I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has returned for its 2026 season, featuring a new group of celebrities ready to face challenges in the South African jungle. This year, however, the show has made a significant change to its format: the entire season has been pre-recorded, a departure from the traditional live broadcasts that fans have come to expect. This shift has led to mixed reactions among viewers.
For the first time since the onset of COVID-19, the show was filmed in November 2025, with production wrapping before Christmas. According to Woman’s Day, an insider explained that the pre-recorded format allows the production team to refine the episodes further. “The fact we had more time to work on what you see has paid off, and Network 10 are pumped for audiences to see it,” the insider stated.
Concerns Over Viewer Engagement
The change has sparked a debate among fans, particularly regarding the impact on viewer engagement and voting. Notably, this season’s finale poses a challenge as the audience typically votes to determine the winner. Concerns have been expressed on social media, with fans questioning how voting will be handled in a pre-recorded format.
One viewer tweeted, “Very strange move to pre-record this new series last year. No opportunity for live voting etc. Disappointing. #imacelebrityau.” Another chimed in, “If this show was all pre-recorded last year, how do they vote them out?”
In response to these concerns, a source indicated that Australia will still have a say in selecting the winner. The plan involves pre-recording multiple endings, similar to formats used in other reality shows. “Whichever ending matches the public vote is the one that goes to air. The others never see the light of day,” the source explained.
Viewers Express Mixed Reactions
Despite the concerns, many viewers are excited about the celebrity lineup this season. The return of notable figures has generated enthusiasm, even as others lament the seemingly lackluster production quality. Comments on social media reflect this divide, with one fan stating, “There are some fun celebs this year but they’ve been done dirty by lacklustre production.”
As the season unfolds, viewers are keen to see how the changes will affect their viewing experience. The first episode aired on January 18, 2026, and the reactions have continued to evolve as audiences engage with the new format.
While some fans remain skeptical, others are optimistic that the pre-recorded format will ultimately enhance the viewing experience. With the promise of exciting challenges and celebrity antics, this season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is sure to keep audiences entertained, albeit in a different way than before.
