Channel Nine in 2018: what's returning and what's not?

Encouraged by The Block's success - ratings grew 20 per cent this year, which is no mean feat for an older show - Nine will launch a new program called Buying Blind. Upping the stakes on traditional formats such as Location Location Location, it involves couples entrusting the purchase of their house to three experts.

"You have a couple who give over their savings to the experts," explains Hamish Turner, Nine's head of programming. "They create a list of what they're looking for, then the experts go out and purchase them a property."

Buying Blind is one of seven major prime time shows Nine will launch next year. But first: which programs aren't returning?

UNLIKELY TO AIR IN 2018

Here Come the Habibs: Following a wave of pre-emptive outrage, this comedy did well for Nine in 2016 - but ratings have since softened.

Murder Calls: This true crime series struggled to stay above the half-million viewer mark.

Love Child: After four seasons, it could be the end for Love Child, set in a Kings Cross hospital in the 1960s and '70s. "We've seen shows come back before after not [being confirmed at the annual program launch]," Turner says. "There's no announcement for now."

House Husbands: There is some hope for this local drama - Nine is working on scripts and funding arrangements with producers. But no guarantees of a sixth season just yet.

RETURNING IN 2018

Australian Ninja Warriors: No surprises here. The ratings smash of 2017 - involving "the toughest obstacle course in the world" - will feature more episodes next year. And maybe even a winner. "You'll have the returning characters and then new participants who want to conquer the mountain," Turner says. "There was a bit of hostility around the [fact no one ultimately won]. But you have to get to the top of Mount Midoriyama. That's what Australian Ninja Warrior is about."

The Block: A few years ago, viewers started to switch off - overwhelmed by the never-ending spin-offs. But Nine's decision to air just one season per year, starting in 2016, has paid off handsomely. "It's the sum of many parts, but paring it back to one season has made it feel a lot more special. Of any show on Nine, you'd have to say The Block is emblematic of the brand."

Married at First Sight: Back for a fifth season. Twenty singles will be paired off into ten couples, then try to make things work.

The Voice: Delta Goodrem, Boy George and Kelly Rowland return to the spinning red chairs. A fourth coach is yet to be announced.

True Story with Hamish & Andy: Australia's funniest duo interview ordinary Aussies about their most extraordinary experience - then rope in the famous mates to re-enact them.

This Time Next Year: Naturally, Nine wanted to see if the series rated well before renewing it. It did. Now, a second season is underway. Given filming occurs over more than 12 months, its unlikely to debut until late next year.

Doctor Doctor: This Aussie drama, starring Rodger Corser, returns for a third season.

Today: After notching up more than a decade on-air together - and having steadily grown their audience - Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson have signed on for another year.

Other confirmed renewals include 20 to One, RBT, Millionaire Hot Seat, Travel Guides and Getaway. Nine has also locked in three big awards ceremonies: Logies, ARIAs and Oscars.

NEW IN 2018

Love Island: A ratings smash in the UK, Nine hopes its adaptation of this reality show will deliver big numbers locally. Airing across multiple weeknights, it tracks "sexy young Aussie singles" looking for love on a Spanish island. Not only must they find a partner; they must convince viewers their love is real. Despite the high cost and lavish production values, Nine will screen this on its 9Go digital channel and 9Now on-demand website. "This is a huge multi-million dollar commission for our multi-channel, and cross-platforms [online]," Turner says. "It's a real game changer for us. I don't think we've ever seen a multi-million dollar show stripped [across different nights of the week] for a multi-channel before. It's a youth-skewing show, essentially 16 to 39. We felt if we wanted to run it on Nine, we'd have to move away from that younger audience." (Nine's target audience is 25 to 54.)

Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation: A viewer favourite upon its Channel Ten debut, this family quiz show returns with Shaun Micallef at the helm - and three new team captains. Comedian, actor and writer Robyn Butler represents Generation X; radio and TV host Andy leads Generation Y; and Laurence Boxhall (who appeared in Ronny Chieng: International Student) heads Generation Z. Yes, this youngest age group has come of age, bumping Baby Boomers out of the program.

Underbelly Files - Chopper: Originally slated for this year, it's only recently started production and will debut in 2018. The two-part miniseries promises a fresh look at late underworld figure Mark "Chopper" Read. "We all know the movie with Eric Bana, but this comes from a completely different angle. It's a story I wasn't aware of. I think it will surprise everyone.

Bite Club: This new Aussie thriller stars two detectives who survive a shark attack, then join forces to hunt down a serial killer who is stalking them. Currently in production in Sydney, the cast includes Todd Lasance, Ash Ricardo, Damian Walshe-Howling, Deborah Mailman, Robert Mammone, Pia Miller, Marny Kennedy, Darcie Irwin-Simpson and Dominic Monaghan. "It's a crime procedural, but through a completely different lens."

Date Night: Singles search for love - but rely on family and friends to find their perfect match. Taking inspiration from Tinder, each group "swipes" through prospective suitors.

Driving Test: This factual series is filmed in Darwin, the only place in Australia where driving tests must be recorded.

Eat Well for Less: Conspicuously devoid of Gwyneth Paltrow, who spent a $29 weekly food allowance on (among other things) not one but seven limes. Instead, this two-part series reveals common nutritional traps, while showing how to eat healthily on a budget.

STILL TO COME IN 2017

Family Food Fight: Six Aussie families compete to see whose cooking is best, via a series of challenges.