Seven is taking a bold and unexpected turn in the afternoons, blending news with game shows in a way no one saw coming.


From hard news to high-stakes games, Alex Cullen is front and centre of Seven’s unusual new afternoon experiment (image – supplied)

Alex Cullen will be fronting Winning Arvo, a weekday line-up that pairs live news updates with a mix of Australian and international favourites, including new-to-Australia shows Blankety Blank and Bridge of Lies.

Cullen returns to Seven after stepping away from Nine and the Today Show earlier this year following the controversy around Adrian “Lambo Guy” Portelli, taking on a very different role that mixes breaking news with high-stakes game shows.

What’s not changing are the staples: The Chase UK, Seven’s local afternoon news, and The Chase Australia at 5pm, all serving up prizes, brain-teasers and headlines in a format Seven calls an “evolution” of afternoon television—though it’s fair to wonder if this mash-up can really take on rival Nine.

From Seven:

Upgrade your afternoons with a winning mix of hit game shows and breaking news headlines with Seven’s all-new Winning Arvo  

Starting Monday, 22 September, Seven’s exciting new Winning Arvo will serve up today’s biggest game show hits along with the latest breaking headlines straight from Australia’s #1 news service, 7NEWS.

From 1.00pm weekdays on Seven and 7plus, Winning Arvo brings together the ultimate line-up of brain-teasing game shows, plus daily prizes for those who like to win while they watch.

And at the top of every hour, stay informed as Alex Cullen delivers extended live news updates from Australia and across the globe.

Featuring top international and Australian franchises including Blankety Blank, Bridge of Lies, The Chase UK and The Chase Australia, Winning Arvo will have you on the edge of your seat following all the unpredictable and electrifying fast-paced game action.

Host Alex Cullen said:

“I’m so excited to be coming home to Seven and I can’t wait to take viewers through the afternoon with something that’s never been done before.”

“We’re making afternoons fun along with delivering the news that matters.”

Seven Programming Director, Aaron Howison, said:

“Winning Arvo marks an evolution in afternoon television – an irresistible mix of thrilling, high-stakes game shows and Australia’s #1 news service.” 

“This supercharged line-up offers our audience a fresh, engaging and fast-paced afternoon viewing experience.”

Bradley Walsh is back with Britain’s blank-iest game show, chaos, celebrities and chequebooks as part of Seven’s new ‘Winning Arvo’ line-up (image – supplied)

From 1.00pm, Monday to Friday, prepare to be hooked from the first question to the final chase:

1.00pm           7NEWS with Alex Cullen – Join Alex Cullen for the latest breaking headlines from around Australia and the globe, across the afternoon.

Blankety Blank – Bradley Walsh presents Britain’s blank-iest game show. Can he control his celebrity panel and help contestants win the coveted chequebook and pen?

2.00pm           7NEWS with Alex Cullen – Join Alex Cullen for the latest breaking headlines from around Australia and the globe, across the afternoon.

                        Bridge of Lies – Ross Kemp hosts this brand-new, nail-biting quiz. Using knowledge, strategy and a little luck, contestants must cross the Bridge, spotting the lies. One wrong step and they lose everything.

3.00pm           7NEWS with Alex Cullen – Join Alex Cullen for the latest breaking headlines from around Australia and the globe, across the afternoon.

The Chase UK – The ultimate general knowledge race where players must ensure they stay one step ahead of the Chaser. Join host Bradley Walsh for all the action.

4.00pm           Seven’s Afternoon News – Your live and local 7NEWS at 4, featuring local headlines, national and international news, sport, finance and weather updates.

5.00pm           The Chase Australia – Join Larry Emdur for all the firepower of The Chase Australia as contestants take on the might of The Tiger Mum, The Shark, The Supernerd, Goliath, The Professor, The Governess and The Smiling Assassin.

Cullen rejoined Seven in July 2025 after 13 formative years with the team. Seven’s Winning Arvo is the first of a number of projects that will draw on his versatility as a compelling host and sharp journalist.