Seven Network says its reality series, SAS Australia, has made a 'significant' impact on the Australian viewing landscape, reaching over seven million people in its 2023 season.

The series, led by Chief Instructor Ant Middleton and the DS, has joined the ranks of Seven's 7.30pm shows like My Kitchen Rules, Farmer Wants A Wife, and Dancing With The Stars, all of which have seen audience growth this year.

The total series' overnight average national audience saw an 11% year-on-year increase, demonstrating the growing popularity of the show. The rise in viewership was not confined to traditional television, with live streaming on 7plus for the season increasing by a staggering 84% year-on-year. Total viewing on 7plus was up 9%, with 7plus viewing alone adding 20% to the average total audience and 30% in the 25 to 54 age demographic.

The season finale drew in 1.85 million viewers across Australia on Seven and 7plus, marking a high point for the series. Actor Tim Robards and former Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham were the standout performers, passing the selection on what is often touted as TV's toughest test.

Angus Ross, Seven Network's Chief Content Officer, Entertainment Programming, commented on the show's success, saying, 'SAS Australia attracted strong audience numbers across all screens this year and saw a big increase on 7plus, as viewers streamed Australia's most intense show live and watched the uncensored versions on 7plus.'

Produced by Screentime, a Banijay Group company, and based on a Minnow Films format, SAS Australia has carved out a niche for itself in the competitive reality TV landscape, according to Seven. The show is set to return in 2024 with a new batch of celebrities and promises more extreme conditions and extraordinary tests of stamina and resilience from the real SAS selection process.