Weekend Sunrise
Weekend Sunrise is an Australian breakfast television program serving as the weekend edition of the weekday Sunrise, broadcast on the Seven Network and featuring a blend of news, current affairs, entertainment, sports, and weather updates.[1] Launched on 10 April 2005 initially as a one-hour Sunday morning show, it expanded to include Saturday editions in 2010 to compete with rival programs, airing from 7:00 a.m. for approximately three hours each weekend day.[1] The program maintains the informal, viewer-engaged style of its weekday counterpart, emphasizing live segments and celebrity interviews to attract a relaxed weekend audience.[1] Hosted by Monique Wright and, as of December 2024, David Woiwod—who replaced Matt Doran—the show has seen various presenters over its two decades, including Andrew O'Keefe and James Tobin in earlier years.[2][3] Produced from Seven's Sydney studios at Martin Place, Weekend Sunrise leverages the established popularity of the Sunrise franchise, which claims to be Australia's leading breakfast television outlet, though direct viewership metrics for the weekend variant remain less prominently reported compared to weekdays.[1] While the program has avoided major scandals, its longevity reflects the Seven Network's strategy of format consistency across the week to build viewer loyalty amid competition from Nine's Weekend Today.[4]History
Launch and early development
Weekend Sunrise premiered on the Seven Network on 10 April 2005, airing as a one-hour Sunday morning program from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. AEST, replacing the network's low-rated Sunday Sunrise.[1] The launch positioned it as a weekend counterpart to the weekday Sunrise, adopting a comparable informal format blending news bulletins, interviews, weather updates, and light entertainment to appeal to family audiences during breakfast hours.[1] Produced from Seven's Martin Place studios in Sydney, the debut episode featured original co-hosts Andrew O'Keefe and Lisa Wilkinson, who emphasized viewer interaction and on-location segments to differentiate from more formal competitors.[5] In its inaugural phase, the program focused on building loyalty through consistent scheduling and cross-promotion with the flagship Sunrise, initially limiting broadcasts to Sundays to test market response amid competition from Nine Network's Weekend Today.[1] Early episodes prioritized live crosses to regional affiliates and guest appearances from entertainment figures, aiming to boost Seven's weekend ratings, which had lagged behind rivals. By mid-2005, viewer feedback and internal metrics prompted minor adjustments, such as extending light-hearted panel discussions, though the core structure remained anchored in Sunrise's established news-driven ethos.[5] Development accelerated in subsequent years with the addition of Saturday editions around 2008, expanding to two hours per day and incorporating dedicated sports and lifestyle blocks to solidify its position in the genre.[6] This evolution reflected Seven's strategy to unify weekend programming under the Sunrise brand, leveraging synergies in production and talent while addressing initial criticisms of brevity in coverage.[5]Key personnel transitions
In 2005, Weekend Sunrise launched with Andrew O'Keefe as a primary host, establishing the program's early format alongside rotating co-hosts and contributors.[6] O'Keefe continued in the role until 2017, during which Samantha Armytage served as co-host from 2007, contributing to the show's growth in viewership through a mix of news and entertainment segments.[1] Following Armytage's departure to the weekday Sunrise program in 2013, Monique Wright, who had been filling in regularly, was appointed permanent co-host in February 2014, pairing with O'Keefe to maintain continuity.[7] O'Keefe exited at the end of 2017 to pursue other ventures, including hosting game shows, prompting Basil Zempilas to step in as co-host with Wright from early 2018.[8] Zempilas, previously a sports presenter, hosted until October 2019, when he transitioned to focus on radio commitments. Matt Doran replaced Zempilas on October 12, 2019, joining Wright as co-host and bringing an investigative journalism background to the program. Doran hosted for five years, departing on December 8, 2024, after announcing his exit on November 24, 2024, citing a desire to prioritize family and explore new opportunities outside broadcasting.[9] [10] David Woiwod was announced as his successor on December 11, 2024, returning from international correspondent duties to co-host with Wright starting that weekend, marking a return to Sydney-based presenting for the veteran journalist.[11] Other notable shifts include the redundancy of newsreader Simon Reeve in June 2020, following his final on-air appearance in May, amid network cost-cutting measures during the COVID-19 pandemic; Reeve later pursued legal action against the Seven Network over the decision. These transitions reflect the program's adaptation to viewer preferences and internal network dynamics, with Wright providing stability as the longest-serving host since 2014.Expansion and format evolution
In 2006, Weekend Sunrise expanded from its initial one-hour Sunday slot to a two-hour format airing from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.[12] This adjustment allowed for additional content segments, aligning more closely with the weekday Sunrise program's emphasis on extended news, weather, and lifestyle coverage. The extension coincided with adjustments to competing sports programming, enabling fuller integration of breakfast television elements.[13] By early 2010, the program further evolved by launching a Saturday edition, initially hosted by figures such as Samantha Armytage and Larry Emdur, broadcasting from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to mirror the three-hour weekday structure. This expansion filled a previous gap occupied by children's programming like Saturday Disney, shifting the timeslot toward adult-oriented news and infotainment to capture weekend audiences seeking current affairs alongside entertainment.[14] In October 2011, Seven Network announced a format revamp emphasizing real-life stories, increased viewer interaction through social media and on-air calls, and enhanced community-focused segments to differentiate from rivals like Weekend Today.[15] These changes aimed to boost engagement without altering core runtime, reflecting a strategic pivot toward relatable, audience-driven content amid rising competition in morning television. The most recent significant evolution occurred in July 2023, when Weekend Sunrise relocated from its long-standing Martin Place studios—used for over 19 years—to a new facility at South Eveleigh in Sydney.[16] The move, marking the final broadcast from Martin Place on July 23, introduced modernized set designs, improved virtual graphics capabilities, and a refreshed logo effective July 29, enhancing visual production quality while maintaining the program's hybrid news-entertainment format.[17]Program Format
Core structure and segments
Weekend Sunrise broadcasts for three hours each Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. AEST on the Seven Network, delivering a mix of news, current affairs, entertainment, sport, and weather updates tailored for weekend audiences.[4][18] The format emphasizes a balance between timely information and engaging, light-hearted content, with segments structured to maintain viewer interest over the duration.[1] The program opens with hosts introducing key headlines and previewing the hour's highlights, followed by a comprehensive news bulletin covering national and international developments. Subsequent segments include weather forecasts presented by a dedicated meteorologist, sports reports highlighting weekend fixtures and results—such as Australian Football League matches or cricket updates—and entertainment previews featuring celebrity interviews or movie/television promotions.[4] Regular lifestyle features address topics like cooking recipes, health advice, travel destinations, and consumer deals, often demonstrated live in the studio or via pre-recorded packages.[19] Interactive elements, including viewer competitions for prizes and social media shoutouts, are integrated throughout to foster engagement, while approximately every 30 minutes, refreshed news updates ensure coverage of breaking stories. This cyclical structure repeats with variations across the three hours, concluding with a final news wrap-up and farewell from the hosts. The absence of commercial breaks during certain segments allows for seamless transitions, prioritizing content flow in a competitive breakfast television landscape.[1]News and current affairs integration
Weekend Sunrise incorporates news and current affairs through structured bulletins and discussion segments, aligning with the Seven Network's broader 7NEWS framework to deliver timely updates during its three-hour broadcast from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekends.[20] News bulletins air approximately every 30 minutes, providing concise summaries of national headlines, international events, politics, and breaking developments, often drawing from Seven's correspondents for live crosses.[21] These segments emphasize factual reporting over extended analysis, reflecting the program's breakfast television format that prioritizes accessibility for weekend viewers. Sally Bowrey serves as the resident newsreader, delivering the bulletins with a focus on key stories such as economic indicators, public policy changes, and security issues, supplemented by sports and weather integrations.[22] Her role, established by at least April 2020, involves synthesizing 7NEWS feeds into viewer-friendly updates, including on-air readings of national bulletins.[21] Current affairs elements extend beyond bulletins via host-led interviews and feature pieces that explore implications of recent events, such as consumer protections in real estate advertising or campaigns supporting local industries. For instance, a segment on August 31, 2024, examined inaccuracies in rental listings and offered practical guidance, highlighting potential deceptive practices by agencies.[23] Top stories are often previewed in opening rundowns, as demonstrated in the September 20, 2025, broadcast summary, which aggregated major domestic and global narratives.[24] This approach facilitates causal connections between events and outcomes, such as policy impacts on markets, while relying on network-sourced expertise rather than independent investigations typical of prime-time current affairs.[25] The integration maintains a balance with lighter content, but news segments leverage Seven's resources for immediacy, including real-time updates on elections or crises, though the weekend slot limits depth compared to weekday editions. Viewer engagement is encouraged through social media tie-ins for feedback on stories, enhancing relevance without altering core journalistic sourcing.[25]Entertainment and lifestyle features
Weekend Sunrise incorporates entertainment features focusing on celebrity interviews, film and television previews, and pop culture updates, often tailored to weekend audiences seeking lighter content alongside news. These segments typically include on-location reports from entertainment events or studio chats with actors, musicians, and influencers, drawing from the Seven Network's broader programming ecosystem. For instance, previews of upcoming releases or recaps of award shows are common, emphasizing Australian and international stars to engage viewers during non-work hours.[19] Lifestyle segments form a core component, emphasizing practical advice on health, nutrition, and home activities, with frequent cooking demonstrations by regular contributors. Clinical nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo appears regularly to share recipes promoting weight management and nutrient intake, such as low-carb comfort foods on June 23, 2025, or vitamin D-rich dishes on September 7, 2024. Other experts like TV chef Anna Simon demonstrate quick meals, including pasta and panini preparations, while bakers such as Gabriela Oporto provide cake decorating tutorials, as seen on June 22, 2024. These features prioritize accessible, family-oriented tips, often tied to seasonal or health themes like winter weight loss or bone health for osteoporosis prevention on November 27, 2024.[26][27][28][29] Fashion and style advice occasionally integrates into lifestyle coverage, featuring experts helping viewers refresh wardrobes or adapt trends for everyday use, such as a segment on July 25, 2025, highlighting an Australian mother's style rediscovery tips for thousands of participants. These elements underscore the program's aim to blend informative content with aspirational living, supported by Seven's production resources for live demos and guest appearances.[30]On-Air Personnel
Current hosts and regular contributors
Monique Wright and David Woiwod have been the co-hosts of Weekend Sunrise since December 14, 2024, when Woiwod, previously the Seven Network's US bureau chief, replaced Matt Doran in the role.[11][31] Wright, a veteran Seven presenter, has co-hosted the program for over a decade, often alongside various partners during personnel changes.[1] Regular contributors include news presenter Sally Bowrey, who delivers updates on current affairs and headlines, and meteorologist James Tobin, responsible for weekend weather segments since at least 2008.[32][33] Sports and entertainment segments are typically covered by the hosts or rotating Seven correspondents, with no fixed dedicated presenter as of October 2025.[34]Former hosts and notable departures
Andrew O'Keefe served as co-host of Weekend Sunrise from the program's launch in July 2005 until his resignation in December 2017, marking a 12-year tenure during which he partnered with various co-hosts including Lisa Wilkinson and Samantha Armytage.[35] He cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the primary reason for stepping down.[35] Samantha Armytage co-hosted the program from 2007 to 2013, initially alongside O'Keefe, before transitioning to the weekday Sunrise edition in 2013.[36] Basil Zempilas joined as co-host in 2018 and departed in late September 2019 to reduce his commitments and focus on family in Perth, while retaining some involvement with the Seven Network.[37] Matt Doran co-hosted from 2019 until his final episode on November 24, 2024, announcing his exit live on air to prioritize family time and explore new professional opportunities after five years in the role.[9] Sports presenter Simon Reeve, a veteran with over 40 years at Seven, was made redundant in June 2020 amid economic pressures from the COVID-19 downturn, following his last on-air appearance in May.[38] Reeve subsequently initiated legal action against the network in September 2020, alleging improper termination, but the dispute was settled out of court in March 2021.[39][40]Ratings and Reception
Historical performance metrics
Weekend Sunrise has maintained a position of dominance in Australian weekend breakfast television since its launch on April 10, 2005, consistently outperforming rival programs such as Weekend Today on the Nine Network.[1] As part of the broader Sunrise franchise, which has secured the top spot in breakfast ratings for 21 consecutive years through 2024, the weekend edition benefits from similar viewer loyalty, with national reach figures exceeding 3 million Australians cumulatively in recent surveys.[41] Viewership metrics, measured by OzTAM via Total TV (incorporating broadcast and BVOD streaming), show steady performance with year-on-year growth. In 2024, the program averaged 383,700 national viewers per episode, surpassing Weekend Today's 287,600 by 33%.[42] By mid-2025, audiences increased 6% nationally compared to the prior year, reaching monthly cumulative audiences of 3.4 million, while maintaining advantages of 30-47% over competitors in key episodes.[34] [43] Specific Sunday broadcasts in 2025 recorded national audiences of 357,000 in February, 384,000 in July, and 380,000 in October, each ranking as the #1 breakfast program with national reach exceeding 900,000 viewers.[44] [45] [46]| Year | Average National Audience (Total TV) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 383,700 | 33% ahead of Weekend Today; part of 21-year Sunrise dominance streak.[42] [41] |
| 2025 (YTD) | Up 6% from 2024 | Monthly reach 3.4 million; BVOD surge of 53% in select markets.[34] [47] |
Competition with rival programs
Weekend Sunrise primarily competes with Weekend Today, broadcast by the Nine Network in a similar Sunday morning slot from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. AEST, focusing on news, current affairs, and lifestyle segments. Both programs vie for the same audience of early risers seeking weekend updates, with Weekend Sunrise airing on the Seven Network from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Sundays. ABC's Weekend Breakfast serves as a secondary public broadcaster rival, but it typically trails both commercial entries in viewership.[46][50] Ratings data from OzTAM and VOZ consistently show Weekend Sunrise outperforming Weekend Today. In 2025, Weekend Sunrise achieved a 6% year-to-date increase in national total TV audience, maintaining dominance in the breakfast demographic. For instance, on October 5, 2025, it recorded a national audience of 380,000 viewers, 47% higher than Weekend Today's equivalent figure, with a reach of 944,000. Specific episodes underscore this lead: on June 14, 2025, Weekend Sunrise drew 442,000 viewers, 150,000 ahead of its rival; on August 16, 2025, it averaged 436,000, surpassing Weekend Today by 160,000.[48][46][51][52] Historically, the pattern holds, with Weekend Sunrise securing higher averages even in earlier years; for example, in early 2010, it averaged 451,000 viewers against Weekend Today's 229,000. Seven Network's morning programs, including Weekend Sunrise, have won every survey week in breakfast TV through mid-2025, attributed to stronger news integration and viewer loyalty. Weekend Today has occasionally narrowed gaps during high-profile events but has not overtaken in consolidated national metrics. ABC's Weekend Breakfast, while competitive in some quarters, averaged 252,000 on May 25, 2025, well behind Weekend Sunrise's 403,000.[53][49][50]Viewer demographics and growth trends
Weekend Sunrise's viewer base aligns with broader free-to-air breakfast television patterns in Australia, where audiences skew older, with free-to-air TV drawing a disproportionate share from those over 55 years old compared to younger demographics who favor streaming services.[54] The Seven Network reports strong commercial shares in key advertising demographics for its breakfast programming, including 55.7% among women 25-54 and 53.7% among women 35-64 in the slot, though specific breakdowns for Weekend Sunrise are not publicly detailed beyond national aggregates.[47] The program has sustained dominance as Australia's top-rated weekend breakfast show since 2006, achieving a national monthly reach of 3.5 million viewers and an average national audience of 405,000 in the first half of 2025.[55] Its total TV audience grew 6% year-on-year through mid-2025, outpacing competitor Weekend Today with expanding margins.[48] Streaming viewership on 7plus surged 62% in 2025, reflecting increased multi-platform engagement amid declining linear TV trends.[56]| Period | National Avg. Audience | Total TV Growth (YoY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First half 2024 | 384,000 | - | Monthly reach 3.2 million[57] |
| First half 2025 | 405,000 | +6% | Monthly reach 3.5 million; #1 every weekend[55][48] |