American TV may have kickstarted the binge-watch phenomenon, but Australians are doing a fine job at taking up the mantle ourselves, thanks very much. With homegrown television shows this good, how can we not? From long-form dramas to short, snappy sketch comedies, Australian creatives are clearly pushing the envelope when it comes to television. So find some time in your busy schedule for these great Aussie shows. 

#1 Wentworth

Orange Is The New Black fans, here is your Aussie equivalent, only it’s less light-hearted comedy and more actual prison drama; think drug mules, inmate gangs and grisly deaths. Set in Wentworth Correctional Facility for women, the story follows Bea, who’s convicted of attempting to murder her abusive husband. We’re now up to season five of this gripping award-winning drama –all five seasons are available on  Foxtel, with a sixth season in the pipeline.

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#2 The Kettering Incident

Mysterious disappearances, aliens, and forbidden forests. Did we mention aliens? The Kettering Incident is like The X Files for grown ups, complete with a character-driven narrative and gorgeous cinematography thanks to the Tasmanian wilderness. Elizabeth Debicki’s performance in the lead role of Dr Anna Macy is not to be missed. Season one is available to watch now on Foxtel.

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#3 Glitch

Australian Netflix original Glitch is the glorious love child of a police drama and a zombie-horror, telling the story of police sergeant James Hayes (played by Patrick Brammall), who finds himself solving the crimes of the (un)dead. Six long-dead, small-town locals decide to leave their graves, triggering a freakish series of events that leave Hayes thoroughly flummoxed.

As is the case with most Netflix originals, Glitch is extremely addictive, but you’ll have to wait a little while longer for season two. The first six episodes airing on Netflix will have to do – for now.

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#4 Cleverman

A smart, compelling futuristic drama series rooted in Indigenous Australian mythology, this much-acclaimed series touches on contemporary racism. Hunter Page-Lochard plays Koen West, a ‘Cleverman’ with super-human abilities who’s called on to protect creatures known as Hairypeople from violence and marginalisation at the hands of regular human beings. Thrilling narrative aside, the show boasts an 80 percent Indigenous cast, which is reason enough to binge Cleverman on iview.

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#5 Seven Types Of Ambiguity

Two words for Australian film and television fanatics: Hugo. Weaving. Seven Types Of Ambiguity is a screen adaptation of a 2003 novel by Australian writer Elliot Perlman, delving deep into a psychological mystery told from the shifting, cloudy perspectives of seven characters. A messy tangle of relationships is triggered when a child is taken from his school, and psychologist Alex Klima (played by Weaving) is enlisted to help find him. Season 1 is available to watch on iview now.

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#6 Rake

Beloved Australian actor Richard Roxburgh plays a criminal defence lawyer who has more than a few demons of his own. Cleaver Greene is an ex-drug addict, hated by his colleagues, and has a teensy gambling problem to contend with. Plus, he has to wear a funny white wig on the reg. Seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Netflix.

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#7 A Place To Call Home

You know if fans wage a successful campaign to bring a show back from cancellation, it’s gonna be good (CC: The Mindy Show, Community).

Such is the case with A Place To Call Home, which Foxtel brought back from the dead after it was axed from the Seven Network.

Set in 1950s rural Australia, A Place To Call Home follows the Bligh family through trials and tribulations that test more than a few friendships. Marta Dusseldorp plays Sarah Adams, the mysterious protagonist seeking a new life after WWII in London. All seasons are available on Foxtel, with season five due later this year.

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#8 Black Comedy

Australia’s first Indigenous sketch show since 1973 is overtly irreverent and provocative in all the right ways. Starring some of the funniest indigenous writers and performers in the country, plots and characters poke fun at the modern Indigenous experience, and prove that nothing is sacred. It’s currently available for purchase on iview, and trust us: it’s worth the dollars.

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#9 Secret City

A political thriller packed full of intrigue, drama and conspiracy, Secret City tells the story of a senior political journalist who uncovers a complex web of geopolitical secrets. Tension between China and America builds to boiling point, and lives are in danger. Whatever you do, don’t miss Damon Herrimon’s Logie award-winning performance as Kim Gordan (trust us, it’s worth a binge). All episodes are now available on Foxtel.

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Feature image: Wentworth

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Ready to binge-watch some Aussie TV? Foxtel Now is currently offering a 2-week free trial, so you can stream your favourite shows, all in the one place. Sign up here.