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Ready, set, rewatch: The 15 best scripted Aussie shows of the past 25 years available to stream now

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Ready, set, rewatch: The 15 best scripted Aussie shows of the past 25 years available to stream now

From the quiet loveliness of ABC favourites Seachange and Fisk, to the hilarity of Kath and Kim, the nail-biting tension of Wentworth, and the global phenomenon that is Bluey, there’s been no shortage of excellent locally-produced shows this past quarter century.

Here are our top picks for the shows that have stood the test of time, hold up on a re-watch and sit right up there with the best TV produced anywhere in the world.

SeaChange

When it ran: 1998–2000, 2019

Where to watch: ABC iView

Camera IconSigrid Thornton and William McInness starred in SeaChange. Credit: Unknown/Fairfax

The stranglehold that Diver Dan had on us all when this show aired! Swoon! But it wasn’t just David Wenham’s now-iconic portrayal of the charmingly disheveled fisherman that had us hooked on this sweet show about a city magistrate (Sigrid Thornton) who moves to a sleepy coastal hamlet. Rather, the performances of the brilliant ensemble cast — faultless. Well worth a rewatch.

Kath & Kim

When it ran: 2002–2007, 2022

Where to watch: 7Plus &

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It’s hard to overestimate the cultural impact of this nice, different unuuuuusual show from comedians Gina Riley and Jane Turner, which details the lives of mother/daughter duo Kath and Kim. Shot in a mockumentary style, the show skewers life in the Aussie ‘burbs in a way few outside the country could possibly understand — yet international audiences continue to lap it up. Grab the Dippity Bix and settle in for a rewatch.

Fisk

When it ran: 2021-

Where to watch: ABC iView

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ABC./Supplied

How did a show about a wills and probate lawyer become a worldwide TV hit? Not entirely sure, but we’re loving this for creator Kitty Flanagan, who portrays the brown-suited titular character in this globally popular series. Three seasons in, Fisk continues to strike a chord, with its recent premiere becoming ABC’s all-time highest-rated episode of any non-kids show. It’s the little show that could.

Heartbreak High

When it ran: 1994-1996, 2020-

Where to watch:

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. Credit: Supplied/
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If you were a teenager in the ’90s, chances are you watched — and loved — this show, all about students at fictional Hartley High. If you are a teenager in the 2020s, chances are you are also watching — and loving — this show, which has had a reboot thanks to

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, who have managed to maintain the essence of this iconic teen series while refreshing it for a modern audience. Reassuringly, the fashion remains unchanged.

Love My Way

When it ran: 2004–2007

Where to watch: Stan

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It’s been 20 years since the first season of this iconic Aussie drama aired and we’re STILL thinking about that devastating episode, which saw a major character’s unexpected death sent an entire audience into deep grief. This series, which stars Claudia Karvan, plus Brendan Cowell, Asher Keddie and Dan Wylie in their breakout roles, remains one of the best local dramas ever crafted.

Underbelly S1

When it ran: 2008

Where to watch: 9Now

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OK, so its spinoffs are best left unmentioned, but there can be no denying that the first season of Underbelly, which detailed the exploits of Melbourne crime boss Carl Williams (Gyton Grantley) and his associates, was a stunningly great piece of television. Boasting some fantastic performances (particularly from Grantley and Kat Stewart, who played Carl’s wife) it was a fascinating snapshot of a truly wild time in recent history.

Bluey

When it ran: 2018–

Where to watch: ABC iVIew

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ABC

This unassuming Aussie cartoon about a family of Blue Heeler dogs is the biggest show in the world right now — it’s THAT popular. So popular, in fact, that not only did it top the ratings both here and in the ***, it also did the unthinkable, becoming the most-watched show on American TV with an astonishing 35 billion minutes watched last year. And yes, you read that right — billion.

Forget the last 25 years, this is the greatest Aussie TV show of all time.

Please Like Me

When it ran: 2013–2016

Where to Watch: ABC iView

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ABC

This semi-autobiographical series from Aussie comedian Josh Lawson could easily have been a bit of fluff. But thanks to some sharp writing and the brilliantly understated performances of its central cast, it stands as a modern comedy classic. A word of warning though: while it might seem a bit of fun on the surface, this brilliantly nuanced series packs an emotional punch — particularly the final season. The perfect mix of light and shade — a must-see.

Wentworth

When it ran: 2013–2021

Where to watch: Binge

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Rebooting 1980s classic Prisoner for a new audience was always going to be a big ask. But Foxtel absolutely nailed it with this sensational re-imagining, which had fans transfixed over eight nail-biting seasons. Genuinely engaging and boasting a faultlessly excellent ensemble cast across its many seasons, Wentworth, has legions of fans worldwide, who still regularly converge at “Wentworth-****” conventions to celebrate its excellence.

The Newsreader

When it ran: 2021–2025

Where to watch: ABC iView

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ABC

This is a relatively new addition to the list, but well and truly deserves a berth, thanks to its engaging premise and the performances of its central cast, which includes Anna Torv and Sam Reid as the ‘80s newsreader duo at the heart of the story. The perfect blend of compelling drama and nostalgic kick-backs, this series finishes up with season three, set to debut on February 2.

The Secret Life of Us

When it ran: 2001-2005

Where to watch: 7Plus

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There’s still something charming about popping on an episode of this early 2000s drama, which acts as a kind of time-capsule to a bygone era, before smart phones and technology took over youth culture. Oh for this long-gone idyll, when flat-sharing in St Kilda was still affordable, and the cast made it all seem so impossibly glamorous to be living over east. Take us back!

Mystery Road

When it ran: 2018-

Where to watch: ABC iView

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ABC

It started out as a movie, later moving to television, with Aaron Pedersen stepping into the role of Jay Swan. Producers managed to maintain everything viewers loved about the atmospheric films, introducing a whole new audience to Jay’s exploits. In 2022 we got yet another iteration, as Mark Coles Smith stepped in to play Swan in his younger years in the Origin spin-off. Good news for fans — another Origin series is on the way this year.

Colin from Accounts

When it ran: 2022–

Where to watch: Binge

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Real life couple Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall have created something special with their delightful rom-com, about an unlikely couple who meet after unintentionally running over a dog. They star as the aforementioned, and their chemistry is off the charts. Special shout-out to the spectacularly funny ensemble cast (which includes Perth-raised Genevieve Hegney) and the real star of the show — Colin the border terrier, played by doggie brothers Zac and Buster Fedderson. A delight.

Mr Inbetween

When it ran: 2018–2021

Where to watch: Binge

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This under-the-radar ****** comedy may have passed you by — rectify this immediately. Created and starring Scott Ryan, it’s all about Ray Shoesmith (Ryan), a hitman juggling his 9-to-5 hustle (killing people) with being a devoted partner and father to his young daughter (awkward!). Needless to say, it’s not smooth sailing. This unassuming show has a 95 per cent approval rating on Rotten tomatoes, and has been praised by critics both locally and internationally. Worth discovering.

Rake

When it ran: 2010-2018

Where to watch: ABC iView

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ABC Television

Richard Roxburgh is sensational as loose cannon criminal defence barrister Cleaver Greene — it’s hard not to get swept up in the fun of it all as you watch. This series straddles the line between drama and farce brilliantly, never taking itself too seriously. Roxborough does the impossible, actually making you like his free-wheeling troublemaker — even in his worst moments. A modern classic.



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#Ready #set #rewatch #scripted #Aussie #shows #years #stream

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