SBS ignites Lunar New Year with bold storytelling for The Year of the Fire Horse

SBS ignites Lunar New Year with bold storytelling for The Year of the Fire Horse

21 January, 2026

Media releases

SBS is charging into Lunar New Year 2026 with a bold, dynamic multi-platform celebration that brings culture, community and cuisine to life across its television, audio and digital platforms, free and available to all Australians.

From martial arts legends and sweeping historical journeys to contemporary Asian cinema and festive food-led storytelling, SBS's Lunar New Year offering is a vibrant multilingual showcase of the energy, optimism and fearless spirit traditionally associated with the Fire/Red Horse.

Throughout February, SBS will mark Lunar New Year with a curated season of programming in 14 languages and 18 community partnerships nationwide, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of Lunar New Year traditions across Australia.

The offering spans action, comedy, drama, documentaries and entertainment across SBS's four broadcast channels - SBS, SBS VICELAND, SBS World Movies and SBS Food - alongside a dedicated Lunar New Year collection on SBS On Demand. Audiences can also connect through SBS Audio, SBS Learn and other platforms, with the celebration extending beyond the screen through community partnerships and events across the country.

SBS Acting Managing Director Jane Palfreyman said SBS continues to be Australia's home for cultural celebration, connection and belonging.

Lunar New Year is one of the world's most significant cultural celebrations, observed by communities across Australia and by more than two billion people globally, Palfreyman said.

Our Lunar New Year programming reflects SBS's purpose in action. By sharing the stories, traditions and contemporary experiences behind the celebration, SBS helps Australians better understand one another and the cultures that shape our shared life.

A bold, multi-platform celebration

Across linear television and SBS On Demand, audiences can dive into powerful dramas, cinematic classics and eye-opening documentaries from across Asia, alongside local food-led storytelling that celebrates heritage, family and the joy of shared meals.

New premieres on SBS include Dominic West: Extreme Silk Road, following the actor on an epic journey across the historic Silk Road; Lost Cities of Genghis Khan, revealing ground-breaking archaeological discoveries that challenge long-held beliefs about the Mongolian Empire; The Lost Jungle Empire, uncovering a sophisticated ancient civilisation hidden beneath rainforest canopies; and The Grand Canal: China and its Wondrous Waterways, exploring the history and impact of the world's longest man-made waterway.

SBS World Movies turns up the action with a Jet Li tribute, featuring martial arts classics including Fist of Legend, Tai Chi Master and the Once Upon a Time in China trilogy, before rolling into late-night modern Asian cinema with striking films Above the Dust, House of the Seasons and The Accidental Getaway Driver.

On SBS Food, Lunar New Year is celebrated through food, travel and connection. The Cook Up with Adam Liaw returns to primetime for a ninth season, with three special episodes bringing chefs and guests together to share festive dishes and family traditions. Throughout February, explore regional flavours, everyday food cultures and the ingredients that have shaped communities across Asia every weekday afternoon.

SBS On Demand will feature a dedicated Lunar New Year 2026 collection, with 182 titles spanning action, comedy, drama and documentary - all free to stream, any time.

SBS Audio will amplify powerful, multilingual voices, sharing personal stories and contemporary perspectives that capture the energy of modern Australian celebrations across food, language, belief and identity.

Celebrating with communities across Australia

SBS will continue its strong community connections, working with 18 community and government partners to support Lunar New Year celebrations nationwide. SBS's online Lunar New Year Festival Guide will help Australians discover events across the country they can participate in, including those supported by SBS.

SBS Learn will be offering a new immersive Lunar New Year resource and once again provide free educational materials, supporting teachers and students to explore the cultural significance of Lunar New Year through classroom-ready activities and videos.

Find the full Lunar New Year program and events here

For a pdf of this media release, click here.

LINK:	https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/2026/01/21/sbs-ignites-lunar-new-year-w...
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