The ABC’s new sharp satirical special “Always Was Tonight”, hosted by proud Gamilaroi man Tony Armstrong, is confirmed to premiere this January – and it’s set to make a major impact.
Filmed live from the ABC’s Ultimo Studios, “Always Was Tonight” aims to decolonise the news, one headline at a time. Landing squarely in the ongoing national conversation around January 26, the special brings a fearless, uncompromising First Nations lens to the stories shaping the country. Rather than simply responding to the news cycle, the show reframes it, elevating the perspectives that have too often been pushed to the margins of mainstream media.
Tony will be joined by a stellar line-up of First Nations talent, including Noongar–Yamatji woman Brooke Blurton, who brings her trademark honesty and on-screen charisma to the project. The ensemble delivers a fast, funny and unflinching 30-minute special with an agenda to go where no other news program dares.
A formidable roster of First Nations creatives also powers the show behind the scenes. The “Always Was Tonight” writing team includes Yaraman Thorne, Megan Wilding, Aaron Collins, Jay Wymarra, Dave Woodhead, Elaine Crombie and Shontelle Ketchell – a collective whose combined experience spans comedy, theatre, television, activism and community storytelling. Their voices ensure the special is rooted in cultural authority, lived experience and bold, contemporary First Nations humour.
The ABC Indigenous team continues to build national momentum, energised by recent achievements such as “That Blackfella Show,” which secured a 2026 AACTA Award nomination for Best Entertainment Program. “Always Was Tonight” represents the next evolution of that impact, offering audiences a fresh, vital and unapologetically First Nations take on the issues Australia can’t ignore.
The special will premiere at 9pm on ABC TV and ABC iview on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026.
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