Discover the top Australian TV shows of 2023 as nominated for the Aacta Awards, including standout series like The Newsreader and Love Me. Explore the best drama, miniseries, and narrative comedy shows that have captivated audiences and solidified Australia's place in the global television landscape.
The Best Australian TV Shows of 2023: Aacta Awards Nominations and Standout Series
( Credit to: Theguardian )
The 2023 Aacta awards are just around the corner, and while industry insiders are buzzing with excitement, the general public remains largely indifferent. However, this year has been a standout period for Australian television, with an abundance of well-produced shows hitting our screens.
The Aacta nominations for best drama series and best miniseries are filled with exceptional content. With the exception of one show, all the nominees are solid and highly regarded. Among them are The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, a beautifully shot series, Safe Home, a powerful drama tackling domestic violence, The Clearing, a thrilling story about a doomsday cult, and In Our Blood, a rousing musical with a few rough edges.
Two standout shows that deserve immediate attention are The Newsreader and Love Me. The Newsreader takes us back to the 80s and revolves around a TV newsroom. With engaging storylines, well-developed characters, and top-notch performances, including Anna Torv and Sam Reid as romantically involved news anchors, this series is a class act. Love Me follows a middle-class Melbourne family as they navigate personal and romantic challenges. With a rock-solid cast including Hugo Weaving, Bojana Novakovic, William Lodder, and Heather Mitchell, this show is also not to be missed.
Outstanding Narrative Comedy Series: Deadloch and Colin From Accounts
In the best narrative comedy series category, two absolute gems stand out. Deadloch, created and written by Kates McCartney and McLennan, injects fresh blood into the police procedural genre. The series follows a boisterous detective, played by Madeleine Sami, who teams up with a small-town cop, portrayed by Kate Box, to solve grisly murders.
Another standout is Colin From Accounts, a delightful romcom created, written by, and starring Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall. This series, which premiered in December 2022, has already received rave reviews, including a five-star rating from Lucy Mangan.
Notable Mentions: The Messenger and The Artful Dodger
While the Aactas have recognized many outstanding shows, there are a few that didn't make the cut but are still worth mentioning. The Messenger is a surreal and noirish story about a teenage cab driver who receives mysterious playing cards with addresses on them, leading him to solve various problems.
Another notable mention is The Artful Dodger, a zippy Dickensian comedy that transports the famous character from Oliver Twist to Australia, where he now works as a surgeon.
Looking Ahead to 2024: Promising Shows on the Horizon
Looking ahead to 2024, the question arises of whether this wave of quality content can continue. Early signs are promising, despite streaming platforms investing less in local productions. The second season of The Tourist, which reunites Jamie Dorman's amnesiac protagonist with Constable Helen Chambers, has already garnered attention for its thrilling twists. Additionally, the adaptation of Trent Dalton's acclaimed novel, Boy Swallows Universe, has received positive reviews.
However, the standout series of the year so far is Prosper, a gripping drama set in a megachurch, filled with sordid twists and turns.
With so many impressive shows to choose from, it's a great problem to have. Australian television is thriving, and audiences have been treated to a plethora of high-quality content. Whether recognized by the Aactas or not, these shows have captivated viewers and solidified Australia's place in the global television landscape.