Sources within the television industry suggest that Nine is already looking for a potential replacement for Karl Stefanovic when he eventually retires.
Even though the 51-year-old host of Today intends to continue working at the show for now, network executives are reportedly already preparing for his eventual departure and looking at potential replacements.
According to a source at the Daily Mail, young reporter Chaad Hewitt is quickly gaining favor with the publication’s leaders thanks to his self-assurance, good looks, and appealing personality.
According to a source, Channel Nine strongly supports Chad, the 21-year-old actor and model, and is likely preparing him to potentially replace Karl in the future.
He’s been a truly outstanding field reporter. He’s comfortable on camera, comes across as genuine, and viewers clearly enjoy watching him.
Network executives are reportedly very pleased with how quickly Chaad is becoming popular, and they’re starting to gauge audience interest in giving him more prominent roles.
I’ve been hearing through the grapevine that the creators have been checking in with dedicated fans like myself, and apparently the feedback has been amazing! Everyone I’ve talked to is really excited about where things are going.
‘People are ready for a fresh face and Chaad is winning fans left, right and centre.’
Sources at the network say people are now openly comparing him to Karl, who has hosted Today for over 20 years.
According to a source, a Channel Nine executive jokingly predicted that Chad would be the ‘next Karl’ while they were filming last week.
‘It wasn’t whispered. It was said out loud. It’s very much an open plan.’
Chad is gaining recognition for the same qualities that defined Karl’s early success – a friendly demeanor, self-assurance, and the ability to relate to ordinary people.
According to a source close to him, he naturally draws people in – it’s something you can’t fake. He’s a uniquely appealing and trustworthy person.
Although Karl reportedly feels he could stay at Today for at least five more years, sources suggest the network might have a different plan and a shorter timeframe in mind.
According to a source, Karl believes the change is more than five years off. However, executives at Channel Nine anticipate it will happen much sooner.
However, a source close to the situation insists that Karl is not being forced to leave his well-paid position at Nine.
Everyone still thinks very highly of Karl and cares for him deeply, but the network is always looking forward, and it’s clear they see Chaad as the person to build the future with.
As Chaad becomes increasingly popular on Nine’s channels, many expect to see him featured more prominently in the future.
Although he’s new to the scene, he’s already earned the viewers’ confidence, and that’s incredibly difficult to achieve in the television industry, according to a source.
People in the industry are noticing that Chaad’s career is following a similar path to Karl’s – starting as a popular field reporter and now possibly heading towards a major breakfast television role.
You can really feel the effort Channel Nine is putting into building up their newest talent. It’s clear they’ve found someone special and they’re committed to making sure he’s fully prepared for success. It’s a very strategic move, and you can tell it’s all been carefully planned.
Daily Mail has reached out to Nine and Chaad for comment.
Chaad Hewitt was born in 2004 on the Gold Coast to parents Callie and Paul. He has an older sister named Parker.
Callie, who is from the US, leads a department at a private school in Queensland, Australia. Chaad’s father, originally from London, is the chief financial officer of a large international company.
Chaad’s sister works as a model in southeastern Queensland. Meanwhile, Chaad is starting a career in television and acting, building on his training from Trinity College London.
Chaad also attended the prestigious Southport School on the Gold Coast.
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2026-02-07 13:04