Australian television has made an indelible mark on the global entertainment landscape, producing a remarkable array of TV shows that have resonated with audiences both within the country and far beyond its shores. These shows, spanning various genres and eras, have not only entertained but also reflected the unique cultural fabric of Australia. In this comprehensive list, we delve deeper into the ten most popular Australian TV shows of all time, exploring their enduring appeal and influence.
1. Neighbours (1985-present)
Neighbours is a long-running Australian TV show that started in 1985 and was created by Reg Watson. It is a soap opera that follows the lives and relationships of the people who live and work in Erinsborough, a fictional suburb of Melbourne. The show focuses on the residents of Ramsay Street, a cul-de-sac, and the nearby Lassiters complex, which includes a bar, hotel, café, police station, lawyers' office, and park.
Neighbours has been a popular and successful media export, especially in the UK, where it has aired since 1986. The show ended in 2022 with a big finale but was revived in 2023 by Amazon Freevee, a streaming service that partnered with Fremantle Australia, the production company. Some of the original cast members, such as Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy), Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy), and Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi) returned for the new season.
2. Home and Away (1988-present)
Home and Away is one of the most popular and longest-running Australian TV shows. It is a soap opera that follows the lives and loves of the residents of Summer Bay, a fictional seaside town in New South Wales. The show started in 1988 and has aired over 8,000 episodes on the Seven Network.
The show was created by Alan Bateman, who was inspired by the real-life conflict between locals and foster children in Kangaroo Point. The show has tackled many adult-themed storylines such as teen pregnancy, rape, drug and alcohol addiction, drug overdose, and attempted suicide. The show is filmed in Palm Beach, Sydney's Northern Beaches district, which serves as the location for Summer Bay.
3. Fisk (2021-present)
Fisk is a comedy series that premiered on ABC Television in Australia in 2021. It follows the life of Helen Tudor-Fisk, a lawyer who moves from Sydney to Melbourne after her marriage and career fall apart. She takes a job at a small law firm that specializes in wills and probate, hoping to avoid dealing with people. However, she soon realizes that her clients are not the only ones who have problems. She has to work with Ray and Roz Gruber, a brother-sister duo who run the firm, and George, a webmaster and probate clerk.
The show is written and directed by Kitty Flanagan, who also stars as Helen. Fisk is known for its deadpan humor, witty dialogue, and quirky characters.
4. Deadloch (2023-present)
Deadloch is a new Australian TV show that combines black comedy, crime, and mystery. It was created by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, who are also writers and executive producers. The show follows two female detectives, Dulcie Collins and Eddie Redcliffe, who have to solve a series of murders in a small town in Tasmania. The town, Deadloch, is hosting its annual Winter Festival, a celebration of local arts, cuisine, and culture, but also harbors many secrets and conflicts.
The show stars Kate Box, Madeleine Sami, Alicia Gardiner, and Nina Oyama as the main characters, along with a supporting cast of quirky and diverse characters. Deadloch premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 2 June 2023 and has received positive reviews from critics and audiences.
5. Black Snow (2022-present)
One of the most anticipated Australian TV shows of 2022 is Black Snow, a crime drama based on the bestselling novel by Jane Harper. The series follows Detective Aaron Falk, who returns to his hometown of Kiewarra after 20 years to investigate the murder of his childhood friend Luke Hadler and his family.
As Falk digs deeper into the case, he uncovers secrets and lies that have been buried under the scorching sun and the black snow - a rare phenomenon caused by a bushfire that turns the sky and the ground dark. Black Snow is a gripping story of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, set against the stunning backdrop of rural Australia.
6. Bluey (2018-present)
Bluey is a popular Australian animated preschool television series that premiered on ABC Kids on 1 October 2018. The show follows the adventures of Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog, who loves to play and turns everyday family life into extraordinary adventures, developing her imagination as well as her mental, physical, and emotional resilience.
The show was created by Joe Brumm and is produced by Queensland-based company Ludo Studio. It was commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the British Broadcasting Corporation, with BBC Studios holding global distribution and merchandising rights. The show has won several awards, including an International Emmy for Kids: Preschool in 2019 and an AACTA Award for Best Children's Program in 2022. The show has three seasons, with a total of 156 episodes, each lasting about seven minutes. The show is also available on ABC iView and Disney+.
7. Mr Inbetween (2018–2021)
Mr Inbetween is a dark comedy and crime drama series that premiered in 2018 on FX in the United States and Fox Showcase in Australia. It is based on the 2005 feature film The Magician, which was written by and starred Scott Ryan, who also plays the lead role of Ray Shoesmith in the TV series. Ray is a hitman for hire who tries to balance his criminal activities with his personal life, which includes his daughter, his girlfriend, his brother, and his best friend.
The series explores the moral dilemmas and challenges that Ray faces as he deals with various criminals, monsters, and ordinary people. The series has received critical acclaim for its writing, directing, acting, and realism. It has won nine awards and received 22 nominations. The series concluded in 2021 after three seasons and 26 episodes.
8. Below Deck Down Under (2022-present)
Below Deck Down Under is an Australian reality TV show that follows the lives of a crew of a luxury yacht as they sail around the stunning coastlines of Australia. The show features the drama, romance, and challenges that come with working in the high-end hospitality industry, as well as the breathtaking views and exotic destinations that the guests enjoy.
The show is a spin-off of the popular American series Below Deck, and it premiered in 2021 on Peacock and Hayu. Below Deck Down Under showcases the diversity and beauty of Australia, as well as the unique personalities and skills of the crew members who make each charter a memorable experience.
9. One Night (2023-present)
One Night is a new Australian TV show that follows the lives of six strangers who wake up in a hotel room with no memory of the night before. The show is a mystery thriller that explores the secrets, lies, and consequences of their actions. Each episode reveals a new clue about what happened and why they are there.
The show is set in Sydney and features a diverse cast of actors, including Jessica Mauboy, Ryan Corr, Deborah Mailman, and Daniel MacPherson. One Night is a gripping and suspenseful show that will keep you guessing until the end.
10. Wentworth (2013–2021)
Wentworth is a popular Australian TV show that reimagines the classic series Prisoner, which aired from 1979 to 1986. The show follows the lives of the inmates and staff of Wentworth Correctional Centre, a women's prison in modern-day Australia.
The show premiered on SoHo in 2013 and concluded on Fox Showcase with its 100th episode in 2021. The show has won several awards and has been praised for its gritty realism, complex characters, and compelling drama. The show has also been broadcast in several other countries, including New Zealand and the UK, where it is titled Wentworth Prison.
Summary
These ten most popular Australian TV shows represent Australian television's diverse and rich tapestry. From the enduring appeal of soap operas like “Neighbours” and “Home and Away” to groundbreaking dramas like “Mr Inbetween” and beloved comedies like “Fisk,” these shows have not only entertained but also helped shape the cultural identity of Australia. They continue to be cherished by audiences, testifying to the enduring power of storytelling on television.
Watch more: 9 Must-Watch Australian Films & TV Shows to Learn Aussie Culture