Wentworth
This popular subscription TV series is a remake of 1980s hit show Prisoner. It follows the story of main character Bea Smith, and her first days in prison. Wentworth's premiere episode is (to date) the most-watched drama premiere in Foxtel's history, and the show is often compared to hit American series Orange is the New Black.
Packed to the Rafters
This much-loved family show centred around Rebecca Gibney and Erik Thomsen's characters Julie and Dave Rafter. It made stories out of everyday family dramas without heading into soap opera territory, and made household names out of stars Hugh Sheridan, Jessica Marais and Ryan Corr, to name a few. It remains one of the most-watched TV shows in Australian history.
Paper Giants: The Birth of CLEO
Paper Giants: The Birth of CLEO
This miniseries was based on the true story of Ita Buttrose's reign as founder and editor of iconic Australian magazine, CLEO. Not only is Ita's story a remarkable one, the acting in this show was absolutely top notch. Taking on the lead role, Asher Keddie was nominated for Most Outstanding Actress in a Series and won Most Popular Actress at the 2013 Logie Awards.
Paper Giants: The Birth of CLEO
This miniseries was based on the true story of Ita Buttrose's reign as founder and editor of iconic Australian magazine, CLEO. Not only is Ita's story a remarkable one, the acting in this show was absolutely top notch. Taking on the lead role, Asher Keddie was nominated for Most Outstanding Actress in a Series and won Most Popular Actress at the 2013 Logie Awards.
INXS: Never Tear Us Apart
Easily one of the most talked-about shows of the last few years, Never Tear Us Apart reignited this country's passion for the iconic band INXS. Lead actor Luke Arnold played the late Michael Hutchence to perfection in the miniseries, and the show won the ratings both nights it was shown — by a long shot. It also led to an ARIA chart revival for the band's songs "Never Tear Us Apart" and "Need You Tonight".
Underbelly
There was so much hype around the first season of Underbelly that it was partially banned in Victoria, for fear of it influencing the not-yet-closed criminal cases of some of the featured characters in the show. Based on a decade-long gangland war in Melbourne, Underbelly led the way for a further five seasons so far, each one taking on a new true crime story from Australia's history. The show went on to win multiple AFI and Logie Awards and is still widely considered to be one of the best dramas in Aussie TV history.
The Secret Life of Us
Set in St Kilda, Victoria, the show centred around eight main characters and their intersecting love lives and somewhat chaotic careers. The show maintained its huge following for the four years it ran (from 2001 to 1005), made household names of Joel Edgerton, Claudia Karvan and Deborah Mailman, and was subsequently aired in no less than 11 countries.
Offspring
One of the most popular shows still running on TV, Offspring follows Asher Keddie's Nina Proudman, a neurotic and relatable obstetrician who navigates her hilariously complicated life surrounded by her close family. The finale of season four last year left viewers shattered — be sure to catch up before you tune in for season five when it returns later this year.
Puberty Blues
Based on the world famous and ceaselessly popular book by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey, Puberty Blues is one of the coolest shows on TV today. It's made celebrities out of newcomers Ashleigh Cummings, Brenna Harding, Sean Keenan and Charlotte Best, and finally gave Claudia Karvan a worthy vehicle to once again flex her impressive acting muscles.
Rake
Richard Roxburgh is the star of the show in this ABC drama, playing a highly intelligent (but somewhat corrupt) barrister in a Sydney courtroom. The show airs in the US and, due to its popularity, has been scheduled for an American version starring Greg Kinnear. The third season (on now) is widely assumed to be the last.
Redfern Now
This is one of those shows that tapped into the socio-cultural zeitgeist and held on tight. Since its launch in 2012, it's been incredibly well received by audiences and critics alike. It focuses on six different stories that intertwine after one small incident, and is acclaimed for its accurate portrayal of the lives of Indigenous Australians. Season two ended late last year, no word yet on a third.
Summer Heights High
The launching pad for now-famous characters Jonah Takalua, Ja'mie King and Mr G., Chris Lilley's Summer Heights High is popular the world over, with a legion of celebrity fans (including fanatic Katy Perry). If you aren't watching it, you are missing out, big time — but you're best to skip this one if you're easily offended.
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