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The Chase Australia
The Chase Australia
The Chase Australia
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The Chase Australia
GenreQuiz show
Based on
The Chase
by
  • Danny Carvalho
  • et al.
Directed by
  • Ian Hamilton
  • Stuart McDonald
Creative directorMichael Kelpie
Presented by
Starring
Theme music composerPaul Farrer
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons15
No. of episodes1,548[1]
Production
Executive producers
  • Sue Allison
  • Martin Scott
Producers
  • Jennifer Stephenson
  • David Hall
Production locations
Running time60 minutes (inc. adverts)
Production companyITV Studios Australia
Original release
NetworkSeven Network
Release14 September 2015 (2015-09-14) –
present
Related

The Chase Australia is an Australian television quiz show based on the British program of the same name. It is broadcast on the Seven Network and premiered on 14 September 2015. Four contestants play against an opponent, known as the "chaser", who plays for the bank.[2] The show was originally hosted by Andrew O'Keefe[3][4][5] until July 2021, when he was replaced by Larry Emdur.[6][7] The series began with Brydon Coverdale, Anne Hegerty, Matt Parkinson and Issa Schultz as chasers,[8][9] with Mark Labbett joining in 2016.[10] Shaun Wallace appeared as a guest chaser in 2018, and Cheryl Toh has appeared as a chaser since 2019.[11][12] Mara Lejins joined as a chaser in 2022,[13] and David Poltorak joined in 2024. Brandon Blackwell also appeared as a guest in 2024.[14][15]

The series has also spawned a prime-time celebrity series, and a spin-off called Beat The Chasers.

The largest amount of money ever won by people on The Chase is $141,000 split between 4 people.

History

[edit]

In mid-2014 it was reported that the Seven Network had considered producing a local version of The Chase on the back of good ratings for the British version of the show which has been airing in the 3:00 pm timeslot since August 2013. A pilot episode on the UK set was made, but ultimately it was decided not to proceed.[16]

However, interest in a local version was renewed in May 2015 and in July the Seven Network commissioned the show to eventually replace Deal or No Deal and Million Dollar Minute in the 5:00 pm timeslot in a bid to revive ratings for its struggling 6:00 pm nightly news.[17][18][19][20]

From June 2020, social distancing measures were applied on set due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with contestants spaced apart from each other. In August 2020, it was announced that beginning with the spin-off, Beat The Chasers, production of The Chase Australia would move from Melbourne to Sydney in September 2020 due to COVID restrictions in Victoria at the time.[21]

On 2 February 2021, Seven announced that the network did not renew host Andrew O'Keefe's contract in December 2020 and parted company with him after he was charged with domestic violence.[22][23] On 22 February 2021, it was announced that Larry Emdur would replace O'Keefe as host of the program, with future episodes to continue to be recorded in Sydney.[6][24] The final new episode with O'Keefe as host aired on 20 July 2021.[25] Episodes with Emdur as host began airing from 26 July 2021.[26]

Gameplay

[edit]

Cash Builder and Head-to-Head rounds

[edit]

Each contestant plays the first two rounds alone. In the first round, the "Cash Builder", they have one minute to answer as many questions as possible, earning $2,000 per correct answer.[27] Next, the contestant faces the day's chaser in a head-to-head contest, attempting to move the money down to the bottom of a seven-step gameboard[27] and into the team bank ("home"). They may start three steps down from the top (giving a three-step head start and requiring five correct answers to reach home) and play for the money earned in the Cash Builder, start one step farther down for a lesser award, or start one step farther up for a greater award. The latter two awards are stated by the chaser; since 2016, lesser awards can be zero or even negative.

Once the contestant chooses a starting position, the host begins to ask a series of questions with three answer options. The contestant and chaser separately lock in their guesses on keypads; once either person locks in, the other must do so within five seconds or be locked out for that turn. A correct answer moves the person who gave it one step down the board, but a miss or lock-out leaves them in place. If the contestant reaches home without being caught, they advance to the Final Chase and their money is added to the team's prize fund (or deducted, if they chose to play for a negative amount). If the chaser catches up, the contestant is eliminated and their money is forfeited.

If all four contestants lose their head-to-head chases, the team nominate one contestant to play for them for an amount of money offered by the chaser in the Final Chase, informally dubbed a "Lazarus" round.

Final Chase round

[edit]

The remaining contestants now must work together to avoid being caught by the chaser.[27] They blindly choose one of two question sets for themselves during the final commercial break, with the other set put aside for the chaser, and then have two minutes to answer as many questions as possible on the buzzer. Each correct answer moves the team ahead one step, and they are given a head start of one step per contestant participating in the round. Only the contestant who buzzes-in may answer or pass, and may not confer with their teammates; if a contestant responds without buzzing-in, the answer is automatically ruled wrong. The buzzer is not used if only one contestant is in the Final Chase. The host will only ask a new question once someone has buzzed in and either answered or passed. Unlike the original British version, the chaser remains onstage to witness the team's performance.

The chaser then has two minutes to answer questions from the unused set, moving one step ahead per correct response. If the chaser passes or misses, the clock stops and the team is given a chance to discuss it and respond. A correct answer pushes the chaser back one step, or moves the team ahead by one if the chaser is at the starting line. If the chaser catches the team before time runs out, the prize fund is lost and all four contestants leave with nothing. If the chaser fails to catch the team, the participating contestants split the prize fund equally.

Half-hour format

[edit]

Half-hour episodes have occasionally aired due to Seven's commitments to air various sporting events (such as the Spring Racing Carnival and the 2020 Summer Olympics). These episodes feature two contestants instead of four. Each contestant plays the cash builder round, and the contestant that earns the higher amount of money takes the combined total of the two contestants to the gameboard for the head-to-head. If both contestants earn the same amount in the cash builder, the pair chooses which contestant will play head-to-head. If the contestant makes it back to the bank, the Final Chase is played as normal. If the contestant is caught in the head-to-head, the team nominate one contestant to play for them for an amount of money offered by the chaser in the Final Chase.

Double Trouble format

[edit]

In 2024, the show introduced a new Double Trouble format variation, in which contestants face off against a pair of chasers in each episode, with the chasers alternating in the head-to-head rounds. During the Final Chase, the remaining contestants then choose a chaser to compete against from the pair.[28][29]

Mega money spinner

[edit]

In 2024, the show introduced a new format, called the Mega Money Spinner. The show is as usual until The Final Chase, where if the contestants reach 10 steps, they get a spin at the money spinner, for a maximum of $50,000. If the team gets 15 steps, they get a spin at the mega money spinner, where they can win a maximum $100,000. If they get the money spinner or the mega money spinner, whatever they land on is added to their total cash prize pool.

Special episodes

[edit]

Special shows featuring shortened gameplay have featured during Saturday Night Footy, Sunrise, Fifi, Dave & Fev and The Morning Show.

In February and March 2017, four specials aired featuring two teams from the eighth season of My Kitchen Rules playing for a home viewer.[30]

Celebrity specials

[edit]

A weekly prime-time version of the show began airing on Seven from 21 August to 25 September 2019, entitled The Chase Celebrity Specials Australia (informally known as The Celebrity Chase). In it, teams of celebrities compete against the chaser to win prize money for their chosen charities. The game is played in the same way as the regular version. If a celebrity does not make it to the Final Chase, or if the team is caught during the Final Chase, a consolation prize is awarded to the charities for each celebrity. Unlike the regular version, the series is filmed in front of a studio audience.

In February 2022, a celebrity episode aired in the regular 5:00 pm timeslot to promote Dancing with the Stars. This was produced without a studio audience like the regular version.

Chasers

[edit]
Chaser Nickname Duration Notes
Brydon Coverdale "The Shark" 2015–present Appeared on several Australian quiz programs, including Million Dollar Minute where he won $307,000 in 2014, becoming the first grand champion of Pass the Buck where he won $38,788 in 2002. He also won a total of $32,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, appeared on The Weakest Link in 2001, Deal or No Deal in 2005 and was a quarter-finalist on Letters and Numbers in 2011. Ranked 289th in the World Quizzing Championships 2019.
Anne Hegerty "The Governess" 2015–presenta,b Appeared on several British quiz programs, including Mastermind (twice), Fifteen to One, Today's the Day and Brain of Britain; semi-finalist on Are You an Egghead?. Holds the rank of Grand Master in the UK quiz rankings. Ranked 40th in the World Quizzing Championships 2014. Best known in Australia for being one of the Chasers on the original UK version of the show.
Matt Parkinson "Goliath" 2015–present A championship winner on the television game show Sale of the Century in the 1990s and a frequent member of the "brains trust" on The Einstein Factor in the 2000s.
Issa Schultz "The Supernerd" 2015–present Twelve-time winner of the Australian Quizzing Championships in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. and seven-time pairs champion (2012–17, 2020). Ranked 23rd in the world at the World Quizzing Championships in 2020. Appeared on The Rich List where he won $200,000 in 2009. He also appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and The Einstein Factor.[31] Appeared on the UK version in 2022 as a Guest Chaser on Beat The Chasers to substitute for Anne Hegerty.[32]
Mark Labbett "The Beast" 2016–2020, 2022–presenta,c Appeared on several British quiz programs, including Mastermind, University Challenge, Fifteen to One, The Syndicate and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (twice, winning £32,000 and £16,000);[33] runner-up on The People's Quiz, runner-up on Brain of Britain, part of a winning team on Only Connect, represented Wales from 2005 to 2007 at the European quiz championships. Ranked 134th in the World Quizzing Championships 2014.[34] Best known in Australia for being one of the Chasers on the original British version of the show as well as the being a Chaser in both American versions of the show.[10]
Shaun Wallace "The Destroyer" 2018 (Guest, Season 5) Appeared on several British quiz programs, including Fifteen to One, Weakest Link, Beat the Nation, BrainTeaser, Greed and The Waiting Game; winner of Mastermind, finalist on the first series of Are You an Egghead?. Best known in Australia for being one of the Chasers on the original UK version of the show. Ranked 455th in the World Quizzing Championships 2014.[11] Appeared on the Australian version as a Guest Chaser during Season 5.
Cheryl Toh "The Tiger Mum" 2019–present (Guest, Seasons 7–9; Regular, Seasons 10–present)[35] Appeared on Temptation, The Einstein Factor and Million Dollar Minute.[36]
Mara Lejins "The Smiling Assassin" 2022–present (Guest, Seasons 11–12, Regular, Seasons 12–present) A former contestant on The Chase Australia in 2017 and appeared on Beat The Chasers Australia in 2020, winning $60,000 against 3 Chasers in the heats, and walking away with $58,000 in the final.[13]
Brandon Blackwell "The Lightning Bolt" 2024 (Guest, Season 13) Appeared on the American game shows Jeopardy!, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, The Million Second Quiz, and the British quiz show University Challenge, and has served as a Chaser on the American version of The Chase since 2022.[37][38][14]
David Poltorak "The Professor" 2024–present (Guest, Season 13, Regular, Seasons 13–present) Record-setting Sale of the Century contestant, and former question writer for Sale of the Century, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Millionaire Hot Seat. Appeared on Beat The Chasers Australia in 2020.[15]
Notes
  • ^a Hegerty and Labbett were unable to get visas authorising them to travel from Britain to Australia, due to border closures implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.[39]
  • ^b Hegerty returned to Australia to film during May 2021, with her first episode since June 2020 airing on 28 July 2021.[40]
  • ^c Labbett briefly featured in the advertisement for Season 10, but was not listed in the list of chasers in Seven's press release for Season 10 of The Chase Australia.[41] Labbett joined ABC's version of The Chase USA in May 2021.[42] Labbett's contract on the American version was not renewed by ABC in 2022[43] and rejoined the Australian version for Season 11 in February 2022.[44]

Ratings

[edit]

Since debuting in September 2015, The Chase Australia has generally performed well in the ratings, often beating the Nine Network's Millionaire Hot Seat and Network Ten's 10 News First in the important 5:00 to 6:00 pm timeslot.[45] The debut episode drew 520,000 for its first half-hour, and 720,000 for its second half-hour which went up against Millionaire Hot Seat.[46] This was a key factor in Seven News regaining its crown as Australia's most-watched news service,[47] but, as of September 2017, it continues to trail Nine News across the eastern seaboard,[48][49][50] while it still leads comfortably in the Adelaide and Perth markets.[51]

In response to continued strong ratings for The Chase Australia throughout 2016, the Nine Network announced rival game show Millionaire Hot Seat would extend to one hour from 2017, meaning both shows competed for the same duration.[47] Despite the changes, The Chase Australia remained well ahead of Millionaire Hot Seat in the ratings, often winning by an average margin of 100,000, until the latter show's axing in November 2023.[52][53][54][55] Since January 2024, The Chase Australia competes against Nine's Tipping Point Australia, produced by Banijay's Endemol Shine Australia.[56][57]

Beat The Chasers

[edit]
Main article: Beat the Chasers

In August 2020, it was announced that an Australian version of Beat The Chasers would be produced. This version includes all the local Chasers of the series: Brydon Coverdale, Issa Schultz, Matt Parkinson and Cheryl Toh, as contestants try to beat them in order to win big cash prizes.[58] The series premiered on 1 November 2020 and aired on Sundays at 7:00 p.m. for five consecutive weeks.[59]

A single contestant plays the Cash Builder round, answering a series of multiple-choice questions worth $1,000 each. The round ends once they either miss a question or get five right; a miss on the first question immediately eliminates the contestant with no winnings. They must then decide how many chasers from two to four to face in a timed head-to-head round, with the chasers specifying a time limit for themselves (up to a maximum of 60 seconds) and offering larger cash prizes as an incentive to face more of them. The offer to face two chasers is always equal to the amount earned in the Cash Builder.

The contestant's clock is set to 60 seconds, while the chasers' clock is set to their agreed-on time. Only one clock runs at any given moment, starting with the contestant; the side in control must answer a question correctly to stop their clock and turn control over to the opposing side. The chasers must buzz-in to respond and may not confer on any questions. The contestant wins the money on offer if the chasers' clock runs out first, or nothing if their clock runs out.

Unlike the original British version, the Australian version of Beat the Chasers utilises a tournament format. The seven contestants with the highest cash winnings after the first four episodes are invited to return for a final showdown against the chasers in the fifth. The final follows the same rules, with some changes:

  • Cash Builder questions are worth $5,000 each.
  • A miss on the first question eliminates the contestant with only their winnings from the preliminary heats.
  • For the head-to-head, the contestant must wager some portion of their heats winnings, which is added to their Cash Builder total.
  • The contestant faces all four chasers and must choose one of three money/time offers.
  • If the contestant loses, they forfeit the portion of their heats winnings that they risked.

On 12 April 2021, it was reported that Seven has commissioned a second season of Beat The Chasers with Larry Emdur as presenter. It was also announced that Seven were negotiating for Anne Hegerty to join the four Australian chasers for the second season.[60]

Transmissions

[edit]
SeriesEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
165[a]14 September 2015 (2015-09-14)9 December 2015 (2015-12-09)
26510 December 2015 (2015-12-10)5 May 2016 (2016-05-05)
3659 May 2016 (2016-05-09)29 August 2016 (2016-08-29)
465[b]30 August 2016 (2016-08-30)16 February 2017 (2017-02-16)
5260[c]16 February 2017 (2017-02-16)7 August 2018 (2018-08-07)
664[d]8 August 2018 (2018-08-08)27 November 2018 (2018-11-27)
7260[e]28 January 2019 (2019-01-28)14 June 2021 (2021-06-14)
86815 May 2019 (2019-05-15)5 May 2020 (2020-05-05)
9188[f]4 February 2020 (2020-02-04)20 July 2021 (2021-07-20)
1070[g]26 July 2021 (2021-07-26)24 February 2022 (2022-02-24)[h]
1112631 January 2022 (2022-01-31)6 February 2023 (2023-02-06)[i]
1212614 November 2022 (2022-11-14)8 November 2023 (2023-11-08)
13126[j]13 November 2023 (2023-11-13)4 November 2025 (2025-11-04)
14542 October 2024 (2024-10-02)31 October 2025 (2025-10-31)
158717 March 2025 (2025-03-17)20 November 2025 (2025-11-20)
Celebrity Specials621 August 2019 (2019-08-21)25 September 2019 (2019-09-25)
Beat The Chasers51 November 2020 (2020-11-01)29 November 2020 (2020-11-29)
Notes
  1. ^ Two 30-minute episodes aired on 3 November 2015 and 5 November 2015.
  2. ^ Two 30-minute episodes aired on 1 November 2016 and 3 November 2016.
  3. ^ Two 30-minute episodes aired on 7 November 2017 and 9 November 2017.
  4. ^ Two 30-minute episodes aired on 6 November 2018 and 8 November 2018.
  5. ^ A 30-minute episode aired on 14 June 2021 in selected markets.
  6. ^ Episode 112 was due to air on 4 November 2020 but was postponed due to the extended coverage of the 2020 U.S. Election.
  7. ^ Ten 30-minute episodes aired from 26 July 2021 to 6 August 2021
  8. ^ Episodes 55 aired on 2 February 2022 and Episode 56 aired on 24 February 2022
  9. ^ Episode 102 was due to air on 19 September 2022 but was postponed due to the coverage of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
  10. ^ Episode 53 was due to air on 22 October 2024 but was postponed due to the extended coverage of King Charles and Queen Camila tour to the Sydney Opera House and Episode 118 was due to air on 6 November 2024 but was postponed due to the extended coverage of the 2024 U.S. Election.

The Chase Australia airs at 5:00 pm on weeknights in all markets, except in Regional and Remote Western Australia where it airs at 4:30pm because of 7 WA News broadcasting statewide except Perth at 5:30 pm. Until July 2021, episodes have typically been repeated on Fridays from March 2016 and Thursdays from October 2019. Occasionally Wednesdays sees repeat episodes. Episodes have also aired at 7:30 pm on 10 January and 13 January 2016, and on Sundays at 5:00 pm in February 2016. Two of the My Kitchen Rules specials aired at 7:30 pm in February 2017, with the remaining two airing at 5:00 pm.

International transmissions

[edit]

In New Zealand, episodes of The Chase Australia originally aired weekly on TVNZ 1[61][62] and now airs on TVNZ Duke.[citation needed] On 14 March 2016, The Chase Australia began airing on UK TV channel Challenge, also available in Ireland,[63][64] but this has since stopped.[when?]

Merchandise

[edit]

A localised version of the iOS and Android game from Barnstorm Games was released. The app features five chasers (excluding Cheryl 'Tiger Mum' Toh, who had not yet appeared on the programme at the time of release) and can be played by up to four people, as in the actual show. There is one significant difference between the show and the app; only three choices are presented for questions in the Cash Builder and Final Chase rounds, and no Final Chase is played if all the players are caught in their individual chases.[65][66]

On 13 July 2023, an updated app called The Chase: World Tour was released by Barnstorm Games, featuring the Australian chasers (now including Toh and Lejins), alongside the British and American chasers.[67]

On 8 February 2016, a board game version was released by Crown and Andrews. It features three of the chasers: Issa, Brydon, and Matt.[68] Another edition of the board game was released by Imagination Games in 2019.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Chase Australia

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Chase Australia is an Australian television quiz show adapted from the British series of the same name, in which four contestants attempt to win cash prizes by answering questions while competing against professional quizzers called the "". The programme premiered on the Seven Network on 14 September 2015, airing weekdays at 5:00 pm in a 30-minute format that emphasises quick-fire trivia and strategic gameplay. Hosted originally by , a veteran television presenter known for his work on and game shows like The Rich List, the series transitioned to as host starting in July 2021 following O'Keefe's departure amid personal controversies. The show's core format sees contestants first building a personal cash pot in the "Cash Builder" round through 15 multiple-choice questions against the clock, followed by a head-to-head elimination challenge where they must outpace the Chaser to advance their winnings to a team bank. Up to three survivors then unite for the "Final Chase," a two-minute round against the Chaser, with the team dividing the accumulated prize if successful or losing it all upon defeat. A distinctive feature is the "Money Spinner" in the Final Chase, where players spin to push the Chaser back 1 to 6 steps on the board to aid their defense. The programme has evolved with additions like the "Mega Money Spinner" twist introduced in September 2024, enhancing high-stakes gameplay; in October 2025, contestants won a record $141,000 jackpot, the largest prize in the show's history. Featuring a rotating panel of expert , the series launched with four core competitors: as "The Governess," a UK quiz champion with an 80% win rate; as "The Supernerd," a 12-time Australian Quizzing Championships winner; as "The Shark," a host who won $307,000 on ; and Matt Parkinson as "Goliath," a tall former comedian and expert. Over time, the roster expanded to include international and new Australian talents such as ("The Beast"), Mara Lejins ("The Smiling Assassin"), ("Tiger Mum"), and David Poltorak ("The Professor"), with guest appearances by figures like Brandon Blackwell and . By 2025, The Chase Australia had aired over 1,500 episodes across 15 series, solidifying its status as a ratings mainstay for the Seven Network through its blend of tension, intellect, and entertainment.

History

Launch and early seasons

The Chase Australia premiered on the Seven Network on 14 September 2015, airing weekdays at 5:00 pm as a replacement for the lower-rated . Hosted by , who had previously fronted the network's long-running , the program adapted the British format created by , featuring four contestants competing against professional quizzers known as "Chasers" for escalating cash prizes. The launch episode pitted contestants Galia, Brad, Bianca, and Marty against British Chaser , marking the debut of the show's high-stakes quiz battles. The initial lineup of Chasers included ("The Governess"), an import from the version with a background in Mastermind; ("The Shark"), a former winner on ; ("Goliath"), known from ; and ("The Supernerd"), a multiple Australian Quizzing Championships titleholder. Produced in , the series quickly gained traction, with early episodes drawing strong viewership in key markets and outperforming Nine Network's Hot Seat in the competitive 5:00 pm slot during its first two weeks. By late 2015, Seven reported the show as a key factor in bolstering its afternoon lineup, contributing to the network's overall momentum amid a successful year of new programming launches. Entering 2016, the program expanded its Chaser roster with the addition of ("The Beast") from the and versions, who began appearing in episodes airing from February, further enhancing the show's international appeal and quiz expertise. Season 2 maintained the weekday schedule and format, solidifying its position as a ratings staple, with consistent performance that saw it beat rivals in most demographics and secure renewals for subsequent seasons. The early years emphasized the Chasers' personas and the tension of head-to-head rounds, fostering viewer engagement through high-profile challenges and occasional celebrity specials.

Host transitions and revivals

The Chase Australia premiered on the Seven Network on 14 September 2015, with serving as its inaugural host. , previously known for hosting , guided the show through its early seasons, establishing it as a staple afternoon quiz program. During 's tenure, production faced multiple interruptions due to his personal health challenges. In April 2019, filming was suspended indefinitely as took leave to address emotional exhaustion and personal issues, leading to the airing of repeat episodes. The show resumed later that year after his return. A similar hiatus occurred in late 2019, providing additional time for recovery. In February 2020, production was again halted for several months to allow to focus on his mental health, with the show returning in May 2020. These pauses, totaling three significant delays, underscored the impact of the host's well-being on the program's continuity. O'Keefe's association with the show ended permanently in February 2021 following his arrest on domestic assault charges and subsequent departure from the Seven Network. On 21 February 2021, the network announced , co-host of The Morning Show, as his replacement, citing Emdur's extensive experience in game shows and television. Emdur debuted as host on 26 July 2021, coinciding with the Tokyo Olympics coverage, marking a seamless transition that revitalized the series into its tenth season. Under Emdur, the show introduced fresh elements, including expanded Chaser lineups and celebrity specials, contributing to its sustained popularity. The program has not faced cancellation but encountered revival-like returns after each production halt, ensuring its ongoing run into 2025. In May 2025, media reports speculated about Emdur's potential replacement amid ratings competition from Nine's Tipping Point, but Seven firmly denied any such plans, affirming the show's strong position.

Format

Core gameplay mechanics

The Chase Australia features four contestants who collaborate as a team to accumulate and defend a cash prize against a single opponent, —a expert selected from a panel of specialists. The core mechanics revolve around quick-fire questions, strategic decision-making on risk levels, and a race-against-time format on a virtual game board, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and teamwork under pressure. Unlike traditional shows, the format pits players directly against in escalating challenges, where elimination risks losing individual earnings but surviving advances the team's collective pot. The game progresses through sequential rounds that build tension: preliminary individual cash-building phases establish the potential prize, followed by personalized confrontations with the , culminating in a high-stakes team defense. Questions are drawn from a broad pool of categories, presented orally by the host, with no aids allowed beyond contestant knowledge. The , positioned as the representing the "bank," aims to minimize or eliminate winnings by outperforming contestants in question accuracy and speed. This adversarial structure creates a conceptual "chase" dynamic, visualized on screen via a ladder-like board where progress is measured in steps toward securing money. Strategic elements are integral, as contestants must balance ambition with caution—opting for higher rewards increases vulnerability to being caught by the , while conservative choices offer safer but smaller gains. The team bank starts at zero and grows only from successfully banked individual amounts, fostering discussion among players on offers and tactics before each phase. If all contestants are eliminated, one may be nominated to play the final round for a reduced stake, but the full team dynamic amplifies the mechanics' emphasis on collective resilience. Overall, the format prioritizes rapid cognition and buzzer timing, with the Chaser's superior expertise providing a consistent challenge that has sustained the show's appeal since its launch.

Cash Builder and Head-to-Head rounds

The Cash Builder round initiates the individual gameplay for each of the four contestants. In this preliminary phase, a contestant is given 60 seconds to answer as many questions as possible in a rapid-fire format. Each correct answer earns $2,000, which accumulates as potential prize money for the team pot if the contestant advances. Questions are straightforward and cover diverse topics, with no multiple-choice options provided. The round concludes after the time limit or if the contestant passes on a question, though passing does not end the round early. Following the Cash Builder, the contestant proceeds to the Head-to-Head round against one of the , expert quiz players who provide three monetary offers: a low offer (typically conservative and safer), the exact amount earned in the Cash Builder, and a high offer (riskier with greater potential reward). The contestant selects one offer to play for, which determines their starting position on a seven-step vertical game board representing the chase. For the Cash Builder amount, the contestant's marker begins three steps from the bottom (the "safe" zone), while the Chaser starts at the top, creating a three-step lead. The low offer positions the contestant further ahead (often four or five steps), and the high offer closer to the Chaser (one or two steps). In the Head-to-Head, the contestant and alternate answering multiple-choice questions, with the host reading them aloud. Correct answers by the contestant move their marker down the board toward the safe zone; incorrect answers or passes allow the Chaser a chance to respond. If the Chaser answers correctly, their marker advances up the board toward the contestant's position. The round continues until the contestant reaches the bottom (winning the selected offer, added to the team pot) or the Chaser catches up (eliminating the contestant, with no money added). Each player gets two chances to answer passed or incorrect questions from the opponent, adding tension and strategy. Successful contestants return to the team, while eliminated ones watch from the sidelines.

Final Chase round

In the Final Chase round of The Chase Australia, the surviving contestants (ranging from one to four) collaborate as a team to establish a target score against the Chaser, using general knowledge questions delivered in a rapid-fire format. The team begins with a number of steps equal to the number of players participating—for example, three steps if three contestants advance—providing an initial buffer. They select one of two pre-prepared question sets (A or B) and have two minutes to answer as many questions as possible by buzzing in, with only the buzzing player permitted to respond. A correct answer advances the team one step toward their target; an incorrect answer passes the question to the Chaser, who can interrupt and, if correct, pushes the team back one step. Once the team's two minutes conclude, the Chaser takes their turn using the alternate question set, also with two minutes to close the gap by answering correctly for each step gained. The team can intervene on the Chaser's incorrect answers by buzzing in; a correct response from a contestant pushes the Chaser back one step. If the team achieves a target of six or more steps during their phase, the Chaser begins one step behind as a handicap. The round ends when the Chaser's time expires; if the Chaser reaches or exceeds the target's steps, the team wins nothing, but if the team stays ahead, they split the accumulated prize pot equally. A distinctive feature of the Australian version is the Money Spinner, introduced to heighten stakes for strong performances. If the team answers 10 questions correctly during their turn, they spin a wheel that can add up to $50,000 to the prize pot before the Chaser's turn. For 15 correct answers, the Mega Money Spinner activates, potentially adding up to $100,000, as seen in a record-breaking $141,000 win in September 2025. These bonuses apply only if the team defeats the Chaser. In cases where all contestants are eliminated in earlier Head-to-Head rounds, a "Lazarus Chase" variant occurs: the team nominates one eliminated player for a solo Final Chase with a one-step head start, playing for the team pot (which is $0 if all were caught), following similar rules but without team collaboration or spinners. This mechanic ensures every episode reaches a Final Chase, maintaining pacing in the half-hour format.

Standard half-hour format

The standard half-hour format of The Chase Australia is a streamlined variant of the show's core gameplay, adapted to fit a 30-minute broadcast slot by featuring only two contestants competing against a single Chaser. This condensed structure was first implemented during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to allow for Olympic coverage while maintaining the program's presence in the schedule, premiering on 26 July 2021 at 5:30pm on the Seven Network. This format maintains core mechanics but features two contestants to fit scheduling constraints during events like the Olympics or the , where a 30-minute episode aired in select markets on 3 November 2015. It has been used sporadically for similar scheduling needs. The episode opens with the two contestants introduced by the host, who explains the rules and potential winnings. The first contestant then enters the Cash Builder round, facing 60 seconds to answer as many questions as possible from the host to accumulate money at $2,000 per correct answer, starting from $0 and potentially reaching up to $30,000 or more. Once time expires or the contestant passes, the second contestant repeats the Cash Builder in the same manner, building their own independent pot. observes but does not participate at this stage, offering commentary on the contestants' performance. This sequential approach ensures both players have an opportunity to set their stakes before advancing. Following the Cash Builders, the Head-to-Head rounds commence, with each contestant facing individually. The contestant selects one of three offers (low, the Cash Builder amount, or high), determining starting positions on the seven-step game board (e.g., three-step lead for the Cash Builder amount). They alternate answering multiple-choice questions, with correct answers moving the contestant's marker toward the safe zone and the Chaser's toward catching them. The round continues until the contestant reaches the bottom (advancing their selected amount to the final pot) or is caught (eliminating them, with no money added). The rounds are played one after the other, maintaining tension through direct competition. If both contestants win their Head-to-Heads, they team up for the Final Chase; if only one succeeds, that player competes alone. Eliminated players may offer "help" or "no help" votes to influence the Chaser's target in the final. The episode culminates in the Final Chase, lasting two minutes, where the surviving contestant(s) answer questions to build a total score, aiming to exceed the Chaser's subsequent two-minute performance starting from a target based on the accumulated winnings (typically the sum of advanced amounts). Correct answers by the team add to their score, while incorrect ones allow the Chaser a chance to catch up in the second phase. The host reads questions rapidly to maximize pace in the shortened runtime. A win means the team splits the total prize equally; a loss forfeits everything. This format emphasizes quick decision-making and high-stakes quizzing, often resulting in more intimate and intense episodes compared to the full four-player version.

Variant formats

In addition to the standard half-hour format, The Chase Australia has introduced several gameplay variations to heighten tension and prize potential. The most notable is the Double Trouble format, launched in January 2024 as a world-first innovation by Australia for Network. In this variant, episodes feature two Chasers instead of one, selected from the regular lineup such as The Supernerd () and Goliath (Matt Parkinson), or The Shark () and The Tiger Mum (). Under Double Trouble rules, the four contestants—often superfans with strong quiz knowledge—face heightened difficulty across rounds, as the paired collaborate strategically without increasing cash prizes. During the Head-to-Head rounds, each Chaser handles two matchups, alternating to challenge contestants individually while providing mutual support, such as prompting or moral encouragement. In the Final Chase, the surviving team selects one of the two to oppose, adding a layer of tactical choice. have noted the format's added pressure, with describing it as delivering "a lot more trouble than they are used to," and The Supernerd emphasizing a shift to more supportive playstyles. This variation aired in limited runs, premiering on 29 January 2024 at 5:00 pm on Channel 7 and . Another key variant, the Mega Money Spinner, debuted in September 2024 to amplify winnings in the Final Chase without altering core mechanics. Upon reaching the final round, the team pushes forward against the Chaser as usual, but milestones trigger bonus spins: answering 10 questions correctly unlocks the Money Spinner for up to $50,000 added to the pot, while 15 correct answers access the Mega Money Spinner, offering a top prize of $100,000. Each spinner displays varying cash values, and the landed amount directly boosts the total, though contestants must still outpace the Chaser to claim it. This recurring twist aims to elevate stakes and excitement, integrated into select episodes starting 23 September 2024 on Channel 7. Host highlighted its potential for "big bucks," positioning it as a format evolution to reward high performance. These variants maintain the show's quiz-centric structure while introducing collaborative Chaser dynamics and bonus prize mechanisms, differentiating them from the baseline gameplay and special episodes with altered contestant lineups.

Production

Hosts

The Chase Australia has been presented by two hosts since its debut on the Seven Network in 2015. The host's role involves welcoming contestants, outlining the game's rules, moderating interactions between players and the Chaser, and building excitement during rounds. Andrew O'Keefe served as the original host from the show's premiere on 14 September 2015 through the end of the ninth series in July 2021. A former lawyer turned television personality, O'Keefe brought experience from hosting the Australian version of on the Seven Network from 2003 to 2013, as well as co-hosting from 2006 to 2017. His tenure coincided with the program's early success, including high ratings and multiple Logie Award nominations for the show. In February 2021, the Seven Network decided not to renew O'Keefe's contract amid his personal legal challenges, including arrests related to domestic issues, prompting a search for a new host. On 21 February 2021, was announced as O'Keefe's replacement, debuting in the tenth series on 5 July 2021. , a veteran Australian broadcaster born on 9 December 1964 in , began his career as a copyboy at before entering television at age 17 as Australia's youngest national newsreader for the Seven Network's overnight news in 1983. He has hosted classic game shows including (1993–1998, 2012) and Wheel of Fortune (1996–2008), and has co-hosted The Morning Show since 2009. Emdur's hosting style emphasizes warmth and humor, helping to sustain the show's momentum post-transition, with viewership remaining strong in the 400,000–500,000 range per episode during his early seasons. His performance earned individual recognition, including the 2024 TV Week Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television, largely attributed to his work on The Chase Australia and The Morning Show. As of November 2025, Emdur continues to host the series, which entered its 15th season in March 2025.

Chasers

The on The Chase Australia are professional experts who compete against teams of contestants to prevent them from winning accumulated prize money, drawing on extensive knowledge across general topics such as , , pop , and current events. Selected for their rapid recall and strategic , the Chasers embody the show's high-stakes tension, with each assigned a distinctive that reflects their personality or expertise. The core lineup consists of Australian quizzing , supplemented by occasional guest appearances from international Chasers, particularly in special episodes. As of 2025, seven regular Chasers feature prominently, having joined across the series' run since its 2015 premiere on the Seven Network. Issa Schultz, known as "The Supernerd," was one of the original Chasers when the show launched in September 2015. Born on 1 March 1984 in , , , Schultz moved to Tewantin, , with his family in 1995. A former IT professional at a bank, he is a twelve-time winner of the Australian Quizzing Championships (2011, 2013, 2014, 2016–2018, 2020–2024), with an additional win in 2025, and has secured victories on shows like The Einstein Factor and The Rich List in 2009. Schultz's trivia prowess stems from a lifelong passion for quizzes, including pub trivia and world championships, where he has represented multiple times. His analytical style and encyclopedic recall make him a formidable opponent, often emphasizing precision over bravado. Brydon Coverdale, nicknamed "The Shark" for his sharp, predatory approach, also debuted in the show's first season in 2015. Born on 19 September 1981 in , Coverdale worked as a for outlets including and before transitioning to quizzing full-time. He won $307,000 on in 2014 and has authored books like The Quiz Masters, drawing from his experience writing pub trivia questions. A father of three, Coverdale balances his role with ongoing and quiz creation, known for his confident banter and strategic risk-taking during head-to-head rounds. His background in sports reporting gives him an edge in athletics-related questions. Matt Parkinson, dubbed "" due to his 198 cm (6 ft 6 in) stature, joined the panel alongside Schultz and Coverdale in 2015. Born on 28 November 1963 in Perth, , Parkinson is a seasoned , , and radio presenter with over 30 years in entertainment, including appearances on as a in 1992 and regular spots on The Einstein Factor. After studying theatre arts, he performed stand-up, wrote for TV, and hosted radio shows before becoming a Chaser. Parkinson's warm, affable demeanor contrasts with his quiz dominance, often using humor to engage contestants while leveraging his broad reading habits in and history. He relocated to early in his career and continues acting alongside quizzing. Cheryl Toh, known as "The Tiger Mum" for her fierce yet nurturing style, joined as a regular in 2019. Born in and raised in , Toh is a five-time winner of the Australian Quizzing Championships and has competed internationally. A former , she brings a methodical approach to trivia, with strengths in science, , and . Her debut season marked an expansion of the panel, adding diversity through her multicultural background and precise gameplay. Mark Labbett, nicknamed "The Beast" for his imposing presence and broad knowledge, has been a recurring Chaser since 2018, becoming regular by 2023. Born on 15 August 1965 in , , Labbett is a British quiz champion who previously appeared on the UK version of The Chase. A mathematics graduate, he excels in numbers, sports, and , often using his size (6 ft 6 in) for dramatic effect. His international appearances add cross-cultural flair to episodes. Mara Lejins, the "Smiling Assassin" for her polite yet ruthless efficiency, became the sixth regular in August 2022, debuting post-Commonwealth Games coverage. At 27 years old upon joining, she was the youngest in the show's history and hails from , where her trivia career began at the RUC Turner Bowls Club. A with the Office of the in , Lejins graduated from with a in 2023 and specializes in . Her rapid ascent to national fame highlights her blend of legal precision and trivia talent, often smiling through intense Final Chases. Lejins has appeared in high-profile episodes, including celebrity specials, solidifying her role in the show's evolving roster. David Poltorak, known as "The Professor" for his scholarly demeanor and question-writing expertise, joined as the seventh Chaser in April 2024. Born in 1955 (age 70 as of 2025), the Melbourne-based veteran set three records on in 1986, winning A$376,200 overall, including A$244,000 in cash across eight episodes. A longtime enthusiast and professional question compiler for various shows, Poltorak brings decades of experience, having competed on programs like The Einstein Factor. His calm, professorial style emphasizes depth over speed, drawing on a lifetime of immersion. Poltorak's addition expanded the panel's diversity, appealing to fans of classic history. In addition to the regulars, British Chaser ("The Governess") has made recurring guest appearances since the early seasons, including a notable 2025 episode where contestants defeated her in a team challenge, winning a record A$141,000. Her involvement adds international flair, particularly in themed or celebrity episodes, but the Australian Chasers remain the primary opponents in standard formats. The panel's composition evolves with the show's longevity, ensuring varied dynamics while maintaining the core quiz battle. Other guests include ("The Vixen") and Brandon Blackwell ("The Lightning Bolt").

Filming and crew

The Chase Australia is primarily filmed in since 2020. Episodes are recorded without a live studio audience, with applause, music, and sound effects added during to enhance the broadcast experience. Filming sessions typically involve multiple episodes shot in a single day, with contestants arriving at the studio for preparation in a before entering the set, which replicates the on-air layout but lacks live audio elements during recording. Production of the series is handled by ITV Studios Australia for the Seven Network, the broadcaster since its 2015 debut. Key directing roles have been filled by Ian Hamilton, who directed 1,114 episodes from 2016 to 2025, Jason Annesley for 136 episodes, and Michael Kelpie as . Among the producers, Sue Allison and Scott Martin have served as , while David Hall has acted as a ; Deb Stewart contributed as a consulting executive producer from 2015 to 2024. Additional production support includes as co-executive producer and Cliff Murphy handling casting for season 13. The crew manages a fast-paced taping schedule, assisting contestants with wardrobe, makeup, and briefing to ensure smooth gameplay under timed conditions.

Special episodes

Celebrity specials

The Celebrity Specials is a limited spin-off series of The Chase Australia, featuring teams of four Australian celebrities from fields including television, sports, comedy, music, and politics competing against one of the Chasers to build and defend a prize pot for their chosen charities. Hosted by Andrew O'Keefe, the format mirrored the standard show's structure—Cash Builder, head-to-head rounds, and Final Chase—but aired in a prime-time slot on the Seven Network, with episodes broadcast weekly at 7:30 pm. The series premiered on 21 August 2019 and consisted of six episodes, emphasizing high-stakes quizzing to support charitable causes while showcasing the celebrities' general knowledge under pressure. The opening episode pitted the Sunrise breakfast TV team—Samantha Armytage, David Koch, Edwina Bartholomew, and Mark Beretta—against Issa "The Supernerd" Schultz, highlighting the blend of media personalities racing to outpace the Chaser's expertise. Subsequent instalments featured diverse lineups, such as singer , radio presenter Brendan Jones, former Olympic swimmer , and model facing Matt "Goliath" Parkinson; comedian , radio host , basketball legend , and comic ; and comedian , Senator , musician , and comedian . Other teams included , actor , actress , and cricketer ; as well as presenter Abbey Gelmi, comedian , drag performer Yvie Jones, and actor Pete Rowsthorn. These matchups underscored the series' focus on entertainment value and , with winnings directed to causes selected by the participants. Chasers rotating through the series included Schultz, Parkinson, Brydon "The Shark" Coverdale, and Anne "The Governess" Hegerty, drawing on their established personas to challenge the celebrity contestants. While the exact total raised for charities was not publicly detailed, the specials amplified the core game's tension in a celebrity context, contributing to the franchise's appeal before the series concluded after its initial run.

Themed and charity episodes

In addition to its standard and celebrity formats, The Chase Australia has aired themed and charity episodes that incorporate crossover elements or support philanthropic causes through contestant teams. A notable themed special occurred in February 2017, when the show crossed over with (MKR) in a primetime episode. MKR contestants, including couples like Bek and Ash, competed against a Chaser in a showdown, blending culinary competition with challenges for value. Charity episodes emerged prominently in 2020 amid the , featuring "Heroes" specials with emergency services personnel vying for prize money to benefit related funds. In one such aired on , 2020, a team from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), including Commander Donna Wheatley and Leading Firefighters Steve O'Malley, Michael Giacomi, and Steven Greig, defeated the Chaser to win $28,000 for the MFB Firefighters Charity Fund, supporting injured and ill firefighters.

Reception

Ratings and viewership

The Chase Australia has been a strong performer in the Australian television ratings since its premiere on 14 September 2015, consistently topping the 5:00 pm timeslot for the Seven Network and outperforming competitors such as Nine's Millionaire Hot Seat. Early episodes drew solid metro audiences, with one report from late September 2015 noting 586,000 viewers in the five capital cities, contributing to Seven's news bulletin gains. By 2016, the program reached approximately 3.5 million cumulative weekly viewers across Australia, boosting Seven News ratings by 23% in lead-in performance. Throughout its run, the show has maintained robust viewership, often exceeding 500,000 viewers per episode. In May 2023, it achieved a rating of 567,000 for a airing, securing a significant lead over rivals in the category. A standout performance occurred in May 2022, when the 5:30 pm segment attracted 941,000 national viewers, underscoring its appeal as a non-news leader. The program's success has been attributed to its engaging format and loyal audience, with averages holding above 500,000 through 2023. The adoption of total TV metrics by OzTAM in 2021, incorporating broadcast (BVOD), has highlighted broader reach, with national audiences frequently surpassing 600,000. For instance, in July 2025, a Wednesday episode recorded a national audience of 706,000 and a reach of 1.397 million. Similar figures persisted into late 2025, such as 660,000 national viewers on a Thursday in November, despite BVOD contributions of around 50,000. These metrics reflect the show's sustained popularity across linear TV and streaming platforms. In 2025, The Chase Australia faced heightened competition from Nine's Tipping Point, which occasionally overtook it in key demos and total audiences, leading to reports of potential refreshes. A May 2025 episode drew 1,315,000 total viewers but trailed Tipping Point's 1,503,000, marking a rare slot loss. Despite this, it remained a cornerstone for Seven, ranking among top programs with national reaches often exceeding 1.2 million weekly.

Critical response

The Chase Australia has received generally positive recognition within the Australian television industry, particularly for its engaging format and the performance of its host, . In 2024, Emdur won the Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television, shared for his roles on the series and The Morning Show, highlighting the show's contribution to his acclaim as a beloved figure in daytime programming. Critics have praised the series for its fast-paced trivia challenges and entertainment value, positioning it as a staple of Australian quiz programming. TV Tonight's David Knox described it as "a great quiz show," commending its intellectual rigor while noting the inherent challenge posed to contestants by professional . has highlighted its role in a "golden age" of enduring TV formats, emphasizing its longevity since 2015 and broad appeal in an era of diverse game shows. However, the show has faced some criticism regarding its structure, with observers pointing out that the odds are heavily favored toward the , potentially frustrating viewers despite the excitement. A 2024 legal dispute arose when the comedy group alleged by the spin-off Beat the Chasers, underscoring branding tensions in Australian media. Despite such issues, the series maintains a reputation for reliable, high-stakes without major scandals affecting its core production.

Spin-offs

Beat the Chasers

Beat the Chasers is a primetime Australian quiz show and spin-off from The Chase , which premiered on the Seven Network on 1 November 2020. Hosted by , the series pits individual contestants against a team of four in high-stakes head-to-head trivia battles, with the goal of securing substantial cash prizes through superior . Produced by , the format adapts the British counterpart but tailors it to Australian audiences, emphasizing solo challenges without the team dynamics of the parent program. The show aired for one season consisting of five episodes, concluding with a on 29 November 2020. In gameplay, each episode features a single contestant in the initial cash builder round, where they answer multiple-choice questions within two minutes to accumulate up to A$5,000. Following this, the player selects between two and four to oppose in the main game, with the target amount scaling accordingly—ranging from A$15,000 for two to a maximum of A$95,000 for all four. The collaborate as a unit, answering questions simultaneously to close the gap on the contestant's lead, but without the "pushback" or elimination rounds seen in The Chase Australia. Successful players advance based on performance, with the top seven from the series competing in the grand final for the ultimate prize. The involved are (known as "The Shark"), Matt Parkinson ("Goliath"), ("The Supernerd"), and ("The Tiger Mum"), all prominent quizzers from the original series. The series debut drew strong initial viewership, attracting over 1 million national viewers and more than 660,000 in the five mainland capital cities, contributing to its primetime success on Seven. Critical reception was mixed; TV Tonight awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising the high-energy format and contestant backstories but noting the condensed structure occasionally rushed the tension. In April 2021, Seven commissioned a second season to be hosted by , with filming reportedly underway and British Chaser slated as a guest, but no episodes were broadcast, likely due to production delays and host availability issues. The Chase format, developed by , has been adapted into local versions across more than 20 territories worldwide, establishing it as one of the most successful international show franchises. These adaptations maintain the core of contestants competing against professional quizzers known as , while incorporating regional hosts, Chasers, and prize structures tailored to local audiences. The original British version, which premiered on ITV in 2009 and is hosted by , serves as the template for all adaptations, including the Australian edition; it has aired over 2,000 episodes and features recurring such as and , some of whom have guest appearances on international variants like Australia's. In the United States, the format debuted on (GSN) from 2013 to 2015, hosted by with Labbett as the primary Chaser, before a revived ABC version launched in 2021, hosted by and featuring multiple Chasers including Jeopardy! champion and Brandon Blackwell from the Australian series. Other notable adaptations include the Canadian version on CTV (2013–2014), the Israeli edition on Channel 2 (2013), and more recent Eastern European launches such as in (Nova, 2022), (Prva, 2023), and (Mega, 2024), where the spin-off Beat the has also been localized. These international iterations often share production resources from and occasionally cross-promote Chasers, enhancing the franchise's interconnected ecosystem.

Broadcast

Domestic transmissions

The Chase Australia premiered on the Seven Network on 14 September 2015, taking over the 5:00 pm weeknight timeslot previously occupied by the short-lived Million Dollar Minute. The program, produced by ITV Studios Australia specifically for the Seven Network, has maintained a consistent weekday broadcast schedule since its debut, airing new episodes from Monday to Friday at 5:00 pm across all Australian markets. Each episode runs for approximately , featuring four contestants competing against a professional quiz expert known as , with the format emphasizing questions and strategic cash-building gameplay. The show has undergone minor scheduling adjustments over the years, such as occasional preemptions for sports or news events, but has remained a staple of the network's early evening lineup without significant time shifts. Episodes are on 7HD and made available immediately after broadcast for catch-up viewing on the free streaming platform , which has supported on-demand access to the full series archive since the platform's expansion in the late . In addition to primary transmissions, select older episodes have aired as repeats on secondary channels like during off-peak hours, particularly to fill gaps in regional schedules or during production hiatuses, though the core audience relies on the main network airing and for ongoing engagement. The program's enduring presence in the 5:00 pm slot has contributed to its status as one of Seven's top-rated daytime offerings, with consistent national reach exceeding 1.3 million viewers per key episodes in recent years.

International transmissions

In New Zealand, The Chase Australia has been a staple of television programming since its international debut. Episodes originally aired weekly on following the Australian premiere in 2015. The series later transitioned to TVNZ Duke for broadcasts, with repeats often scheduled in afternoon slots. As of 2025, it is available for streaming on the platform, with new episodes from season 14 airing weekdays. In the , The Chase Australia first aired on the Challenge channel beginning 14 March 2016, with availability extending to through the same broadcaster; this run continued until 2019. More recently, repeat episodes have been scheduled on channels, including Virgin Media Four HD and HD, with listings for airings in early 2025, such as a repeat on 7 November at 12:05 PM. No other international transmissions have been widely reported, though the format's popularity in English-speaking markets has supported its availability via on-demand services in regions like the and .

Merchandise and media

Official products

The primary official product associated with The Chase Australia is a licensed released in 2019 by Imagination Games, designed to replicate the television show's format for home play. The game accommodates 3 to 6 players, who team up against a designated "Chaser" using cards and a mechanism to advance around the board and secure winnings in a final chase round. It was officially promoted by Channel 7, the broadcaster of the show, as a way to bring the "ultimate test" into living rooms, and is available through major Australian retailers such as and Target. Complementing the board game, an official mobile app titled The Chase Australia was developed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment and released in 2017 for iOS and Android devices. The app allows players to experience the show's format digitally, either solo or in teams of up to four, facing trivia questions from a virtual Chaser to build and defend prize money pots. It emphasizes the high-stakes quiz element with timed challenges and was marketed as a portable extension of the TV experience, though updates ceased after its initial version 1.5. A companion timer app, The Chase Australia Timers, was also released to enhance gameplay with the , providing authentic 16-second countdowns for question responses and final chase segments. Developed by Imagination Games, it serves as a free accessory tool without additional content. No other officially licensed merchandise, such as apparel, DVDs, or books directly tied to the show, has been produced or distributed by the broadcaster or producers as of 2025.

Adaptations and tie-ins

The Chase Australia has been adapted into various interactive formats to extend its quiz-based entertainment beyond television. Tie-ins include literary works by show participants. In 2022, Chaser (known as "The Shark") published The Quiz Masters: Inside the World of , Obsession and Million Dollar Prizes, a exploring the history of Australian quiz shows, including his experiences on The Chase Australia. The book details the evolution of trivia formats and personal anecdotes from Coverdale's career, serving as an insider's perspective on the genre.

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