ABC consumer watchdog series The Checkout, which exposed brands such as Swisse, Jetstar, Coles and Apple for questionable claims, has been renewed for a second series, AdNews understands.
The series renewal is set to be announced at the ABC launch next week and the production team is understood to be working on next year's offering.
The Checkout was one of the best performing programs on the public broadcaster this year with the episodes regularly attracting a million viewers throughout the 10-episode run. A second season pick-up was widely expected.
The program was anchored by The Chaser's Julian Morrow (also serving as executive producer) and Craig Reucassel, as well as Kirsten Drysdale and Kate Browne. It is produced by Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder and works in partnership with consumer group Choice.
The program shone a light on some of the shadier side of brand behaviour with big names such as Kellogg's, Aldi and Foxtel under scrutiny in the first season. However, executive producer Nick Murray has previously told AdNews it also highlighted good products and services for consumers such as mobile phone contracts.
One segment broadcast this year resulted in a defamation lawsuit from Avni Sali, the father of Swisse founder Radek Sali. The producers and the ABC said it stood by the segment and would defend the action. The case is still ongoing before the Victorian Supreme Court.
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