Another Aussie hit drama House Husbands has been dropped but subscription TV is thriving

SUBSCRIPTION television is becoming one of the few places to watch quality Australian-scripted series as commercial networks pull the plug on their non-reality television investments.

SUBSCRIPTION television is becoming one of the few places to watch quality Australian-scripted series as commercial networks pull the plug on their non-reality television investments.

Yesterday Channel Nine confirmed it had axed House Husbands after five series. The network’s program director, Hamish Turner, told TV Tonight that the show, which starred Gary Sweet, Firass Dirani, Rhys Muldoon and Julia Morris, could not financially sustain itself.

The news follows last year’s announcement that Nine would not renew the popular drama Love Child, which had been a huge performer.

Channel Nine has announced they have axed House Husbands. Picture: Channel Nine

Popular drama for Channel Seven, 800 Words may not return a source revealed. Picture: Supplied

Despite its popularity, Channel Nine have also decided to drop Love Child which stars Jessica Marais.

It’s not looking much better over at Channel Seven, which has dropped its Jessica Mauboy series The Secret Daughter after only two series.

A source tells Confidential that its other drama, 800 Words, starring Erik Thompson and Melina Vidler, is also unlikely to return to the screen any time soon.

On the flip side, scripted television shows are thriving on Foxtel. It hasn’t even aired yet, but Picnic at Hanging Rock is already being screened at the Berlin International Film Festival.

The locally made drama, Top of the Lake: China Girl, was nominated for Emmy and Golden Globes.

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Nicole Kidman who starred in locally made drama Top of the Lake: China Doll was a huge success for Foxtel. Picture: Supplied

And Foxtel proved its commitment to locally made drama by renewing Secret City for a second season. Over at Stan, the remake of Romper Stomper is breaking viewing records.

TV commentator David Knox said the ABC and SBS were still providing some gems on free to air, but he doesn’t see the dominance of reality TV ending.

“Australia is unique in the world for its zeal for reality TV,” he said.

“Yes, [scripted shows] are expensive, yes, it is culturally important to hear our voices on screen, but there is no let up in our appetite for storytelling — it’s just in the way we choose to consume it.”