Damon Mcknight
Australia has produced a plethora of well-known television shows, from gritty prison dramas like Wentworth to reality TV like Farmer Wants A Wife. The country has a high demand for crime shows, with 21.5% of all show demands being for crime series, above the global share of 19.1%. Australia is also known for its comedy shows, with shows like Fisk, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Hacks ranking higher in Australia than in other markets. The country also has a knack for creating touching, dark, and honest coming-of-age stories, as well as unique takes on classic novels, such as The Artful Dodger, a Victorian-era medical drama spin-off of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Crime mysteries, comedy, reality TV, coming-of-age stories |
| Demand | One of the highest demand shares for crime shows, with 21.5% of demand for all shows |
| Comedy is the second most in-demand genre, with 7.3% of total demand for sitcoms | |
| Children's content was the 4th most in-demand subgenre, with a 4.1% share of total demand | |
| Demand for action and adventure series increases substantially for the digital original market, going from a 7.3% share to a 19.7% share | |
| Streaming platforms | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV+, HBO Max |
| Examples | Please Like Me, Bluey, Heartbreak High, Wentworth, Fisk, Jack Irish, The Office: Australia, Return to Paradise, The Mandalorian, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Hacks, Ted Lasso |
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What You'll Learn
Demand for crime shows
Australia has proven its prowess in the television industry, particularly in the realm of crime shows. This genre has gained significant traction in the country, with SBS On Demand offering an extensive selection of crime shows to cater to the demands of its viewers. As of June 2025, SBS On Demand boasted around 154 crime shows available for streaming enthusiasts.
The Australian appetite for crime shows is evident in the success of adaptations like "Jack Irish", based on Peter Temple's novels. The series revolves around an ex-lawyer-turned-private investigator and debt collector, capturing the essence of a hard-boiled crime story. This inclination towards gritty and suspenseful narratives is further exemplified by the popularity of true crime and thriller offerings on SBS On Demand.
The demand for crime shows in Australia extends beyond domestic productions. The country's streaming platforms feature a diverse range of international crime series, including gritty Italian crime dramas based on bestselling books. These shows delve into the brutal world of organised crime, offering a captivating viewing experience.
Beyond streaming platforms, Australian free-to-air television also recognises the popularity of crime shows. The Responder, a British drama airing on SBS, captivates audiences with its blend of action and suspense. The series follows a Liverpool first responder, Chris, who confronts crime, violence, and addiction during his night shifts, ultimately leading to a decline in his mental health.
The demand for crime shows in Australia is met through a variety of platforms and formats, including streaming services, free-to-air television, and adaptations of beloved novels. This demand has fostered a thriving environment for the creation and consumption of crime-focused narratives, solidifying Australia's reputation as a market that embraces the intrigue and excitement of crime storytelling.
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Reality TV
Australia has a reputation for producing excellent reality television. From long-running favourites such as Farmer Wants A Wife to new hits like Stranded On Honeymoon Island, Australian reality TV has a broad appeal. The country's reality shows are known for their drama, with Farmer Wants A Wife, for instance, featuring texting scandals, women walking off the farm, and intruders causing chaos.
Australia's reality TV shows also have a knack for creating compelling characters and storylines that resonate with audiences. The Summer I Turned Pretty, a teen rom-com, has been praised for its ability to effortlessly pull on heartstrings with angsty love triangles and all-consuming heartache.
In addition to dating and relationship-focused shows, Australia also produces popular reality TV shows in other genres. For example, the local documentary series Aussie Gold Hunters follows gold miners in Australia and has found fans worldwide. Another popular show is The Office: Australia, which is a spin-off of the beloved British series.
Australian audiences also have a strong appetite for comedy, with sitcoms being the second most in-demand genre in the country between July and September. This demand for comedy extends to streaming platforms, with comedies like Star Trek: Lower Decks, Hacks, and Ted Lasso ranking higher in Australia than in other markets.
Overall, Australia's reality TV shows are known for their ability to combine drama, comedy, and compelling characters to create highly watchable and entertaining programming.
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Sitcoms and comedy dramas
Australia has a thriving arts industry, and one of its strengths is comedy. Sitcoms and comedy dramas are incredibly popular with Australian audiences, with sitcoms accounting for 7.3% of total demand in Australia, compared to the global average of 6.8%.
One of the most well-known Australian sitcoms is Fisk, which stands out for its absurdity and the comedic chemistry of its ensemble cast. Another popular comedy is the critically acclaimed Jack Irish, starring Guy Pearce as an ex-lawyer turned private investigator/debt collector.
Other Australian comedies include Please Like Me, created by Australian comedian Josh Thomas, and Bluey, a show that has received rave reviews and a big fanbase. The Office: Australia is another example of a comedy show from Australia.
Comedy is the second most in-demand genre in Australia, with shows like Star Trek: Lower Decks, Hacks, and Ted Lasso ranking higher in Australia than in any other market.
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Children's content
Despite this, some Australian-made children's shows have gained traction internationally. For example, Bluey, a show about a family with a dad who works from home and a mum who's a museum employee, has been a huge success worldwide. It has been praised for its honest portrayal of parenting and its ability to engage both children and adults. Bluey has also received critical acclaim for its animation and character development, winning a Kidscreen Award for Best Animation in 2020.
Another popular Australian children's show is H2O: Just Add Water, which follows three teenage girls who turn into mermaids. The show has gained a cult following, with fans eagerly awaiting its return.
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Aussie movies
Australia has produced some stellar television shows over the years, and Aussie movies are no exception. From gritty crime dramas to heartfelt coming-of-age stories, Australian cinema has a lot to offer.
One of the strengths of Aussie movies is their ability to blend humour and drama effectively. For example, the comedy-drama 'Please Like Me' has received widespread acclaim, with its honest and touching portrayal of family dynamics and relationships. Similarly, 'Everything's Gonna Be Okay', created by Australian comedian Josh Thomas, tackles family themes with a healthy dose of humour and emotion.
When it comes to crime dramas, Australia excels at creating gritty and absorbing series. 'Wentworth', a prison drama, and 'Jack Irish', based on Peter Temple's novels, are prime examples of this. 'Jack Irish', in particular, has been praised for its hard-boiled storytelling, with Guy Pearce in the titular role of an ex-lawyer turned private investigator.
Australian movies also showcase a talent for dark and honest storytelling, especially in coming-of-age narratives. 'Heartbreak High' is an iconic series that explores the trials and tribulations of adolescence, resonating with audiences both locally and internationally.
In addition, Aussie movies have a reputation for unique and captivating storylines. 'Fisk', a workplace sitcom, stands out for its absurd humour and the comedic chemistry of its ensemble cast. 'The Artful Dodger', a spin-off of the Charles Dickens novel 'Oliver Twist', takes on a new life as a Victorian-era medical drama.
Lastly, Australian documentaries are also worth mentioning. 'Aussie Gold Hunters' follows local gold miners and has gained popularity both domestically and internationally.
Overall, Aussie movies showcase a diverse range of storytelling abilities, blending humour, drama, and unique narratives to create captivating and memorable cinema.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has a thriving arts industry, and its TV offerings reflect that. The country has a strong comedy scene, with sitcoms and comedy-dramas being the second most in-demand genre in the country. Australian TV also does a great job of telling dark and honest coming-of-age stories.
Some Australian comedies include *Please Like Me*, *Bluey*, and *Fisk*.
Australia has a talent for telling dark and honest coming-of-age stories. One such show is *Heartbreak High*.
