ABC TV has announced the break-out summer hit program BACK ROADS will return for a second series.
Created by the ABC’s regional division, and presented by Heather Ewart, Back Roads transported audiences to some of the nation’s most remote and inspiring communities, and highlighted regional Australia’s trademark grit, generosity, humour and innovation.
Series one travelled to Ceduna in South Australia, Derby in Western Australia, Birchip and Yackandandah in Victoria, Winton and Karumba in Queensland, the Clarence River region in New South Wales and Queenstown in Tasmania.
The series completed a highly-successful eight-week run, achieving a combined metro and regional average audience of 1.2million on Monday evenings at 8pm on ABC.
In addition, there have been a total of 120,000 plays for the series so far on ABC iview.
Richard Finlayson, Director of ABC Television, said the success proved there is an unmet need for Australians to hear the stories of the bush.
“Our goal is to be the home of Australian conversations and stories and our heartland audience will be delighted that Back Roads is on the road for season two”, he said.
Fiona Reynolds, ABC Regional Director, said, “We’ve been overwhelmed with the response to the show, not only from regional Australians but our city cousins too.
“The ABC and its teams are committed to sharing regional stories, locally as well as nationally. We’ll never run out of tales to tell. There are just so many back roads to explore!”
Heather Ewart said, “It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to shine a light on the resilience of country towns and their characters. I look forward to continuing the journey with the Back Roads team this year”.
The 2016 season will air on ABC later this year.
