10 Australian Series You Can Stream Online
Australian actors like Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Rose Byrne, and Russell Crowe (just to name a few) play British so well. In addition to these amazing actors, there's some outstanding programming coming out of Australia. In recognition of Australia Day (January 26), here are ten Aussie imports you can watch online:
1. Kath and Kim
You really only need one close friend: someone to talk to, hang out with, and then you two can go off and make more friends. There's one flaw with that plan—if your main hang is your mum. That's the story with Kath (Jane Turner) and Kim (Gina Riley). This mother-daughter duo are thrown together when Kim ditches her husband of two months, and moves back home.
2. Neighbours
The U.K. may have Coronation Street, but Australia also has bragging rights with this long-running soap being on the air for 30 years. And, to top that, Australian actors who have appeared on the sudsy drama include Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Margot Robbie, Liam Hemsworth, and Kylie Minogue.
3. Summer Heights High
Chris Lilley created and stars in this mockumentary series as three different characters: Mr. G, an over-the-top drama teacher; Ja'mie King, a wannabe Queen Bee; and Jonah Takalua, a goodhearted, but misunderstood student. Sometimes you forget Lilley is one actor playing all three. The characters have sit-down confessionals talking to the camera, similar to The Office.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM_S_S7nl4I
Watch Summer Heights High on HBO GO.
Watch the first episode for free at HBO.com.
4. Farscape
You may catch Farscape on the SciFi channel, which is currently airing the Australian/American series, but you can start from the beginning with Netflix. This sci-fi space series revolves around American astronaut John Crichton (Ben Browder), who is sucked through a wormhole, ending up lost in space. He finds refuge on an alien spaceship, but actually he's the oddity being the only one of his kind: human.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWjT0Kk1fcQ
5. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Phryne (pronounced Fry-nee) Fisher, played by Essie Davis, is a 1920s sleuth in Melbourne. Her crime solving ways are based on Australian writer Kerry Greenwood's 18-book series The Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher. Fisher enjoys the finer things in life, but comes from humble beginnings, so she can relate to the masses. A former murder suspect, Dot Williams (Ashleigh Cummings), becomes Fisher's aid, and in some ways, a companion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aEqGHISwqk
Watch Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries on Netflix.
Watch Miss Fisher's Murder Mystieres on Acorn TV.
6. Wonderland
Tom Wilcox (Michael Dorman) lives in an apartment building in Sydney, which makes us think of Melrose Place, because he's friends with all of his neighbors. He gets on a little too well with the rotation of female roommates who end up in his flat. The other tenants host an intervention after an "incident" at a friend's wedding causes some tension. The ensemble cast includes Brooke Satchwell, Jessica Tovey, Tim Ross, Emma Lung, Ben Mingay, Glenn McMillan and Anna Bamford.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa5wi9pGXwk
7. The Real Housewives of Melbourne
Australia is not immune to reality television. We say that like it's a bad thing, but really, what better way to see the sights and get some insider knowledge of Melbourne. Bravo's Real Housewives found some amazing women in the Australian metropolis who were willing to let us into their fabulous homes, sizzling careers, and dynamic friendships ... and, of course, unavoidable drama. It's the same formula, different accent. And for you diehard Housewives fans, a trailer for season two of Melbourne has been released.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuGJpgkkoig
Watch The Real Housewives of Melbourne on Hulu.
8. Please Like Me
Josh Thomas is a young actor and comedian who wrote this semi-autobiographical comedy. Josh's character is named Josh, and with his girlfriend's ushering, he comes to the realization that he's gay. While dealing with this newfound information, Josh struggles with juggling his divorced parents and their needs. There's no problem liking Josh; he's absolutely adorable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_UnMGk_qwI
Watch Please Like Me on Amazon Instant.
9. The Librarians
Isn't a library supposed to be a peaceful, quiet place to collect your thoughts? These librarians, who are running the show, are quite chatty and inappropriate. Luckily for us, it's highly entertaining. The ensemble cast is made up of co-creator Robyn Butler, Roz Hammond, Heidi Arena, Wayne Hope, and Nicole Nabout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twsHcdcCd7g
10. Offspring
If you're keen on The Mindy Project, you'll enjoy the five seasons of Offspring available on Hulu. Yep, that's right, five seasons of a fresh new series (to us) to binge on. Asher Keddie plays Nina Proudman, a thirtysomething obstetrician who is super successful at being a doctor, but is ridiculously uncouth when it comes to men. She has the support of her friends, coworkers, and family, but they sometimes make things messier.
Which shows are new to you? Any of these old favorites?
See More:
Snapshot: 9 Australian Actors Who Play Brits So Well
Are You Australian?: A British Expat Discusses Mistaken Nationality in America
