‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ Format Change Sparks Fan Backlash
A revamped format for the 2026 season of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ Australia,including pre-recording and challenge-based eliminations,has drawn criticism from viewers.
The long-running reality television program is undergoing significant changes for its 2026 iteration, extending beyond just the cast.Unlike previous years, the Australian edition of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ is now being pre-recorded, a decision that has prompted a negative reaction from its fanbase, particularly regarding the elimination process.
According to production insiders who spoke with Woman’s Day ahead of the season’s premiere,Network 10 opted for pre-recording to allow editors greater versatility in crafting compelling episodes. “The fact we had more time to work on what you see has paid off, and Network 10 is pumped for audiences to see it,” a source stated.
This shift to pre-recording fundamentally alters how contestants are eliminated. Traditionally, viewers determined who would leave the jungle through public voting. Now, eliminations are decided through challenges, a change that has left many fans feeling disengaged.
On February 1, audiences witnessed the new elimination challenge format firsthand. During last Wednesday’s episode,the Gold and Green teams were tasked with nominating a member from the opposing team for elimination in a challenge dubbed the “Elephant Graveyard.” The Green team selected supermodel Rachel Hunter, while the Gold team nominated Matt Zukowski.
The subsequent challenge, revealed on Sunday, involved a game of bluff. Contestants had to select a card and truthfully or falsely state its color, with the opposing player attempting to discern the truth. Correct guesses resulted in a totem moving towards the other player’s elimination tile. Sadly for Hunter, she was eliminated following this challenge, while Zukowski returned to camp.
Fans have voiced their disappointment with the new format, expressing that the challenge-based eliminations lack the excitement and engagement of a public vote. Many have described the new system as “bored” and “disappointing.”
Despite the concerns surrounding the elimination process, sources close to production have indicated that the finale will still incorporate viewer input. Woman’s day reported that “Australia still chooses,” suggesting that multiple endings have been pre-recorded and the scene aligning with the public vote will be aired.
Whether Network 10 will continue with the pre-recorded format in 2027 remains to be seen. For now, ‘I’m A celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ continues to air Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 7:00 pm on 10 and 10plus.
Here’s a breakdown answering the “Who, What, Why, and How” questions:
* Who: The story involves Network 10, the producers of ‘I’m A Celebrity… get Me Out Of Here!’ Australia, the show’s contestants (specifically Rachel Hunter and matt Zukowski), and the show’s viewers.
* What: Network 10 has implemented a new format for the 2026 season, including pre-recording episodes and using challenge-based eliminations instead of public voting.
* Why: The network claims the pre-recording allows for more editing flexibility and the creation of more compelling episodes. However,the change has been met with fan backlash.
* How: the elimination process now involves teams nominating opponents for challenges. The outcome of these challenges determines who is eliminated, as demonstrated by Rachel Hunter’s elimination after a bluffing game.The finale is expected to incorporate a public vote, with multiple endings pre-recorded.
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