new direction in the back-to-basics change to the season, he said viewers will relate more to the characters who are big on spirit but small on skills when the show returns later this year.[45]
This season is sponsored by Mitre 10 (building equipment), Swisse Australia (vitamins), Aldi (groceries), Domain (money & apartment information), The Good Guys (electronics & kitchens) & Suzuki (transport).[46]
Shay & Dean Paine won the season with $655,000 + $100,000 prize money, all contestants won over $349,000.[47] The auction profits had a combined result of $2,439,000.
| Level | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Kingi & Caro | $1.330m | $1.735m | $405,000 | $405,000 | 3rd |
| 2 | 4 | Andrew & Whitney | $1.400m | $1.790m | $390,000 | $390,000 | 4th |
| 3 | 2 | Suzi & Voni | $1.480m | $1.829m | $349,000 | $349,000 | 5th |
| 4 | 5 | Luke & Ebony | $1.560m | $2.200m | $640,000 | $640,000 | 2nd |
| 5 | 3 | Dean & Shay | $1.645m | $2.300m | $655,000 | $755,000 | 1st |
Season 12
On 28 October 2015, Nine renewed the series for a twelfth season.[48] Since 2013, the Nine Network had aired two seasons of the show each year. In 2016, however, this would be the one and only season airing, and did not air until the last quarter of 2016.[49] It was once again set in Melbourne.[49] On 27 December 2015, Frank Valentic teased a video saying that there are rumours of The Block going to Greville Street, Prahran.[50]
On 18 February 2016, it was reported that The Block producers had bought an old heritage-listed soap factory for $5 million at 164 Ingles Street, Port Melbourne.[51] This address was confirmed by Scott Cam on The Today Show on 9 May 2016.[52] Filming began on 26 May 2016. The series began airing in August 2016 and had 5 teams competing.[53] The season premiered on Sunday 21 August 2016.[54] This season's contestants, Julia & Sasha, are the first ever female same-sex couple to compete on any season of The Block.[55] The season concluded on 13 November 2016.[56]
This season is sponsored by Mitre 10 (building equipment), Aldi (groceries), Domain (cash flow and apartment information), McCafé (snacks, beverages, and the McCafe Quality Award), Stayz (challenge and additional finale prizes), Suzuki (transport and viewer voting prize) and Telstra (Smart Home Technology and additional cash flow).[57]
William Bethune & Karlie Cicero won the season with $715,000 + $100,000 prize money. Each team of contestants won $425,000 or more.[58] The auction profits had a combined result of $2,835,000.
| Apt | Auction spot | Couple | Reserve | Auction Result | Profit | Total Winnings | Placing spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | William & Karlie | $1.885m | $2.600m | $715,000 | $815,000 | 1st |
| 2 | 3 | Dan & Carleen | $1.775m | $2.300m | $525,000 | $525,000 | 3rd |
| 3 | 5 | Andy & Ben | $1.740m | $2.250m | $510,000 | $510,000 | 4th |
| 4 | 2 | Julia & Sasha | $1.930m | $2.590m | $660,000 | $660,000 | 2nd |
| 5 | 4 | Chris & Kim | $1.880m | $2.305m | $425,000 | $425,000 | 5th |
Season 13
On 8 November 2016, The Block was renewed for a thirteenth season at Nine's upfronts.[59][60] On 21 November 2016, it was reported the producers have been looking at The Gatwick Private Hotel at 34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda as a possible site for its next season.[61][62]
Viewership
The two first seasons were successful in the ratings, with the first season averaging 2.2 million viewers. Season 1 Finale was watched by 3.115 million viewers and Season 2 was watched by 2.273 million viewers.[63]
The third season debuted with 1,134,000, a daily rank of 9. It lost to all its main timeslot competition consisting of Glee on Network Ten and Border Security on the Seven Network.[64] However, it remained successful with key demographics and enjoyed steady ratings throughout the season. Season 3 concluded with 1.712 million viewers, and was the top program of the night in total people and all key demographics. It was also the second most-watched program of the week.[65]
| Season | Episodes | Premiere | Finale | Ref | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiere date | Premiere ratings |
Rank | Finale date | Finale ratings (Grand final) |
Rank | Finale ratings (Winner announced) |
Rank | |||
| One | 13 | 1 June 2003 | N/A | 17 August 2003 | 3.115 | #1 | N/A | [63] | ||
| Two | 26 | 18 April 2004 | 25 July 2004 | 2.273 | #1 | |||||
| Three | 9 | 22 September 2010 | 1.139 | #9 | 24 November 2010 | 1.305 | #3 | 1.716 | #1 | [66][67] |
| Four | 51 | 20 June 2011 | 1.342 | #4 | 21 August 2011 | 2.283 | #4 | 3.289 | #1 | [68][69] |
| Five | 69 | 16 April 2012 | 1.404 | #2 | 1 July 2012 | 2.145 | #3 | 2.715 | #1 | [70][71] |
| Six | 39 | 4 February 2013 | 0.959 | #9 | 20 March 2013 | 1.646 | #3 | 2.119 | #1 | [72] |
| Seven | 68 | 12 May 2013 | 1.312 | #4 | 28 July 2013 | 2.132 | #3 | 2.808 | #1 | [73][74] |
| Eight | 61 | 27 January 2014 | 1.143 | #7 | 9 April 2014 | 1.884 | #3 | 2.181 | #1 | [75][76] |
| Nine | 65 | 27 July 2014 | 1.374 | #1 | 12 October 2014 | 1.796 | #4 | 2.764 | #1 | [77][78] |
| Ten | 58 | 27 January 2015 | 0.860 | #8 | 29 April 2015 | 1.645 | #3 | 2.027 | #1 | [79][80] |
| Eleven | 47 | 6 September 2015 | 1.074 | #4 | 25 November 2015 | 1.579 | #2 | 1.812 | #1 | [81][82] |
| Twelve | 46 | 21 August 2016 | 1.074 | #3 | 13 November 2016 | 1.712 | #2 | 2.104 | #1 | [83][84] |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Logie Awards[85] | Most Popular Reality Program | The Block | Nominated |
| 2005 | Logie Awards[86] | Most Popular Reality Program | The Block 2 | Nominated |
| 2012 | Logie Awards[87] | Most Popular Reality Program | The Block 2011 | Won |
| 2013 | Logie Awards[88] | Most Popular Reality Program | The Block 2012 | Won |
| 2014 | Logie Awards[89] | Most Popular Reality Program | The Block: All Stars | Nominated |
| The Block: Sky High | Nominated | |||
| Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian TV | Scott Cam | Won | ||
| Most Popular Presenter | Won | |||
| 2015 | Logie Awards[90] | Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian TV | Scott Cam | Nominated |
| Most Popular Reality Program | The Block: Glasshouse | Won | ||
| 2016 | Logie Awards[91] | Gold Logie for Best Personality on Australian TV | Scott Cam | Nominated |
| Best Reality Program | The Block: Blocktagon | Won | ||
| Best New Talent | Dan Reilly | Nominated |
Reno Rumble
Reno Rumble was a program that pit teams from The Block against teams from the Seven Network's reality series House Rules. The program aired on the Nine Network and was produced by the same production company as The Block.[92]
The series was renewed for a second season but did not involve former contestants from The Block or House Rules and was only produced by the Nine Network.[93]
International broadcasters and adaptations
Broadcasters
| Country | Network | Current Broadcaster? | Subtitled or Dubbed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Canada | Casa (TV channel) | Yes | Subtitled and Dubbed in French Québec | Seasons 4,7 & 9 aired |
 Iceland | Stöð 2 | Yes | Subtitled | |
 Ireland | Home | Yes | ||
| TV3 | No | Seasons 1 & 2 aired | ||
| Watch | Yes | |||
 The Netherlands | NET 5 | No | Subtitled | |
 United Kingdom | Home | Yes | ||
| Watch | Yes | |||
 New Zealand | TV3 | Yes | Seasons 5-10 aired on TV3. | |
| Prime | No | |||
 Portugal | SIC Mulher | Yes | Subtitled | Seasons 1-5 aired. |
| + TVI | Yes | Subtitled | ||
 Sweden | TV12 | Yes | Subtitled | Seasons 5 & 7 aired. |
Adaptations
| Country | Title | Broadcaster | Presenter(s) | Original run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
.svg.png){kind=small} Belgium | The Block | VIER | Hans Otten & Hanne Troonbeeckx | 2004–2009 |
 Israel | The Block | Channel 10 | Haim Etgar | 30 May 2009 – 10 September 2009 |
| Netherlands | Het Blok | NET 5 | Erik van der Hoff | 2004–2007 |
| New Zealand | The Block NZ[94] | TV3 | Mark Richardson & Shannon Ryan | 4 July 2012 – present |
| United Kingdom | The Block | ITV | Lisa Rogers | 2004 |
The Block has also been adapted in Russia, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, United States and South Africa.
Notes
- a The first season has retroactively been re-titled The Block 2003 as shown in The Block: All Stars when Phil and Amity were noted as having previously appeared in "The Block 2003"
- b The second season has retroactively been re-titled The Block 2004, in line with the re-titled first season.
- c Despite constant references to "The Blocktagon" being made by hosts, contestants and other media, the eleventh season was the first season since The Block 2 to not have the title appear on-screen. The title sequence only said "The Block".
See also
- List of Australian television series
- List of programs broadcast by Nine Network
- House Rules (Australian TV series)
- The Renovators
References
- ↑ Power, Emily (20 November 2015). "The Block 2015: meet the show's brains Julian Cress and Julian Brenchley". Domain. Retrieved 14 March 2016.<
- ↑ Knox, David (25 July 2014). "Chris & Jenna to shake up The Block". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
- ↑ "The Block". TV-Tonight.com.au. 10 September 2010. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
- ↑ "Airdate: The Block". Nine Network Pres Release. TV-Tonight.com.au. 9 September 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
- ↑ "The Block returns to Nine". The Spy Report. Media Spy. 21 March 2010. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
- ↑ "The Block returns to Sydney". The Spy Report. Media Spy. 13 June 2010. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
- ↑ The Block | TV Shows Online | ninemsn Video. Catchup.ninemsn.com.au.
- ↑ The Block | TV Shows Online | ninemsn Video. Catchup.ninemsn.com.au.
- ↑ The Block | TV Shows Online | ninemsn Video. Catchup.ninemsn.com.au.
- ↑ The Block | TV Shows Online | ninemsn Video. Catchup.ninemsn.com.au.
- ↑ The Block | TV Shows Online | ninemsn Video. Catchup.ninemsn.com.au.
- ↑ "Sokol". The Block Store. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
- ↑ Fitzsimmons, Caitlyn (29 April 2014). "Sokol Furniture hopes reality TV will drive replica demand". Fairfax Media Publishing Ltd.
- 1 2 3 4 Warneke, Ross (5 June 2003). "The Block's a winner or I'm out to pasture". The Age. Melbourne. p. 6 (Green Guide).
- ↑ Ellis, Scott (1 June 2003). "Doing their block". The Sun-Herald. Sydney. p. 8 (Television).
- ↑ Hunter, Tim (14 August 2003). "Boys' own adventure on The Block". The Age. Melbourne. p. 10 (Green Guide).
- ↑ Dale, David (17 May 2004). "Reality TV feels the pain". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 11 January 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
- ↑ Chalmers, Emma (24 July 2004). "Last time around the block for reality shows". The Courier Mail. Brisbane. p. 19.
- ↑ Knox, David (12 January 2013). "Airdate: The Block: All-Stars". TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
- ↑ Knox, David (15 March 2013). "Nine sets date for The Block finale". TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
- ↑ Knox, David (6 May 2013). "The Block vs House Rules". TV Tonight. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
- ↑ Melloy, Neil (24 May 2003). "Reality is a queer thing". The Courier Mail. Brisbane. p. 27.
- 1 2 3 4 Wells, Rachel; Jenkins, Melissa (18 August 2003). "Everyone a winner as buyers vie for chip off the Block". The Age. Melbourne. p. 3.
- ↑ "They've been around the Block – now they'll chase their dream". The Advertiser. Adelaide. 23 August 2003. p. 5.
- ↑ Williams, Nadine; Hurt, Jessica, eds. (28 July 2003). "Fiona tries another type of stripping". The Advertiser. p. 20.
- ↑ Sutton, Candace (8 June 2003). "Gay TV tut-tutting straight from past - Radio chip at new Block guarantees top ratings". The Sun-Herald. Sydney: Fairfax Media. p. 46.
- ↑ Jinman, Richard (5 June 2003). "Doing their block down at Bondi". The Age. Melbourne: Fairfax Media. p. 19 (Green Guide).
- ↑ Couple quit The Block. Theage.com.au (19 January 2004).
- ↑ "Cast Of The Block Revealed And It Will Be Filmed In Vaucluse". Realityravings.com. 2010-10-20. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ South Melbourne Homes for Sale | realestateVIEW.com.au. Myhome.com.au (27 September 2011).
- ↑ "Nine reveals The Block: All Stars contestants". Media Spy. 13 October 2012. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
- ↑ Cronin, Seanna (16 October 2012). "The Block All-Stars filming at Bondi". Sunshine Coast Daily. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
- ↑ McDonald, Shae (9 August 2012). "Waverley Council receives application to turn Bondi into set for Channel 9 series The Block". Herald Sun. Melbourne. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
- ↑ Nauman, Zoe (20 January 2013). "MKR cooks up new Dr Evil". The Sunday Telegraph. Sydney. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
- ↑ Renewed: The Voice, The Block, Celebrity Apprentice.. TV Tonight.
- ↑ "Renovation, DIY, Interior Design & Decorating - 9Homes". Homes.ninemsn.com.au. 2016-07-29. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- 1 2 Knox, David (2 July 2013). "The Block calling for new contestants". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
- ↑ "Locals unhappy The Block is moving in", TV Tonight, 1 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
- ↑ Michael, Sarah. "Alisa and Lysandra's luxury The Block apartment seized by police". Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- 1 2 3 "Channel Nine's reveal new name on reality renovation show The Block: Glasshouse". news.com.au. 12 May 2014. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
- ↑ Emily Power; Alexandra Spangaro; Alistair Walsh (2015-04-29). "The Block winners Darren and Deanne Jolly pocket almost $1 million at auction". News.domain.com.au. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ "The Block to go back-to-basics after massive ratings decline". news.com.au. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
- ↑ "The Block in doubt as Channel Nine say no show in early 2016". Mobile.news.com.au. 2015-09-04. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ "The Blockinator Blog: The Block Season 11 is titled The Blocktagon". Theblockinator.blogspot.com.au. 2015-07-15. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ "The Block: 'Tradies out, clueless couples in'". Mobile.news.com.au. 2015-06-25. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ "Nine signs major sponsors for The Block". AdNews.com.au. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ Charlotte Willis (2015-11-26). "Dean and Shay win The Block finale 2015 Australia". News.com.au. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ Knox, David (2015-10-28). "Nine Upfronts 2016: Nine goes HD, new lifestyle channel -and Daryl Somers returns – TV Tonight". Tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- 1 2 Colin Vickery (2015-11-26). "Nine insists only one Block in 2016". News.com.au. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ "The Blockinator Blog: The Block 2016 in Greville Street Prahran!!". Theblockinator.blogspot.com.au. 2016-01-03. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ "The Block: Port Melbourne site rumoured to be the next location for reality TV show". News.com.au. 2016-02-18. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ "The Logies reveals new details on upcoming TV shows | Australian Women's Weekly". Aww.com.au. 2016-05-09. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ "The Block casts same-sex couple and oldest ever-team for Melbourne factory renovation". smh.com.au. 11 July 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
- ↑ "Nine bumps The Block to Sunday premiere against Australian Survivor". TV Tonight. 11 August 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
- ↑ "Insults fly as The Block looks set to go up against Australian Survivor in a bloody reality TV war". news.com.au. 10 July 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
- ↑ "Nine locks on Block finale". TV Tonight. 7 November 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
- ↑ "Telstra joins The Block as Nine reveals commercial partners". AdNews.com.au. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
- ↑ Nick Bond (13 November 2016). "Block winners score near-record-breaking profit after almost going broke". News.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ↑ Knox, David (8 November 2016). "Nine Upfronts 2017". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ↑ "Nine in 2017". nineentertainmentco.com.au. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
- ↑ Knox, David (21 November 2016). "The Block eyeing Gatwick Hotel". TV Tonight. Retrieved 21 November 2016.
- ↑ Kidman, Angus (21 November 2016). "Block 2017 eyeing the Gatwick Private Hotel in St Kilda". finder.com.au. Retrieved 21 November 2016.
- 1 2 "Top 20 programs 1998-2009 - Top programs - In the archive - Industry trends - Television - Fact Finders". Screen Australia. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ "Ratings: Week 39". TV Tonight.com.au. Retrieved 22 September 2010.
- ↑ "Media Spy- Week 48 2010". Retrieved 25 May 2011.
- ↑ Knox, David (20 September 2010). "Week 39". TV Tonight. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
- ↑ Knox, David (22 November 2010). "Week 48". TV Tonight. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
- ↑ Knox, David (20 June 2011). "Week 26". TV Tonight. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
- ↑ Knox, David (28 August 2011). "Seven steals ratings week from Nine". TV Tonight. Retrieved 28 August 2011.
- ↑ Knox, David (17 April 2012). "Monday 16 April 2012". TV Tonight. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
- ↑ Knox, David (2 July 2012). "Sunday 1 July 2012". TV Tonight. Retrieved 2 July 2012.
- ↑ Knox, David. "Monday 4 February 2013 – TV Tonight". Tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ↑ Knox, David (13 May 2013). "Sunday 12 May 2013". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- ↑ Knox, David (29 July 2013). "Sunday 28 July 2013". TV Tonight. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ↑ "Monday 27 January 2014". TV Tonight.
- ↑ "Wednesday 9 April 2014". TV Tonight.
- ↑ Knox, David (5 August 2014). "Timeshifted: Sunday 27 July 2014". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 6 August 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
- ↑ Knox, David (13 October 2014). "Sunday 12 October 2014". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- ↑ Knox, David (28 February 2015). "Tuesday 27 January 2015". TV Tonight. Retrieved 28 February 2015.
- ↑ Knox, David (30 April 2015). "Wednesday 29 April 2015". TV Tonight. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
- ↑ Knox, David (7 September 2015). "Sunday 6 September 2015". TV Tonight. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
- ↑ Knox, David (26 November 2015). "Wednesday 25 November 2015". TV Tonight. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
- ↑ "Sunday 21 August 2016". TV Tonight. 22 August 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- ↑ "Sunday 13 November 2016". TV Tonight. 14 November 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
- ↑ "2004 Logie Awards". Australiantelevision.net. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
- ↑ "2005 Logie Awards". Australiantelevision.net. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ↑ Knox, David (15 April 2012). "2012 Logie Awards: Winners". TV Tonight. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
- ↑ "2013 Logie Awards: Full List of Winners". News.com.au. News Corp Australia. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
- ↑ Knox, David (27 April 2014). "Logie Awards 2014: Winners". TV Tonight. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
- ↑ Willis, Charlotte (22 March 2015). "Here's the full List of 2015 Logies nominations". news.com.au. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
- ↑ Knox, David (8 April 2016). "2016 Logie Awards: winners". news.com.au. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
- ↑ Knox, David (18 November 2014). "Renovation Rumble reality coming to Nine in 2015". TV Tonight. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ↑ "Nine reality series Reno Rumble unveils makeover for 2016 series". News.com.au. February 20, 2016. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
- ↑ Nine renews The Block for 2010 which is being filmed in the upmarket Takapuna of Auckland on Anzac Street. Tvtonight.com.au.