ABC is dialing up the volume on its Indigenous programming slate with That Blackfella Show, a live, one-hour variety special built around First Nations talent and culture. The broadcast airs Saturday, July 5 at 7:30 PM AEST on ABC and ABC iview, timed to headline this year’s NAIDOC Week programming.
Veteran performer Ernie Dingo fronts the project alongside Bridget Brennan (News Breakfast) and newcomer Isaac Compton. The format leans into classic variety: comedy, live music, cultural segments, and on-stage conversation—pitched as loud, proud, and celebratory.
Musical guests on the night include Electric Fields, The Ripple Effect Band, and Miss Kaninna, with appearances from Steph Tisdell, Dane Simpson, Abbie Chatfield, Jimmy Barnes, Outback Tom, Barkaa, and Kevin Kropinyeri. The show will air live in front of a studio audience.
The special is exec produced by Rowdie Walden, with Kelrick Martin, ABC’s Head of Indigenous, overseeing. It’s the latest effort by the public broadcaster to deepen its commitment to Indigenous-led content, following recent drama, doc, and factual commissions. This marks the first time a First Nations-led variety show has gone to air on a major Australian network in primetime.
