This year, television in Australia is turning 70 and to celebrate, we asked you to tell us your favourite Australian shows of the last 70 years to find out which beloved series came out on top.
After thousands of submissions from all over the country, we’ve calculated your votes to report back on the very best Aussie shows that you’re obsessed with — or can’t stop thinking about — from Australia’s television history.
While we will be announcing the top 20 live at the TV WEEK Logie Awards on August 16, we’ll be sharing the top 50 right here as we count down to the big event.
So, without further ado, here are the top 70 to 21 Australian shows of all time.
The 70 Best Australian TV Shows of All Time, Ranked
From classic Australian dramas and soaps to beloved comedies and reality TV, these are the 70 best Australian TV shows of the past 70 years, as voted by Aussie viewers.
Table of contents
- Top 70-61 shows
- Top 60-51 shows
- Top 50-41 shows
- Top 40-31 shows
- Top 30-21 shows
- Top 20-11 shows
- Top 10-1 shows
70. Puberty Blues
In 2012, Channel 10 released Puberty Blues, a coming of age tale based on the book by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey. The series followed teenage best friends Debbie Vickers (Brenna Harding) and Sue Knight (Ashleigh Cummings) as they grew up in the surfy culture within Sydney’s Sutherland Shire in the late 1970s.
The series explores themes of sexism, peer pressure, casual sex and drugs, as the girls attempt to join the popular group in town whilst also navigating challenges of adolescence and friendship.
Through Debbie and Sue’s experiences, Puberty Blues examines the complexities of growing up.
69. Full Frontal
From 1993 to 1997, sketch comedy series Full Frontal seemed to be the launching pad for some of Australia’s greatest comedic talent.
With a huge rotating cast, it launched the careers of Shaun Micallef, Kitty Flanagan, Eric Bana, and Julia Morris, just to name a few.
68. Farmer Wants A Wife
Who could forget Australia’s most successful reality dating show?
Ever since 2007, Farmer Wants A Wife has been broadcasting love stories between lonely farmers and beautiful single ladies who dream of living on a farm.
Over the years, it’s resulted in a reported 27 couples and 22 children — not too shabby!
67. Acropolis Now
Acropolis Now was a beloved Aussie sitcom which airted from 1989 to 1992. It followed Jim Stefanidis (Nick Giannopoulos) after he takes over his father’s Melbourne café, Acropolis Café, when his father decides to return home to Greece.
With a much younger new manager, the traditional café becomes a lively hot spot for young people to hangout.
Nick Giannopoulos starred as Jim, alongside Simon Palomares as his sensible best friend Ricky. Tracey Callender played the Aussie waitress Liz, Mary Coustas played Jim’s hairdresser cousin and Simon Thorpe played the Australian cook who grew up in the country and has no idea about Greek-Australian culture.
Acropolis Now became one of the most successful Australian sitcoms of the early 90s due to it’s humour and diversity, whilst showcasing the experience of Greek Australians in a way that resonated with a wide audience.
You can watch Acropolis Now on Apple TV.
66. Heartbreak High
Heartbreak High has a very special spot in the hearts of Gen X, millennials and Gen Z thanks to the Netflix remake in 2020.
But before there was Ayesha Madon as Amerie, the original television series was on our screens from 1994 to 1996. Similarly, it followed the students at a multicultural, inner-city school called Heartly High.
Unlike many teen dramas of the era, Heartbreak High didn’t shy away from the realities of teenage life. It was grittier, more honest and far more unfiltered than many of the shows that came before it.
You can watch the new generation of Heartbreak High on Netflix and the OG series on ABC iView.
65. Mr Inbetween
Mr Inbetween is an Australian drama created by Scott Ryan. It follows a man named Ray Shoesmith who walks a fine line between his life as a single dad and his work as a hit-man.
The series also stars Ryan, who’s portrayal of the ruthless yet lovable killer has been praised worldwide.
One of the most notable things about Mr. Inbetween is the brilliant, realistic dialogue between the characters.
You can watch Mr. Inbetween on Binge.
64. Colin From Accounts
Colin From Accounts is one of the newer titles on the list. First released in 2022, the series kicks off with a comical chance meeting between strangers Gordon (Patrick Brammall) and Ashley (Harriet Dyer) when a cheeky flashing from Ashley results in Gordon hitting a dog — who they proceed to name Colin — with his car.
The not-so meet cute develops into a fully-formed relationship that seems to be just as chaotic, hilarious and complex as their very first meeting.
Married couple Dyer and Brammall have just finished filming the third and final season of the beloved comedy.
You can watch Colin From Accounts on Binge.
63. The Graham Kennedy Show
The Graham Kennedy show was one of Australia’s most beloved variety and comedy shows. It first premiered in September 1972 and featured Graham — otherwise known as ‘The King’ — as he performed in sketches, musical acts and silly ad reads alongside his friend and co-star Bert Newton.
At the time, it was renown for the way it pushed the boundaries about what was appropriate on national television. And in 1975, it received some significant controversy after Kennedy mimicked a crow call which sounded like the f-word.
62. Water Rats
Water Rats was a beloved Aussie series which followed the Sydney crime force fighting crime around Sydney Harbour.
The procedural saw the Water Police unit take on a variety of cases involving murder, drugs and terrorism, all the while navigating their own personal dramas.
The series, which starred Colin Friels and Catherine McClements as detectives Frank Holloway and Rachel “Goldie” Goldstein, was on our screens for five years between 1996 and 2001.
61. The Don Lane show
From 1975 to 1983, there was one talk show that had Aussies glued to their couches twice a week — The Don Lane Show.
The talk show saw American talk show host and singer Don Lane and Bert Newton chat to a range of high profile guests. It became one of the most popular talk shows in Australian television history and boasts five Logie awards.
60. The Secret Life Of Us
Coming in at number 60 on the list of the 70 best shows of the past 70 years is The Secret Life of Us, created by acclaimed Australian television producer John Edwards.
The series follows a group of friends in their 20s living in a St Kilda apartment block, capturing the highs, lows and everyday moments of young adulthood as they navigate love, friendship, careers and life in Melbourne.
The show also became a launching pad for some of Australia’s most celebrated acting talent, helping propel the careers of Claudia Karvan, Samuel Johnson, Deborah Mailman, Abi Tucker and Joel Edgerton, among many others.
59. Hard Quiz
It’s the show that landed comedian and presenter Tom Gleeson his very own Gold Logie — Hard Quiz!
The comedy competition quiz series launched on the ABC in 2016 as a spin off of his segment “Hard Chat” from The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. The format sees every day people come on the show to be quizzed on whatever subject they choose. But along with the regular quizzing format, Tom roasts them with his signature humour.
Unlike other quiz shows with a cash prize, the winner claims a coveted Big Brass Mug and some serious bragging rights.
58. Australian Story
There’s no TV show on our screens quite like Australian Story. For 20 years and 31 seasons, the current affairs series has given us insight into the world of hundreds of Aussies from all different backgrounds.
From your everyday battlers to celebrities, Australian Story leads with heart. As a result, it has won multiple Walkley Awards and TV WEEK Logies Awards.
While the series was previously hosted by the wonderful Caroline Jones from 1996 to 2016 and is currently helmed by Leigh Sales.
57. Thank God You’re Here
We have an absolutely thriving comedy scene on Aussie television, but behind the scenes, it’s largely due to the brilliant world of improv comedy happening around the country. In 2006, improv truly got it’s time in the sun when Thank God You’re Here landed on our screens.
The series saw a group of Aussie performers be dressed up and sent through a blue door with absolutely no knowledge of what awaited them inside. Then, they had to react to the scenarios presented in a (hopefully!) hilarious way.
The series first launched on 10 and aired from April 2006 to September 2007 with the wonderful Shane Bourne as the host. It was then revived by Channel Seven in 2024 with comedian Celia Pacquola at the helm.
56. E Street
In 1989, Australia was welcomed into E Street — short for Eden Street — a tough inner-city neighbourhood in the fictional town of Westside. Like any great soap opera, the series was packed with drama, conflict and unforgettable characters.
Each week, viewers were treated to two hour-long episodes exploring the lives of the Westside community. Initially, E Street followed the gentle social commentary style of A Country Practice, but after six months, the writers shifted direction in an effort to boost ratings, introducing darker and more dramatic storylines.
The series eventually became known for pushing boundaries, with crime-driven plots, sensational twists and a willingness to go where other Australian soaps wouldn’t. Along the way, E Street also became a launching pad for several Aussie stars, including Simon Baker, Melissa Tkautz and Toni Pearen.
55. Utopia
If you simply read the plot of Utopia, you might think the premise would be dull and boring. However, thanks to some brilliant writing, sharp satire and excellent acting, the series is one of Australia’s greatest comedy classics.
Utopia follows the employees working in the National Building Authority, a government agency responsible for overseeing major infrastructure projects. The tight-knit, fairly uptight team are attempting to get through all the red tape government agencies are known for to make these projects happen but with shifting priorities and constant budget cuts, something always gets in their way.
The brilliant ensemble cast, led by Rob Sitch and featuring some of Australia’s best comedic talents, gives the show its charm through their natural performances and excellent chemistry.
The series developed a cult-like following and won multiple Logie Awards because of how relatable and hilarious the character’s ongoing workplaces frustrations were.
54. Sons and daughters
Who doesn’t love a good soap opera like Sons and Daughters? The series first premiered on Channel Seven in 1982 and almost immediately captured the attention of Australian audiences.
Sons and Daughters centred on John Palmer (Peter Phelps), a man on the run from police for a crime he didn’t commit, and Angela Hamilton (Ally Fowler), a wealthy, well-connected young woman from Sydney. The pair meet and fall in love, only to discover the shocking truth that they are actually twins who were separated at birth after their parents’ affair.
Once the dramatic revelation comes to light, the series follows the lives of their two families as they become unexpectedly intertwined, exploring love, betrayal, secrets, and the many twists and turns that made Sons and Daughters a beloved Australian television classic.
53. Gruen
The series first premiered on ABC in 2008 and quickly became a favourite among Australian audiences, offering a clever and often hilarious look behind the scenes of the advertising industry.
Hosted by Wil Anderson, Gruen takes viewers into the world of marketing, branding, and consumer psychology, exploring the tricks and techniques used by advertisers to sell everything from everyday products to big ideas.
Joined by a rotating panel of advertising experts, including industry veterans such as Todd Sampson and Russel Howcroft, the show breaks down campaigns, analyses trends, and reveals the strategies designed to influence the way we think and spend.
52. SeaChange
When high-powered city lawyer Laura (Sigrid Thornton) discovers that her husband has been arrested on charges of fraud and is having an affair with her sister, she takes her two children and leaves the city behind for a fresh start in the picturesque coastal town of Pearl Bay, where she becomes the town’s new magistrate.
Soon, Laura finds herself navigating a world of quirky local court cases, eccentric residents, and the complicated politics of small-town life.
The original series aired on the ABC from 1998 to 2000, before being revived in 2019 with SeaChange: Paradise Reclaimed.
51. Cop Shop
From 1977 to 1984, Aussies were glued to the screen when police procedural Cop Shop was on.
For seven seasons, the series followed the dramatic everyday operations of the police at the Riverside Police Station, from their dramas on the job to their just-as-dramatic personal lives.
The series included a long list of many brilliant and well-established Aussie actors including Peter Adams, Paula Duncan and the late Terence Donovan.
50. All The Rivers Run
The 1983 television adaptation of All The Rivers Run truly made an impact. Based on the Australian historical novel by Nancy Cato, the series followed an English girl named Philadelphia Gordon – played by the wonderful Sigrid Thornton – who finds herself shipwrecked just off the coast of Victoria in 1890. She grows up, and eventually, her life changes when she meets a paddle steamer captain named Brenton Edwards, played by John Waters.
The show ran for two seasons and won two TV WEEK Logie Awards.
49. Big Brother Australia
In 2001, Aussie reality television changed forever when Big Brother Australia landed on our screens. Named after the fictional all-seeing dictator from George Orwell’s 1049, the series placed a group of every-day Australians into a house under constant surveillance for our viewing pleasure with one contestant being voted out by the public each week. In theory, watching a bunch of people exist in a house together could sound boring but Big Brother was — and is — somehow scintillating viewing.
The show was originally hosted by the magnificent Gretel Killeen, narrated by Mike Goldman and hosted by channel 10. Over the years, it faced some scandals, changed formats to include Uncut episodes, game-show-esque challenges and even had network changes from 10 to Seven and back again. Despite all of these changes, Big Brother Australia has remained a fascinating part of the country’s television landscape as a social experiment, a popularity contest and a cultural phenomenon all rolled into one.
48. Gardening Australia
As it turns out, Australia certainly has a green thumb!
Gardening Australia has been on our screens teaching us all about how to make the most of our gardens since 1969. Back then, it was five-minute segment named It’s Growing hosted by gardening enthusiast Peter Cundall. In 1972 it was expanded to 15 minutes but in 1990, the series grew once again to become half-hour Gardening Australia episodes.
These days, it’s hosted by the wonderful Costa Georgiadis and a group of wonderful presenters with a passion for the outdoors every Friday on the ABC.
47. Travel Guides
When Travel Guides first premiered, we can imagine that its unique take on the travel-show format was a bit of a risk. Rather than featuring polished presenters or professional travel critics, the show followed groups of regular, everyday Australians as they became travel reviewers, critiquing everything they saw and experienced on international holidays. But it was these relatable moments that made Australia fall in love with the show — and the colourful personalities at the centre of it.
Over the years, Travel Guides has become a beloved fixture on Australian television, proving that audiences don’t always need celebrity hosts or extravagant production to be entertained.
Sometimes, all it takes is a group of everyday Australians, a holiday itinerary and plenty of honest opinions to win a Logie.
46. Rosehaven
Rosehaven follows shy and reserved Daniel (Luke McGregor), as he returns to his hometown in Tasmania — aptly called Rosehaven — to help his mother run the family business. Not long after he returns, his friend Emma (Celia Pacquola) returns to town after running away from her marriage.
Since it first premiered in 2017, Rosehaven has become an Aussie comedy classic thanks to the way it relied on the awkwardness and hilarity of everyday life on a beautiful Tasmanian backdrop.
45. Love Child
Set in Sydney’s Kings Cross in 1969, Love Child followed the story of Joan Millar (Jessica Marais), a 28-year-old midwife who returns to Australia from time spent in London. When she returns to work at Stanton House, a home for unmarried pregnant women, Joan struggles between the conservative beliefs of the time and the emergence of the cultural and sexual revolution happening at the time.
While the series was fictional, it was based on the real-life forced adoption that women went through in Australia during that era, with former Prime Minister Julia Gillard sharing a national apology in 2013. Through its compelling characters and emotional storylines, the series became more than just a period drama; it was a reminder of the real people and experiences behind some of Australia’s most significant social changes.
44. Doctor Doctor
When brilliant yet arrogant heart surgeon Dr Hugh Knight (Rodger Corser) has a rather spectacular fall from grace when he’s caught in a scandalous incident involving a drug overdose at a party, he’s banned from practicing surgery in Sydney for a year. His only way back to his high-flying lifestyle? He has to go back to his country home town of Whyhope to work as a GP in their underfunded local hospital.
The drama-comedy was an immediate hit from the moment it premiered in 2016. Rodger Corser was cast perfectly as Hugh, with an excellent supporting cast including Nicole da Silva, Ryan Johnson and Tina Bursil. The series ran for five seasons, nabbing 15 Logie nominations during its five-year run.
43. MasterChef Australia
While MasterChef Australia has only found itself as number 43 on this list, there’s no denying the incredible impact the series has had on the food literacy of Aussies since it launched in 2009. From the moment Poh Ling Yeow brought out a century egg during the season one finale to watching Adrianno Zumbo whip up a croquembouche, the show has not only taught everyday Australians new flavour combinations and techniques, but allowed us to learn more about cultures from all around the world through food.
Judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan were at the helm until 2019, when they were replaced by series four winner Andy Allen, food critic Melissa Leong and chef Jock Zonfrillo. Tragically, Jock passed away suddenly in 2023, prompting further changes to the judging panel, with Poh Ling Yeow, food writer Sofia Levin and French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli joining Andy Allen.
Now in its 18th season, MasterChef Australia remains one of the most beloved and wholesome reality shows on Australian television. More than just a cooking competition, the series has inspired generations of home cooks, encouraged curiosity about food and proven that a shared love of cooking can bring people together.
42. Underbelly
Underbelly is an Australian true-crime anthology series based on real events from the country’s criminal underworld, as documented by journalists John Silvester and Andrew Rule in their book Leadbelly: Inside Australia’s Underworld.
The first season explored the rise of Melbourne underworld figure Carl Williams and the violent gangland wars that shaped Victoria’s criminal landscape. Each season that followed focused on a different era of Australian crime, including the infamous Kings Cross nightclub scene of the late 1980s and 1990s (Underbelly: The Golden Mile), the 1920s battle between crime bosses Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh (Underbelly: Razor), and the pursuit of NSW underworld figure Anthony “Rooster” Perish as police attempted to bring him to justice (Underbelly: The Golden Mile).
Admittedly, it was an incredibly unique and fascinating premise — especially when some of the characters depicted in the series were still alive and well.
41. Russell Coight’s All Aussie Adventures
In 2001, Russell Coight’s All Aussie Adventures took the classic Australian travel and adventure show and decided to deliver pure, loud-out-loud satirical goodness on a plate.
Presented by the enthusiastic yet hopelessly accident-prone outback expert Russell Coight (played by comedian Glenn Robbins), the mockumentary followed his attempts to showcase Australia’s landscapes, wildlife and survival skills. However, he always seemed to have disastrous results along the way.
While the show looked like a traditional bush adventure program on the surface, its charm came from Russell’s complete confidence despite his never-ending mishaps.
Over the years, Russell Coight has become one of Australian television’s most recognisable comedic characters, proving that sometimes the best way to celebrate Australian culture is by poking a little fun at it.
40. Rove Live
Late night talkshows have never really captured the aussie masses like they have in the United States, however, there has been one iconic late-night show that always managed to get the country talking – Rove Live.
Rove Live was a variety show which featured comedian Rove McManus in the titular role. It kicked off in 1999 on Nine, before moving to 10 after just one season. From there, the series became one of the most talked-about shows on air due to Rove’s wild interviews, satirical news and comedy segments.
Rove Live (later just called Rove) ran for 11 seasons until 2009.
39. Bananas in Pyjamas
Sometimes when we look back at kids shows, they seem incredibly strange – Bananas in Pyjamas is no exception. The series follows two living bananas named B1 and B2 who live in a cul de sac with their friends,teddy bears Amy, Lulu and Morgan, and a rat in a hat.
Are we unlocking any memories yet?
The series launched in 1992 on the ABC and ran until 1999, but it was such a big hit that it was syndicated all over the world.
38. Australian Idol
Let’s be honest — Australian Idol needs little introduction. When the reality TV phenomenon arrived on our screens in 2003, it changed the Australian television landscape forever.
Based on the hit British series Pop Idol, Australian Idol gave aspiring singers from across the country the chance to audition for their shot at stardom, with thousands competing for a place in the top 100 in Sydney. From there, the competition was narrowed down to the top 24, then the final 12.
Each week, the remaining contestants performed a new song and received feedback from the iconic judging panel of Ian “Dicko” Dickson, Marcia Hines and Mark Holden. For the first time, viewers at home had the power to become part of the journey, voting for their favourite performers and making Australian Idol one of the most interactive television experiences Australia had seen.
37. Better Homes and Gardens
Better Homes and Gardens began as a beloved magazine covering all aspects of lifestyle, from gardening and interior design to cooking, home improvement and everything in between. With so much inspiration packed into its glossy pages, it was only natural that the brand would make the leap to television in 1995.
Since then, Better Homes and Gardens has become one of Australia’s most trusted and long-standing lifestyle programs. Over the years, the show has been brought to life by a much-loved team of presenters, including long-time host Johanna Griggs, alongside familiar faces such as gardening expert Graham Ross, chef Fast Ed Halmagyi and landscaper Jason Hodges.
36. The Paul Hogan Show
From 1973 to 1984, there was no show on Australian television quite like The Paul Hogan Show. The sketch comedy series showcased actor and comedian Paul Hogan’s unique brand of humour, with Hogan creating, writing and performing a colourful collection of characters alongside Delvene Delany and Lynda Stoner.
The series not only cemented Hogan’s place as one of Australia’s most beloved entertainers, but also earned him the TV WEEK Logie Award for Best New Talent in 1973. With his effortless charm and unmistakable true-blue Aussie humour, Hogan soon captured audiences beyond Astralia’s shores, becoming especially popular in the UK and South Africa.
The Paul Hogan Show became the launchpad for a remarkable international career, paving the way for Hogan’s famous “Shrimp on the Barbie” tourism campaign and his hugely successful Crocodile Dundee film franchise, which would eventually turn him into a global household name.
35. Blinky Bill
In 1993, Dorothy Wall’s beloved children’s books about a cheeky little koala named Blinky Bill were brought to life on screen in the animated series The Adventures of Blinky Bill.
Across its first season, Blinky Bill and his animal friends worked together to help rebuild their local community while forming an unlikely friendship with a family of dingoes, challenging the negative reputation that surrounded them.
The series went on to run for three seasons, followed by the television movie Blinky Bill’s White Christmas in 2005. Decades later, Blinky Bill remains one of Australia’s most cherished and recognisable cartoon characters, continuing to hold a special place in the hearts of generations of Aussie viewers.
34. The Wiggles
Who would’ve thought that a rock group would go on to become one of the biggest children’s entertainment acts in the world?
Anthony Field and Jeff Fatt were originally members of the band The Cockroaches, but after Anthony began studying early childhood education alongside roadie Greg Page, the idea emerged to create music specifically for young children. What started as a small side project soon grew into something much bigger.
The group went on to create some of the most recognisable children’s songs of all time, including “Hot Potato” and “Fruit Salad”. After initially releasing albums and music videos, The Wiggles made their television debut in 1998 with their self-titled series, bringing their colourful characters, catchy songs and educational messages to families around the world.
Over the years, The Wiggles have evolved with new members, fresh styles and generations of young fans, but their playful spirit and commitment to entertaining and educating children remains as strong as ever.
33. The Comedy Company
If you look at the TV landscape today, so many of our beloved comedy stars got their start on sketch comedy shows. One of those beloved series was The Company Company, which ran from 1988 to 1990 on 10, and kickstarted the careers of Peter Rowsthorn and Glenn Robbins.
One of the things that made The Comedy Company stand out was the inclusion of well-known celebrity guests. Over the years, the series featured appearances from the likes of INXS, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.
32. Here’s Humphrey
Ever wanted to escape to a magical forest and spend your days with a friendly bear in a hat named Humphrey? Then Here’s Humphrey was the show for you.
The beloved children’s series followed Humphrey Bear and a human presenter as they embarked on imaginative adventures, discovering important life lessons along the way from Humphrey’s magical treehouse. With its gentle storytelling, the show became a cherished favourite among generations of Australian children.
First appearing on screens in 1965, Here’s Humphrey went on to enjoy an incredible 43-year run before finishing in 2008 – A pretty remarkable achievement that cemented Humphrey’s place as one of Australia’s most iconic children’s characters.
31. Rage
Rage is one of Australia’s most iconic music video programs which changed the way Aussie audiences discovered music from its inception in 1987.
The iconic ABC music program brought together the latest music videos from Australia and around the world, giving viewers the chance to discover new artists, revisit old favourites and stay up to date with the biggest songs of the moment.
Known for its laid-back format, rage became a weekend ritual for music lovers, with its famous guest programmers selecting their favourite tracks and offering a personal insight into their musical influences.
Over the decades, rage has remained a beloved part of Australian pop culture, celebrating generations of musicians and helping launch the careers of countless artists. Due to its absolute importance in the Aussie music scene, we’re glad it’s landed a spot on this list.
30. Skippy The Bush Kangaroo
Skippy the Bush Kangaroo might just be the most quintessentially Australian show on this list.
The series premiered in 1967 and followed a young boy named Sonny Hammond (Garry Pankhurst) and his intelligent kangaroo companion, Skippy, who lived at Waratah National Park, where Sonny’s father, Matt (Ed Deveraux), was the head ranger.
Each episode saw Sonny and Skippy embark on adventures throughout the park, rescuing lost hikers, solving mysteries and helping to bring criminals to justice. Skippy quickly became the star of the show thanks to her remarkable intelligence and almost human-like abilities, capturing the hearts of audiences both in Australia and around the world.
Running for 91 episodes between 1968 and 1970, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo became one of Australia’s most iconic television exports and remains a beloved symbol of Australian storytelling.
29. Gogglebox Australia
Gogglebox Australia defied all expectations – well, at least it did in the TV WEEK office.
At its core, Gogglebox took viewers into the living rooms of a bunch of everyday Australians as they watched TV.
Based on the British series of the same name, the series launched in 2015 and introduced us to regular people who have now become household names like Anastasia and Faye, Symon and Adam and the Silberry family, to name a few.
Who would’ve thought watching other people watch TV would be so damn entertaining?
28. Kingswood Country
Between 1980 and 1984, Australia was captivated by the Bullpitts, a working-class Aussie family who were finding their feet within the ever-changing social norms of the country.
At the helm was Ted Bulpitt (Ross Higgins), a true-blue Aussie bloke who was an incredibly politically incorrect, vaguely racist, World War II veteran who felt that the country was becoming far too progressive.
But Ted was always pushed by his wife Thelma (Judi Farr), his sexually-progressive son Craig (Peter Fisher), his feminist daughter Greta (Laurel McGowan) and his Italian son-in-law, Bruno (Lex Marinos).
27. Agro’s Cartoon Connection
Holly Brisley and Ann-Maree Biggar from Agro’s Cartoon Connection. (Image: Agro’s Cartoon Connection)
Well, it turns out puppets can host breakfast television!
From 1990 to 1995, Aussie kids loved tuning into Agro’s Cartoon Connection – a show hosted by a puppet named Agro which aired a series of cartoons. In between the cartoons were small editorial skits, characters and segments.
After rival kids television show Cheez TV came out in 1995, Agro was removed from the show and it was renamed Cartoon Connection. But, as it’s place in this list shows, he remains in our hearts today.
26. A Place To Call Home
When nurse Sarah Adams (Marta Dusseldorp) returns to Australia after World War II, she’s hoping for a fresh start. But on her journey back from Europe, she meets the wealthy Bligh family and signs on to care for the ailing matriarch of the family, Elizabeth Bligh (Noni Hazlehurst).
But with her progressive sensibilities, Sarah clashes with the Bligh family’s conservative values and strict social expectations. As time goes on, Sarah realises that despite the Blighs being one of the most influential families around, they’re hiding a whole lot of secrets.
A Place To Call Home aired from 2013 to 2018, winning a TV WEEK Logie for Most Outstanding Drama Series in 2017.
25. Hey Hey It’s Saturday
Someone call Daryl Somers because Hey Hey It’s Saturday has officially made the list for the TV WEEK Top 70 Australian Shows of All Time!
Hey Hey It’s Saturday was a beloved variety television show which premiered in 1971 as a Saturday Morning kids program, but eventually evolved into a primetime juggernaut of entertainment.
The series was hosted by Somers, along with a returning cast including Red Symons, Jacki MacDonald, John Blackman and, of course, Ossie Ostrich. Over the years the show became famous for segments like Red Faces and Celebrity Head, both of which influenced Australian culture so much that they’re still referenced today.
Running for 28 years before its original finale in 1999, Hey Hey It’s Saturday returned for reunion specials in 2009 and 2010, reminding audiences why it had earned its place as one of Australia’s most memorable television institutions.
24. Mr Squiggle and Friends
Who knew a friendly puppet with a long nose could become one of Australia’s most beloved television characters?
Mr Squiggle and Friends was a beloved kids show that first appeared on Aussie screens in 1959. It followed the adventures of Mr Squiggle, a clever moon-dwelling puppet who could turn children’s scribbles into detailed drawings.
It was set on the moon and included characters such as Blackboard, Gus the Snail, Bill Steamshovel and Miss Pat. While it might sound strange, the series encouraged imagination, creativity and learning through storytelling and art. Better yet, each episode featured children sending in their drawings, which Mr Squiggle would transform by turning them upside down and adding his own artistic touches.
Running for nearly four decades until 1999, Mr Squiggle and Friends became one of Australia’s longest-running children’s programs and is still a nostalgic favourite today.
23. The Flying Doctors
Before Channel Seven’s RFDS, there was Nine’s The Flying Doctors — a fictionalised drama inspired by the incredible, life-saving work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service across rural Australia.
Set in the fictional outback town of Coopers Crossing, the series followed the personal and professional lives of the doctors, nurses and pilots who worked tirelessly to care for their community, often facing challenging conditions and life-or-death situations along the way.
The Flying Doctors ran for eight seasons from 1985 to 1992, and during that time it helped shine a spotlight on the vital work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, bringing greater awareness of the organisation’s impact to audiences across Australia.
22. Fisk
When it comes to Aussie comedy, you can’t go past the Logie-winning comedy Fisk.
Created by and starring Kitty Flanagan as struggling contracts lawyer Helen Tudor-Fisk, the series sees Helen head back to Melbourne to start fresh at a tiny suburban law firm, Gruber & Associates. Although she thought it would be a walk in the park compared to her last gig, she soon discovers that between her clients, colleagues and own life, she certainly has her hands full.
Fisk first aired in 2021, and since then, it’s captured audiences with its brilliant, dry dialogue and writing and incredibly relatable characters.
21. Have You Been Paying Attention?
Ever since 2013, Have You Been Paying Attention has not only kept us entertained – it’s kept us in the loop!
The series is hosted by Tom Gleisner and features permanent panellists Ed Kavalee and Sam Pang, along with rotating comedians and media figures. Each week, they’re tested with questions from the week’s top news stories.
With the combination between current affairs and humour, it wasn’t long until HYBPA became one of the most beloved quiz shows on TV. It’s still going strong today and has nine Logie Awards to its name.
20. Fast Forward
For fans of Aussie comedy, it’s no wonder Fast Forward has landed itself a place in the top 20. Fast Forward was a sketch comedy series which ran for four seasons from 1989 to 1992. During that time, it introduced us to so many incredible comedic actors and characters that would go on to be the basis of their own series introducing us to the likes of Jane Turner, Glen Robbins, Magda Szubanski, Marg Downey and Gina Riley.
19. The Sullivans
The Sullivans was an Aussie period drama which followed a classic Australian family, aptly named The Sullivans, living in Melbourne during World War II between the years of 1939 to 1947.
The series explored the challenges that the Sullivans had to deal with in the wartime, featuring the immediate and extended Sullivan family and their neighbours. It starred Paul Cronin, Lorraine Bayly, Andrew McFarlane, Steven Tandy, Richard Morgan, Susan Hannaford, Michael Caton and Maggie Dench.
In true Aussie fashion, there was plenty of family drama, a few tears, a lot of heart — and more than enough wartime trouble to keep the Sullivans (and their neighbours) busy!
18. Young Talent Time
Young Talent Time is one of the most iconic variety programs to ever grace Aussie screens.
Premiering in 1971, the series ran all the way through to 1988, with a brief revival in 2012.
Hosted by the legendary Johnny Young, Young Talent Time showcased a talented bunch of youngsters who performed the biggest hits of the day each week, along with a weekly talent quest that gave budding performers their chance to shine.
And shine they did! The show became a launching pad for some of Australia’s biggest stars, including Tina Arena and Dannii Minogue, who went on to enjoy hugely successful careers.
For generations of Aussie viewers, Young Talent Time was more than just a TV show, it was Saturday-night entertainment, a showcase of homegrown talent and a place where future stars got their first taste of the spotlight.
17. Wentworth
Wentworth is one of those classic Aussie dramas that has earnt its long-standing legacy. Based on the iconic 1970s series Prisoner, Wentworth was a modern-day reimagining of life in a fictional prison in Melbourne Australia. The series featured some returning characters, including Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack), Franky Doyle (Nicole da Silva), Joan ‘The Freak’ Ferguson (Pamela Rabe) and Doreen Anderson (Shareena Clanton).
Wentworth kicks off when Bea is sent to prison in remand after being charged with attempted murder of her husband. With her future uncertain, she has to learn how to stay alive in the dog-eat-dog world of the prison. But the series didn’t just follow Prisoner’s established arcs, it forged its own path, creating new beloved characters and not shying away from intense, realistic storylines.
Gritty, intense and often impossible to look away from, Wentworth proved that when it comes to Aussie prison drama, there’s still plenty of trouble behind those walls.
16. Round the Twist
Round the Twist might be landing at number 16 on this list, but we reckon it would take out the top spot for the strangest show ever to grace Aussie television. And honestly, that’s saying something!
Based on the short stories by beloved children’s author Paul Jennings, the series followed the wonderfully weird adventures of the Twist family — dad Tony, 14-year-old twins Pete and Linda, and eight-year-old Bronson – who lived in an old lighthouse on the Victorian coast. Because apparently raising three kids wasn’t chaotic enough without adding ghosts, monsters, magic and all manner of bizarre supernatural happenings into the mix!
Each episode delivered a new strange and often hilarious adventure, with the Twist kids regularly finding themselves caught up in situations that ranged from the downright creepy to the completely bonkers. It was the kind of show that could have you laughing one minute and wondering “Did I really just see that?” the next.
With four seasons produced over 11 years, Round the Twist had to recast its young stars a few times to keep the Twist kids looking age-appropriate and to work around the changing schedules of its actors. Somehow, though, the magic never disappeared.
And let’s be honest… who could forget that theme song?
15. Offspring
From the moment we were invited into the Fitzroy home of the Proudman family, we never wanted to leave. Premiering in 2010, Offspring followed Nina Proudman (Asher Keddie), a chaotic yet endlessly lovable 30-something obstetrician, as she attempted to navigate her demanding career, complicated love life and wonderfully shambolic family.
The series kicks off with Nina’s obstetric nurse friend Cherie (Deborah Mailman) giving birth – only for the Proudman family to discover that the baby’s father is Nina’s dad, Darcy (John Waters). Suddenly, Nina is navigating life with her two adult siblings, Billie and Jimmy, a brand-new baby brother, and a father attempting to co-parent with one of her closest friends.
For seven series, Offspring was perfectly messy, funny, deeply romantic and occasionally completely bonkers thanks to some very strange dream sequences – but that was precisely the charm of Offspring.
14. Prisoner
We can’t have Wentworth on this list without having Prisoner! Prisoner was an Aussie soap opera set in the fictional Wentworth Detention Centre, in the maximum security wing Cell Block H.
Unlike other soap operas, Prisoner was gritty, intense and violent and refused to shy away from taboo social issues like corruption, homosexuality and rape. At the time, Prisoner was the first ever Aussie series to feature a primarily female dominated cast. As a result, the series quickly achieved cult status internationally, known as Prisoner: Cell Block H.
13. Mother and Son
There’s no show which encapsulated the special relationship between a mother and her adult son quite like Mother and Son. The series follows Maggie (Ruth Cracknell) and her son Arthur Boye’s (Garry McDonald) relationship as she starts experiencing the early stages of dementia. But despite becoming quite forgetful, Maggie is certainly with it enough to manipulate Arthur, who is doing his best to be the dutiful, caring son, into doing her all sorts of favors.
While the subject matter could be considered a little bit dark, the series was full of heart and humour, with the best jokes found in the bizarre reality that so many of us find ourselves in with aging parents.
Mother and Son was rebooted in 2023, with Matt Okine as Arthur Boye and Denise Scott as Maggie Boye.
12. Play School
This year Play School celebrates its 60th anniversary on Australian screens and what better way to celebrate a diamond birthday than landing a spot in the top 20 Australian shows of all time!
Play School is a children’s show broadcast on the ABC which encourages learning through play. It features a bunch of talented hosts who sing songs and play games with an assortment of beloved toys like Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty, to name a few.
As the longest-running children’s show on our screens, Play School has had a pivotal role in in educating three generations of Australians.
That’s pretty impressive.
11. Bondi Rescue
Bondi is one of Australia’s most famous tourist spots, attracting tens of thousands of curious holiday makers every year. But after the reality show Bondi Rescue premiered in 2006, the fascination with the location shifted from the beautiful beach to the lifeguards in blue.
Each episode follows the skilled lifeguards of Waverley Council as they patrol the beach, keeping swimmers and beachgoers safe from unpredictable currents, dangerous conditions and the occasional untoward beach activity.
Over the years, Bondi Rescue has attracted fans from around the world, transforming its lifeguards into celebrities in their own right.
10. Countdown
If there’s one thing we can learn from this list, it’s that Australians love their music! From 1974 to 1987, Countdown was the leading television show on our screens. It was so widely beloved that it was the most popular music show in Australian television history.
Created by Molly Meldrum, Robbie Weekes and Michael Shrimpton and broadcast on the ABC, Countdown aired on Friday nights. As the name suggests, it counted down the top best-selling songs on the Aussie charts based on data from the official ARIA chart.
But rather than simply playing the tracks, it showcased the songs and the artists themselves through live performances, music videos and interviews conducted by the magnetic Molly Meldrum.
By the time the show ended in 1987, Countdown had become much more than a music program it was a cultural institution that shaped a generation.
9. Neighbours
You can’t talk about iconic Australian television without mentioning Neighbours. For more than 40 years, Neighbours was one of the leading soap operas on our screens with Aussies switching on the television at 6:30pm on 10 (after The Simpsons, remember?), ready to find out what hijinks was going down in Ramsay Street.
After premiering in 1985, Neighbours quickly became a launching pad for young Australian actors, with many future stars getting their start on the show. Its Melbourne filming locations, including Nunawading Studios, became closely associated with the series and its place in the Australian entertainment industry.
While Neighbours was much loved at home, it found an enormous and particularly devoted audience in the UK, where it became a staple of British television and helped launch the international careers of several Australian stars.
After more than 9,000 episodes, Neighbours was cancelled in 2022 before being revived in 2023. Although its original run came to an end, its legacy continues. Few Australian television shows have had such a long-lasting impact — both at home and overseas — making Neighbours a true Australian television institution.
8. Bluey
Who would have thought a little kid’s show about a blue heeler puppy and her family would capture big and little hearts from around the world?
Since premiering in 2018, Bluey has become so much more than a children’s television show. Set in Brisbane and filled with countless true blue Australian details, Bluey truly captures what it’s like being part of an Aussie family today. But beneath all of the games, giggles and childlike fun, Bluey is written so well that it’s just as entertaining for the parents as it is for the kiddos.
With a remarkable ability to explore some pretty emotional and grown-up themes, Bluey has become not just a favourite show, but a worldwide phenomenon. And – in case you needed any other reason to love Bluey – did you know that it’s made in a dichromatic colour palette (blues, browns, yellows, greys) so that dogs can enjoy it too!
7. All Saints
For more than a decade from 1998, Aussies tuned in to see what was going on at Ward 17, making All Saints one of our most successful and beloved medical dramas.
Ultimately, what made All Saints so special wasn’t the medical mishaps but the characters behind it all. The show explored the friendships, romances, family dramas and everyday struggles of the staff working on Ward 17, giving audiences characters they genuinely cared about. And with a cast that included the likes of Georgie Parker, Erik Thomson, Judith McGrath and a young John Howard, All Saints became a launching pad for some of Australia’s much-loved television talent.
All Saints eventually wrapped for good after a whopping 12 seasons and 400 episodes and with it, marked the end of an era for Aussie television. For a generation of viewers, though, Ward 17 will always feel a little bit like home.
6. McLeod’s Daughters
If there’s one show that made us want to pack up our things, learn to ride a horse and move to the country, it was McLeod’s Daughters. The series premiered in 2001 and followed sisters Claire (Lisa Chappell) and her estranged half-sister Tess McLeod (Bridie Carter) who inherit their father’s cattle station Drover’s Run after he passes away. While Claire hasn’t seen Tess in 20 years, Tess heads back to the farm with an intent to sell her share. But when issues arise and Claire has to lay off some bad workers, Tess agrees to stay on to help her. So, along with their house keeper Meg (Sonia Todd), her daughter Jodi (Rachael Carpani) and a local girl named Becky (Jessica Napier), the women set out to keep Drover’s Run afloat.
With compelling storylines, a stunning setting and a cast audiences quickly fell in love with, the show ran for eight seasons before eventually wrapping in 2009. But even today, there are always calls for the series to return. After all, with its strong female characters, beautiful Australian landscapes and true-blue Aussie spirit, there was something incredibly aspirational yet familiar about McLeod’s Daughters. Well, minus the family drama.
5. Packed to the Rafters
By now you may have noticed a trend in this list: it’s the most familiar, relatable stories that seem to be the ones that stick. And while shows like McLeod’s Daughters had us dreaming of moving to the sticks, Packed To The Rafters made us appreciate what we had in the suburbs and the occasional craziness of family.
The series kicked off in 2008, following parents Julie (Rebecca Gibney) and Dave Rafter (Erik Thomson) who are excited to finally become empty nesters during their 25th wedding anniversary when their youngest child Ben (Hugh Sheridan) leaves home. Although, their peaceful house is short-lived when their other two kids Rachel (Jessica Marais) and Nathan (angus McLaren) wind up back at home after various life mishaps.
With so much to relate to, Packed To The Rafters became a quick fan favourite, running for six seasons until 2013. However, in 2020, the revival series Back To The Rafters, touching base with the Rafter family after they moved to the country. In the end, Packed To The Rafters captured the messy, funny and familiar reality of family life and showed us that sometimes, home really is where the heart (and the chaos) is.
4. Blue Heelers
For a whopping 13 years, from 1994 to 2006, there was one Aussie police procedural drama the whole country couldn’t get enough of – Blue Heelers.
The series followed the daily lives of the hardworking police officers at the fictional small-town cop shop of Mount Thomas, Victoria. From minor complaints to full-blown murder, the cops – otherwise known as “heelers” – handled it all. But while the crime storylines were compelling, it was the characters and their relationships that kept us coming back for 13 years.
There was senior officer Tom Croydon (John Wood), who acted as the steady and experienced presence at the station; charming detective P.J. Hasham (Martin Sacks); and, of course, junior officer Maggie Doyle (Lisa McCune), who quickly became a fan favourite.
Maggie’s impact on the show was undeniable, with her death becoming one of the most-watched scenes in Australian television history. It was a heartbreaking moment for viewers, proving just how deeply audiences had connected with the characters they had welcomed into their homes week after week.
3. A Country Practice
First airing in 1981, A Country Practice was one of Australia’s most talked-about series for 12 years straight. Set around the local hospital, veterinary clinic and the homes and businesses of the small, fictional country town of Wandin Valley, New South Wales, it follows a regular tight-knit community as they tackle any issue that life throws at them. From medical emergencies to accidents and relationship drama, Wandin Valley saw it all.
But, much like other shows on this list, viewers became deeply invested in the lives of the characters, celebrating their weddings, mourning their losses and following them through all the ups and downs of small-town life as if they were part of their own communities.
That connection helped make the series a launching pad for some of Australia’s best-known actors such as Shane Porteous, Anne Tenney and Georgie Parker (just to name a few!).
More than just a TV drama, A Country Practice became a reflection of Australian life itself — warm, familiar and, at times, heartbreakingly real.
2. Home And Away
Is anyone surprised that Home and Away has landed in the top three? Ever since 1988, Home and Away has been one of the most beloved soap operas on our screens and it’s still going strong today, with episodes from Monday to Thursday.
Home and Away follows the lives of the residents of Summer Bay, a fictional coastal community filled with plenty of locals and the occasional mysterious blow in.
From young teenagers finding their way in the world to families dealing with heartbreak, relationships and everything in between, the series has spent decades turning everyday life into drama. While the characters and storylines have constantly changed, Summer Bay has remained the one constant and over the years, we’ve come to know and love so many incredible Aussie actors thanks to Summer Bay, from Gold Logie winners Ray Meagher and Gold Logie winner 2025 Lynne McGranger, to current cast members Ada Nicoudemou, Emily Symons and James Stewart, just to name a few.
More than just a soap opera, Home and Away has become a cornerstone of Australian television, shaping the careers of generations of actors and proving that an Aussie story can capture audiences both at home and around the world.
1. Kath & Kim
You know what they say, it’s noice, it’s different, it’s unusual – and that’s exactly why the iconic Aussie sitcom Kath & Kim has been crowned Australia’s top show of the last 70 years.
The series was the brainchild of actress and comedians Jane Turner and Gina Riley who also starred as the titular mother-daughter duo, Kath Day-Knight and Kim Craig respectively. It followed the everyday life of Kath and Kim, satirising the mother-daughter relationship, and the hilariously kitsch nature of suburban, middle-class society.
While Kath and Kim were clearly the stars, the supporting characters are equally as brilliant. There’s Kath’s long-term boyfriend and eventual husband, purveyor of fine meats Kel Knight (Glenn Robbins), and Kim’s husband Brett Craigh, who works at Computa City.
Then, of course, there’s Kim’s netball loving, chronically single best friend Sharon Strzelecki (Magda Szubanski) who is still one of the most beloved characters in Australian television history.
Despite only running for four seasons from 2002 to 2005 (plus a couple of cheeky movie-length offerings), Kath & Kim reigns as one of the most quotable shows of all time.
After such huge success in Australia, Kath & Kim even copped its own American remake starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair, but with some disconnect between Aussie and American humour, this was short-lived.
More than two decades after it first hit our screens, Kath & Kim remains a beloved part of the Australian cultural fabric – a show that captured the quirks, humour and everyday absurdities of suburban Australia so perfectly that its characters, catchphrases and moments have become part of the national vernacular.
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