This post is especially for Fiona Lynne who, during the most recent What I'm Into link up, said, "It’s funny that these British shows (Downton, Call the Midwife, Sherlock) are just going all over the world at the moment! Are there any Aussie shows we should be watching?!"
So, for my non-Aussie bloggy friends, here are my Top 5 Australian television programs (only includes those currently screening - wait for another post on past shows). This is by no means an exhaustive or 'Best Of' list; just my own favourites, in no particular order.
I've kept my descriptors short, sweet and spoiler free!
This family dramedy begins with Dave and Julie Rafter celebrating 25 years of marriage with their three grown children and relishing a newly empty nest. Of course it doesn't take long before that all changes.
For fans of Parenthood
This new period drama opens in 1953 on an ocean liner travelling from England to Australia. A mysterious Australian nurse working on board crosses paths with the even more mysterious Bligh family. She discovers a potentially devastating secret about one family member but appears to be hiding a few more of her own.
Downton Abbey meets Revenge
Based on the bestselling coming of age novel by Gabrielle Carey and Kathy Lette, beloved characters are faithfully brought to life along with new and peripheral ones. The universal story of the treacherous path through adolescence is set in the unique and beautifully reconstructed era of 1970s Australia.
Mad Men meets Skins
Equal parts hilarity and heartbreak, the story centers around thirty-something Melbourne obstetrican Nina Proudman, her colourful family and work colleagues, romantic misadventures and vivid fantasy life.
Ally McBeal meets Grey's Anatomy meets The Mindy Project - but so much better than all three!
The story of four men and four very different Melbourne families. From retired and twice divorced, Lewis, to hapless part-time worker, Mark, disgraced footballer and absentee father, Justin and stay at home gay dad, Kane; this show is less about gender stereotypes and more of a celebration of family, fatherhood and mateship.
Modern Family meets Married, Single, Other
If you don't live in Australia or New Zealand, some or all of these shows might be difficult to find but if you can, you know they have my stamp of approval - for whatever that's worth!
Offspring sounds like it's totally up my alley. This is a fun post!
Posted by: Leigh Kramer | 05/14/2013 at 09:56 PM
Offspring should be up everyone's alley. It is the best ever. Season 4 returns in one week so just FYI my tweets will get frequent and probably obnoxious! ;)
Posted by: AdeleChapman2 | 05/15/2013 at 08:05 AM
Yes, Offspring sounds so good! Your description makes me think of Hart of Dixie, which I love. Also? You have a show called PUBERTY Blues? Does that seem weird to people? Because it seems like such a weird title. Am I crazy here???
Posted by: Mary | 05/16/2013 at 11:46 AM
I guess it does sound weird! It doesn't to us because we've all grown up with the novel (and the movie made in the 80s) the show is based on - basically a modern Australian classic. Thanks for coming by, Mary. And yes, Offspring is fabulous - although my descriptors may have been a little off - it's, um, nothing like Hart of Dixie! Sorry! ;)
Posted by: Adele Chapman | 05/16/2013 at 12:10 PM
Offspring sounds so good! Also A Place to Called Home. On a boat?! That's awesome. I love that you wrote this! I feel so much more multi-cultural now :)
Posted by: Fiona Lynne Koefoed-Jespersen | 05/22/2013 at 04:07 AM
Glad you liked it, Fiona. :)
Posted by: Adele Chapman | 05/23/2013 at 05:35 PM