As 2023 draws to a close, it’s time to scroll through the my viewing history and look back on the streaming services delivered in 2023. Some of my favourite new shows as a young Millennial woman who prefers Australian/NZ content on streaming platforms include…
Safe Home (SBS On Demand)
SBS On Demand released the Safe Home mini-series starring Aussie talent Aisha Dee and Virginia Gay with a show that focuses on Domestic Violence from a different angle; the family violence legal service. In it we see the frustrated and burnt out staff, some of them who end up in DV situations themselves. This thriller caught my interest right from episode 1 and addresses all the layers of DV including emotional and financial abuse and how ‘just leaving’ is a lot easier said then done. A must watch for all.
Heartbreak High (Netflix)
You know it’s a good young adult (YA) show when you don’t have to be a young adult to enjoy it. Teenage life is more complicated then ever and the Netflix rebooted Heartbreak High sheds light on some of the issues unique to Gen Z. What’s better with the oversaturation of teenage American, it’s great to see an Aussie teen show taking the world by storm earlier this year and it wasn’t represented as a bogan-fest. Heartbreak high has compelling characters with different socio-economic statuses, cultures, sexualities and 2023 was a great year for neurodivergent actress Chloé Hayden and her character Quinni who got people talking and thinking about neurodivergent people in ways never seen on TV before.
Totally, Completely Fine (Stan)
Thanks to this Aussie show, ‘totally, completely fine’ is now my catchphrase whenever my life starts to fall about it. There’s a lot of layers to this show, when Vivian Cunningham inherits her Grandfather’s Sydney cliffside property, little does she know it’s a suicide hotspot and her late Grandfather has thrown her into the deep end with the responsibility of literally talking people off the edge. I love how this show portrays mental health and how depression can affect anyone. Also how mental health isn’t always textbook, not everything is black and white and sometimes the secret to helping yourself is to helping others in time of need. I can’t wait for season 2.
Ink Master, Season 14 (Paramount+)
Despite having no tattoos myself, I now consider myself a tattoo expert after watching this show. I can tell Neo-traditional from Japanese and Black and Greys. Season 14 is the best ever season of Ink Master which sees All-stars going up against each other to win $250,000. The new addition of Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden as host is casting gold. Whether you love tattoos or not, this is a great show to watch.
The Artful Dodger (Disney+)
There’s a few things I love about this show, first is Thomas Brodie-Sangster, the second is living in an age of modern medicine where I don’t need to bite down on something as I lose a limb. The Artful Dodger is set in Maritime Sydney – something I haven’t seen much of to be honest – and cleverly intertwines medical history with Oliver twist. Disney+ sunk a lot of money into this production and it really shows. I loved it and it’s a Disney+ standout for me this year.
Far North (Paramount+)
Meanwhile, across the ditch, Paramount+ produced this beauty of a show. BASED ON A TRUE STORY (No, it really is). A middle aged farming couple in Far North NZ uncover one of the biggest drug imports in NZ history and their brave story in trying to catch the crooks red handed. It broke kiwi viewing records and it really should have got a lot more attention over here. One of my favourite show’s this year.
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (Prime Video)
As a fan of Nine Perfect Strangers I had high expectations for The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and it did not disappoint. I’m not surprised it broke viewing record’s to be honest, when you make good Aussie content, the crowds will follow.
Strait to the Plate (SBS On Demand)
As a non-indigenous person who knows absolutely nothing about the Torres Strait, this was a great light show. I learnt so much about the Torres Strait and it got me wanting to learn more. It’s light-hearted TV that educates people of all ages about everything the Torres Strait has to offer and what makes all it’s islands and clans so special. Thanks Aaron Fa’aoso, I tried to make some Thursday Island style curried crayfish pie and it was amazing!
Love Me (BINGE)
Ok, I will admit, I was late to this one. On the flip side, I didn’t have to wait for this years new season to come out. Based on the Swedish original, Love Me tackles love for old people, young people and all the weird stuff that happens when we put our hearts on the line.
Wellmania (Netflix)
It’s not what you think. Wellmania and Celeste Barber take the whole wellness movement to the cleaners. Nothing is a quick fix and sometimes you need to slow down a breathe. This hilarious comedy is a proud Aussie show and brings a lot to the table.
Frasier, reboot (Paramount+)
Frasier is back in the building! And he’s just as good as where he left out. The new Frasier reboot sees Frasier now in Boston trying to reconnect with his son Freddie. Frasier himself has aged like wine and he’s still as sharp as a tack. There’s subtle nods to the original show and yet the humour is as good as the original show. One of the best reboots this year – by far.
