Exploring Australian Netflix Gems

Introduction

Netflix has become a household name in Australia, significantly broadening the reach of Australian television shows to global audiences. The platform offers a diverse array of Australian content, from gritty crime dramas to light-hearted comedies, catering to various tastes and preferences.

Historical Context

Australian television has a rich history dating back to 1929, evolving significantly over the decades. The industry has produced numerous series and films that have garnered cult followings worldwide.

Australian Shows on Netflix

Netflix features a variety of Australian shows that showcase the country's storytelling prowess. These series often reflect societal issues while providing engaging narratives.

Key Shows

Stateless

• Genre: Drama
• First Episode: 1 March 2020
• Setting: Port Augusta, South Australia
• Summary: Based on true events, 'Stateless' follows four individuals from diverse backgrounds in an asylum-seeker detention center, highlighting the struggles of those seeking a better life.
• Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Asher Keddie, Fayssal Bazzi, Jai Courtney, Marta Dusseldorp, Dominic West, Cate Blanchett

Wanted

• Genre: Crime Drama
• First Episode: 2016
• Setting: Queensland and South Australia
• Summary: This series follows two strangers who become embroiled in a murder case after witnessing a car crash, leading them on a thrilling escape from both criminals and law enforcement.
• Cast: Rebecca Gibney, Geraldine Hakewill, Kerry Fox

Tidelands

• Genre: Crime Drama
• First Episode: 14 December 2018
• Setting: Southeast Queensland
• Summary: A young woman returns to her hometown and uncovers a hidden commune of outcasts while investigating a conspiracy involving drugs and murder.
• Cast: Charlotte Best, Elsa Pataky, Aaron Jakubenko, Marco Pigossi

Secret City

• Genre: Political Thriller
• First Episode: 2016
• Setting: Canberra
• Summary: This political thriller follows journalist Harriet Dunkley as she uncovers conspiracies and scandals that threaten national security, reflecting real-world tensions between Australia, China, and the USA.
• Cast: Anna Torv, Jackie Weaver, Alex Dimitriades

Pine Gap

• Genre: Political Thriller
• First Episode: 14 October 2018
• Setting: Alice Springs, Northern Territory
• Summary: Set in a joint intelligence facility, this series explores the collaboration between American and Australian analysts amidst geopolitical tensions.
• Cast: Parker Sawyers, Tess Haubrich, Jacqueline McKenzie

Glitch

• Genre: Drama
• First Episode: 9 July 2015
• Setting: Castlemaine, Victoria
• Summary: In a small town, seven people mysteriously return from the dead, leading to a series of supernatural events that intertwine their fates.
• Cast: Patrick Brammall, Genevieve O’Reilly, Emma Booth

The Beautiful Lie

• Genre: Drama
• First Episode: 18 October 2015
• Setting: Melbourne, Kyneton, Daylesford
• Summary: A modern retelling of Tolstoy's 'Anna Karenina', this series explores themes of love, fidelity, and personal choices in the life of a sporting star.
• Cast: Alice Bell, Jonathan Gavin, Blake Ayshford

Deep Water

• Genre: Crime Drama
• First Episode: 5 October 2016
• Setting: Bondi, Sydney
• Summary: This gritty crime drama follows detectives investigating a series of suspicious deaths linked to the gay community, drawing attention to societal issues.
• Cast: Yael Stone, Noah Taylor, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor

Jack Irish

• Genre: Detective Crime Series
• First Episode: February 11, 2016
• Setting: Fitzroy, Melbourne
• Summary: Following a former criminal lawyer turned private investigator, this series captures the essence of Melbourne's vibrant culture.
• Cast: Guy Pearce

Janet King

• Genre: Drama
• First Episode: 27 February 2014
• Setting: Sydney
• Summary: A spin-off from 'Crownies', this series follows a tough prosecutor navigating high-profile cases and personal challenges.
• Cast: Marta Dusseldorp, Vince Colosimo, John Howard

Sisters

• Genre: Comedy
• First Episode: 25 October 2017
• Setting: Melbourne
• Summary: A humorous exploration of family dynamics as a woman discovers she has over 100 siblings due to her father's career as a fertility doctor.
• Cast: Lucy Durack, Antonia Prebble, Maria Angelico

Offspring

• Genre: Comedy
• First Episode: August 15, 2010
• Setting: Melbourne
• Summary: This series follows Nina Proudman, an obstetrician navigating her chaotic personal life, blending humor with poignant moments.
• Cast: Asher Keddie, Kat Stewart, Matthew Le Nevez

The Letdown

• Genre: Comedy
• First Episode: 4 May 2016
• Setting: Sydney and Adelaide
• Summary: A comedic take on the challenges of motherhood, following a new mom as she navigates the ups and downs of parenting.
• Cast: Alison Bell, Sarah Scheller, Duncan Fellows

Rake

• Genre: Comedy
• First Episode: 2010
• Setting: Sydney
• Summary: Focusing on a self-destructive barrister, this series combines humor with the complexities of legal and personal challenges.
• Cast: Richard Roxburgh, Matt Day, Adrienne Pickering

Operation Buffalo

• Genre: Comedy
• First Episode: 31 May 2020
• Setting: New South Wales and South Australia
• Summary: Inspired by true events, this series humorously depicts the challenges faced during British nuclear testing in Australia.
• Cast: Ewen Leslie, James Cromwell, Jessica de Gouw

The Bureau of Magical Things

• Genre: Fantasy
• First Episode: 8 July 2018
• Setting: Brisbane and the Gold Coast
• Summary: A teenager discovers a magical realm where she possesses powers that can unite various magical species.
• Cast: Kimie Tsukakoshi, Julian Cullen, Mia Milnes

Conclusion

The diverse range of Australian shows available on Netflix not only entertains but also reflects the unique cultural narratives and societal issues of Australia. With a blend of genres and themes, these series offer something for everyone, making them a worthy alternative to Hollywood productions.

Key Insights

• Australian television continues to evolve, gaining recognition for its originality and storytelling.
• The global reach of platforms like Netflix allows Australian content to find audiences far beyond its borders.

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