The Ultimate Guide to the Best Australian TV Series: From Heartbreak High to Wentworth

Looking for the best Australian TV series to binge on? Look no further! We've compiled a list of the most captivating and unforgettable shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From thrilling crime dramas to heartwarming coming-of-age stories, this collection has it all. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with compelling storylines, talented actors, and a taste of Australian culture. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to be hooked by the best Australian TV series out there!

A Place to Call Home

Image via Acorn TV

A Place to Call Home is a captivating period drama that takes place in rural New South Wales during the 1950s. It revolves around the life of Sarah Adams (Marta Dusseldorp), a woman who returns to Australia after spending 20 mysterious years in France with her husband following World War II.

As Sarah adjusts to her new life in a small Australian town, she becomes entangled with the wealthy and aristocratic Bligh family. She encounters many challenges with the strict matriarch, Elizabeth Bligh (Noni Hazlehurst), and experiences moments of both love and loss throughout the six-season series. Complete with breathtaking shots of rural Australia and exquisite period sets and fashion, if you enjoyed Downton Abbey, you'll likely find great enjoyment in this Australian counterpart.

Be Dragons

Be Dragons is a remarkable Australian sports documentary that chronicles the inaugural season of the Geelong Dragons, the first-ever AFL team for individuals with disabilities. It beautifully showcases how sport has the power to bring people together, and it tells an inspirational story that will touch even the most hardened hearts.

Release Date: July 13, 2019Seasons: 1 (2019)Genre: Sport

The Code

Two brothers unintentionally expose a high-level government cyber-conspiracy, resulting in a thrilling and suspenseful story. This edge-of-your-seat series features an exceptional cast that includes David Wenham, Anthony LaPaglia, and the iconic Lucy Lawless, known for her role as Xena the Warrior Princess.

Release Date: September 21, 2014Seasons: 2 (2014-2016)Genre: Drama, Thriller

Class of '07

Where can I watch it? Prime Video

The lively and entertaining events of a high school reunion take an unexpected turn in this clever series. Class of '07 combines elements of post-apocalyptic storytelling with a humorous and relatable narrative. Starring Emily Browning, this show explores what happens when a school reunion collides with a catastrophic natural disaster. Prepare for moments of absolute hilarity.

Dive Club (2021)

Dive Club is a captivating Australian teen drama that first premiered in 2021. The series takes an intriguing turn when a group of friends and divers discover that one of their own has gone missing, leading to a desperate search for their beloved companion.

Dive Club offers a perfect blend of heart, drama, and mystery as it unravels the secrets surrounding the missing diver. While fans eagerly await news of a potential second season, new viewers can immerse themselves in this enthralling Australian drama on Netflix.

NEXT: 10 Australian Horror Movies You Need to See

Glitch

In a small town in Victoria, seven individuals inexplicably come back to life with no recollection of their identities. This thought-provoking series can be likened to HBO's acclaimed 'The Leftovers' in terms of its exploration of the human condition. With high production values, Glitch immerses viewers in a captivating blend of drama and sci-fi.

Release Date: July 9, 2015Seasons: 3 (2015-2019)Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi

The Gloaming

Image via Starz

If you're in the mood for a dark and atmospheric crime drama infused with supernatural elements, then The Gloaming is the perfect choice. This intriguing series draws inspiration from the haunted history of Tasmania, and follows the journey of police detectives Molly McGee (Emma Booth) and Alex O'Connell (Ewen Leslie) as they investigate the murder of a woman near Hobart. Their investigation leads them down a captivating rabbit hole that connects to a 20-year-old unsolved case, corruption, cults, and a longstanding Tasmanian mystery. While currently only one series is available, there are talks of a potential second season in the works.

Heartbreak High

Where can I watch it? Netflix

Heartbreak High is a beloved reboot of the iconic 90s high school series that took Netflix by storm when it premiered last year. The show has struck a chord with audiences worldwide, and a second season is already in the works. There are many reasons to love Heartbreak High - from its superb cast to its diverse storytelling, fun costumes, and exceptional production design. This authentically Australian show captures the essence of the country in the most beautiful way possible. Brace yourself for a second season that promises to be just as extraordinary.

3. Wellmania

Where can I watch it? Netflix 

Wellmania is a highly addictive comedy series created by the talented Celeste Barber. The show follows a food writer (played by Barber herself) who embarks on a journey to pursue her dream job. However, to achieve her dreams, she must leave her hard-partying lifestyle behind and focus on regaining her well-being during a trip from New York to her hometown of Sydney. With a supporting cast that includes Remy Hii, Alexander Hodge, and Simone Kessell, this series promises endless fun and laughter.

4. Deadloch

Where can I watch it? Prime Video 

Love murder mysteries? Deadloch will captivate you with its unique twist on the genre. This series follows the classic formula of a small town, a big city detective, and a mysterious crime, but adds a delightful touch of comedy. Created by the talented duo Kates McCartney and McLennan from The Katering Show, Deadloch expertly subverts expectations and injects layers of satire and humor into the storyline. Set in the beautiful backdrop of Tasmania, this series offers exceptional comedic performances by an outstanding cast. If you crave a cozy crime series with a dose of Aussie humor, Deadloch is a must-watch.

Jack Irish

Image via Acorn TV

Marta Dusseldorp adds her extraordinary talent to the crime drama series Jack Irish. Set in Melbourne, the show revolves around the character of Jack Irish, brilliantly portrayed by Guy Pearce. Jack Irish is a former criminal lawyer who becomes a private investigator and debt collector after his wife's murder and his subsequent fall from grace in his legal career.

The gripping storyline is adapted from crime fiction novels written by Peter Temple. Originally developed as a three-part miniseries, Jack Irish eventually expanded into a full-fledged television series spanning three seasons. If you're a fan of action-packed crime thrillers filled with corruption, plot twists, and turns, Jack Irish is a must-watch.

Please Like Me

Created by and starring comedian Josh Thomas, Please Like Me is a deeply personal series that tackles serious issues with grace and humor. This unique blend of comedy and drama surpasses other Australian TV shows when it comes to evoking deep emotions and pathos.

Release Date: February 28, 2013Seasons: 4 (2013-2016)Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Mighty Car Mods

Mighty Car Mods is an immensely popular Australian YouTube channel that has captured the hearts of DIY car enthusiasts worldwide. Hosted by MOOG and Marty, this channel started as a garage project but quickly became a global sensation. Despite its widespread success, it has never lost its Australian sense of humor.

Release Date: December 14, 2007 (original release)Seasons: 9 (2008-present)Genre: Documentary, Comedy, Cars

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

Image via Acorn TV

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is a captivating historical mystery and drama series set in 1920s Melbourne. Based on the mystery novels by Kerry Greenwood, both the TV series and the novels revolve around the life of private detective Phryne Fisher, played brilliantly by Essie Davis.

Spanning three seasons, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries immerses viewers in a world filled with flapper fashion, intriguing characters, and captivating murder mysteries. The creators, Deb Cox and Fiona Eagger, describe Phryne Fisher as one of the first feminists - a unique blend of a James Bond action hero and impeccable fashion sense.

Mr Inbetween

Image via FX

Mr Inbetween is a dark and offbeat comedic drama that follows the complex life of Ray Shoesmith (Scott Ryan). While working as an assassin, Ray also juggles the roles of a father, divorcé, brother, and boyfriend, leading to a constant struggle to maintain a balance between his personal and professional life.

Throughout its three seasons, Mr Inbetween provides a uniquely humanistic and comedic portrayal of a seemingly cold-blooded killer. Set mostly in Sydney and based on Scott Ryan's 2005 feature film The Magician, this series offers a captivating exploration of Ray's challenges as he tries to prevent his violent tendencies from affecting his personal relationships.

Offspring

Image via Netflix

If you're in search of a lighthearted and quirky romantic comedy set in Melbourne, look no further than Offspring. This delightful series features a wonderful mix of hot doctors, a dysfunctional family, and lovable characters, making it an unbeatable combination for fans of romantic comedies. Prepare to become fully immersed in the life of obstetrician Nina Proudman (Asher Keddie) as she navigates her way through her early 30s. With its realistic, flawed, and lovable characters, along with flashbacks, animations, and fantasy sequences, Offspring offers a truly unique viewing experience that will leave you humming Nina's ringtone for days.

Pine Gap (2018)

Pine Gap is a compelling miniseries that originally premiered on Netflix before finding its way onto ABC. This international thriller delves into the realms of politics, intrigue, and betrayal over the course of its six episodes, delivering a captivating story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With a stellar cast that includes Steve Toussaint, known for his recent role as Lord Corlys Velaryon in HBO's House of the Dragon, Pine Gap offers a thrilling binge-watch experience.

Rake

Rake, starring Richard Roxburgh as the charismatic Cleaver Greene, is a remarkable Australian comedy-drama that follows the complex and often hilarious life of a Sydney criminal defense barrister. Full of wit and charm, this series captures the essence of Roxburgh at the height of his acting prowess.

Release Date: November 4, 2010Seasons: 5 (2010-2018)Genre: Comedy, Drama

Rosehaven

Image via SundanceTV

Rosehaven is a down-to-earth comedy series that revolves around the lives of two friends who decide to move to a small town in Tasmania. The show follows Daniel McCallum (Luke McGregor) as he returns to his hometown of Rosehaven to assist his mother in her real estate business. To his surprise, his best friend from the mainland, Emma Dawes (Celia Pacquola), also joins him in this new chapter of their lives after a failed marriage.

As they navigate the ups and downs of life and friendship in Rosehaven, they encounter eccentric neighbors and confront unresolved issues from their past. Created and written by real-life best friends Luke and Celia, this series exudes authenticity and offers a delightful portrayal of genuine human connections.

Round the Twist

For an entire generation of Australians, Round the Twist holds a special place in their hearts as the epitome of Australian children's TV. Created by author Paul Jennings, this mind-bending series continues to be one of the most memorable and beloved shows in Australian TV history. With its iconic theme song and captivating storytelling, Round the Twist represents the essence of Australian television.

Release Date: April 3, 1989Seasons: 4 (1989, 1992, 2000, 2001)Genre: Family, Comedy, Fantasy

Secret City

Secret City stands out as a high-quality political thriller on Australian TV, boasting a first-rate cast that includes Oscar-winner Jacki Weaver and Mindhunter's Anna Torv. Based on a series of novels by journalist Chris Uhlmann, this series taps into real-world political fears and intrigue to deliver a compelling and high-stakes storyline that strikes close to home.

Release Date: June 5, 2016Seasons: 2 (2016-present)Genre: Political Drama, Thriller, Mystery

Secret Life of Us

Secret Life of Us follows the lives of a group of 20-somethings residing in a St Kilda apartment block. When it premiered in 2001, it featured an impressive lineup of young Australian actors. Setting the tone for Australian young adult drama for the next 20 years, this series built on a familiar dramatic formula to create an enduring and relatable narrative.

Release Date: July 16, 2001Seasons: 4 (2001-2006)Genre: Drama

Sisters

Another hit Australian series on Netflix, Sisters initially aired on Network Ten before making its streaming debut. This series follows the life of Julia Bechly, whose father reveals a shocking secret - he used his own sperm during his career as an IVF specialist. As Julia meets her numerous siblings, she discovers that only two of them are female. Sisters tackles a unique and intriguing premise that has resonated with viewers.

Release Date: October 25, 2017Seasons: 1 (2017-)Genre: Drama

Stateless

Image via Netflix

Based on true stories, Stateless weaves together the remarkable journeys of four strangers whose lives intersect at an immigration detention center in the Australian outback. The series intelligently explores how a woman escaping a cult, an Afghan refugee, an office worker, and a bureaucrat find their lives intertwined in unexpected ways. Beyond its gripping narrative, Stateless offers a humanistic and authentic portrayal of the lives affected by the harsh realities of Australia's immigration detention system.

Co-created by the talented Cate Blanchett, who also has a small feature role, Stateless exemplifies high quality and exceptional acting. Although it only consists of one season with six episodes, this series has a profound impact that resonates long after the final credits roll.

The InBESTigators (2019)

This recently released Australian television show revolves around a group of fifth-grade children who take on the role of neighborhood detectives. This comedy mockumentary has two seasons available for streaming on Netflix.

Led by the observant Maudie, the group works together as a team to solve various mysteries in each episode. It's a lighthearted and family-friendly series similar to a detective show, but without the gritty elements found in other crime shows on this list.

The Cry

Image via ABC/BBC One

Another emotional and intense series is The Cry. This limited series, consisting of four episodes, tells the heart-wrenching story of new mother Joanna (Jenna Coleman) and her husband Alistair (Ewen Leslie) whose four-month-old son Noah goes missing during a trip to Australia.

The show explores how Joanna and Alistair cope with the aftermath of this tragedy, both on personal levels and within their fragile relationship, all while being relentlessly pursued by the media. With outstanding performances and breathtaking visuals, this series will keep you captivated with its unexpected twists and turns.

The InBESTigators (2019)

This recently released Australian television show revolves around a group of fifth-grade children who take on the role of neighborhood detectives. This comedy mockumentary has two seasons available for streaming on Netflix.

Led by the observant Maudie, the group works together as a team to solve various mysteries in each episode. It's a lighthearted and family-friendly series similar to a detective show, but without the gritty elements found in other crime shows on this list.

Tales By Light (2015-2018)

Tales By Light is an Australian documentary series produced by National Geographic that showcases the journeys of several photographers as they capture breathtaking images of the natural world. All three seasons of this series are available for streaming on Netflix.

Despite comprising only twelve episodes across its three seasons, Tales By Light offers a captivating and awe-inspiring watch for nature documentary enthusiasts. It's an epic docuseries that won't disappoint.

The Gloaming

Image via Starz

If you're in the mood for a dark crime drama with a touch of the supernatural, The Gloaming is a series you won't want to miss. Inspired by Tasmania's haunted history, the show follows police detectives Molly McGee (Emma Booth) and Alex O'Connell (Ewen Leslie) as they investigate a murder near Hobart. Their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole involving a 20-year-old cold case, corruption, cults, and a long-standing Tasmanian mystery. Currently, only one season is available, but there are plans for a second season.

Tidelands

Part murder mystery and part supernatural thriller, Tidelands is the first original Australian series produced by Netflix, and its intriguing premise alone explains why. After returning to her hometown of Orphelin Bay, a former criminal sets out to uncover the secrets surrounding the town and its unique inhabitants known as Tidelanders, who are part-human and part-siren.

Release Date: December 14, 2018Seasons: 1 (2018)Genre: Crime, Drama, Fantasy

Underbelly

Australia's answer to American crime epics like The Sopranos, Underbelly is a prestigious drama series that managed to captivate both critics and audiences. From chronicling Melbourne's infamous gangland murders to delving into the sleazy world of Sydney's Kings Cross, Underbelly dominated Australian TV for nearly a decade with six seasons and multiple spin-offs between 2008 and 2013. Without a doubt, Underbelly stands as one of the best Australian TV series ever produced.

Release Date: February 13, 2008Seasons: 6 (2008-2013)Genre: Crime, Drama, History, Mystery

Upright

Image via Entertainment One

Upright tells the story of the unlikely pairing of stressed and jaded Lucky (Tim Minchin) and spirited teenage runaway Meg (Milly Alcock), who find themselves brought together by chance in the Australian outback following a car crash. Their shared goal of transporting Lucky's upright piano across Australia from Sydney to his mother's house in Perth leads to an adventure filled with misadventures and meaningful conversations that strengthen their bond.

The show is a blend of strangeness, absurdity, and melancholy, ultimately offering a heartwarming exploration of the ups and downs of life, complemented by stunning Australian outback landscapes. Similar to The Gloaming, a second season is in development.

Wakefield

Image via Showtime

Are you open to musical interludes in a dramatic series? If so, you'll find Wakefield to be a refreshing and thought-provoking watch. This show follows psychiatric nurse Nik (Rudi Dharmalingam) in his workplace at a Blue Mountains psychiatric institution, where we meet the patients and staff while unraveling Nik's personal life and family history.

Thoughtfully exploring the fine line between sanity and insanity, Wakefield is an original, well-executed, and moving series consisting of eight episodes in its first season.

Wanted

When two strangers collide in a dramatic and unexpected manner, they find themselves on the run with only each other to rely on. Wanted, thanks in large part to the performances of Rebecca Gibney and Geraldine Hakewill, has become a must-watch TV series. It's no wonder that Wanted is considered one of the best Australian TV shows available.

Release Date: February 9, 2016Seasons: 3 (2016-present)Genre: Drama

Wentworth

Image via SoHo/Fox Showcase

Wentworth is a series loosely based on the popular 1980s show Prisoner. This modern adaptation focuses on the journey of inmate Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack) as she navigates her way through prison life, starting with her entry into a correctional facility while awaiting trial for the attempted murder of her husband. Over eight seasons, viewers witness Bea's transformation as she rises to the top of the prison hierarchy.

As the series progresses, Wentworth expands its focus to include the lives of other inmates and prison staff, adding dynamism and depth to the show. If you enjoyed Orange is the New Black but crave more thrilling drama and an Australian setting, Wentworth is the perfect choice.

These are just a few of the incredible Australian TV series that have captivated viewers around the world. Whether you're in the mood for gut-wrenching drama, gripping crime thrillers, or heartwarming comedies, there's something on this list for everyone. From the beloved classics like "Heartbreak High" and "Round the Twist" to the newer gems like "Dive Club" and "Wakefield," Australian TV continues to produce quality storytelling that keeps us hooked. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to a world of captivating storytelling from the land down under.