In a bid to fill its depleted schedules, the
BBC is stocking up on series from Down Under. But our love affair with Aussie TV imports is nothing new
Strewth, Darlene, it’s time to kick off the thongs, crack open a tinnie and park yourself on the couch, as the BBC fills more than a few of its yawning scheduling gaps this summer with Aussie drama. And, happily, it’s not just the filler you might have expected if you had seen the headlines about it being a cost-cutting measure. There are some A-grade shows among them, and ones that may well carry on the long tradition of Aussie imports warmly embraced on our shores – not least by me.
Last month saw the arrival of The Heights – AKA “a woke Neighbours” because of its diverse cast of actors. It shows how enthralling the lives of the residents of a Perth tower block can be with some imaginative casting and a good script. A second season has already gone out in Australia.