Why the scripted show is hot again on Australian TV

A quick glance at TV schedules shows a raft of drama is heading our way - from second seasons of RFDS and The Newsreader to new content in Paper Dolls and House of Gods. Why the sudden boom?

While it’s not quite a return to the heady days when long-form scripted television such as Packed to the Rafters, All Saints, Blue Heelers and The Secret Life of Us, ruled supreme in prime time, there’s definitely a rebirth on our screens.

A quick glance at the schedule sees a raft of drama headed our way – and not just on its new home of streamers.

Ten has the new chapter of Neighbours returning to its main channel, alongside new series Paper Dolls and One Night still to come. ABC’s second season of the award-winning The Newsreader and House of Gods are slated for the last few months of the year.

The highly anticipated second season of ABC’s The Newsreader starring Anna Torv as Helen Norville and Sam Reid as Dale Jennings drops next month. Picture: ABC

David Knox, of TV Tonight, says scripted content continues to enjoy a long tail and drives streaming and catch-up television, with “entire seasons binged across a weekend and debated over brunch between friends”.

“Networks are also required to meet local content points so the challenge is to create engaging stories and find ways to cut through the noise,” Knox said.

“The return of The Newsreader in September is already generating buzz, including from overseas viewers.

“The international success of Colin from Accounts and Fisk, as well as great numbers locally for Utopia, proves we still tell a good yarn – even if it means running over a helpless pooch to get to the punchline.”

Seven’s keenly anticipated second season of RFDS, returns to screens this week after a two-year hiatus, looking to capitalise on a good lead-in from The Voice blind auditions.

Joining the talented cast – which includes Stephen Peacocke, Justine Clarke, Rob Collins and

Emma Harvie joins a host of big names including Stephen Peacocke in the second season of Seven’s drama, RFDS. Picture: Seven

Emma Harvie - who’s had a bumper year with roles in Colin from Accounts and In Limbo - jokes she likes the medical training for RFDS so much, she might just swap careers. Picture: Supplied

Emma Hamilton – this season as mental health nurse Chaya is Emma Harvie.

She hopes the series – which is based on real-life stories of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and filmed on location in and around Broken Hill – will get to share the stories for many years to come, providing opportunities for Australian actors.

“I remember when I was growing up we had Blue Heelers and All Saints,” Harvie said.

“When I speak to actors now – everyone was on All Saints at some time.

“It was just a rite of passage, but we don’t have anything quite like it now.”

Harvie has a had a busy year with roles in In Limbo and the multi Logie Award-winning Binge original Colin From Accounts, which just announced it will return for its second season. And while her acting career looks set, she enjoyed the intensive medical training on RFDS so much that she pondered a job change.

“It was kind of fun and I was going ‘oh you know, if this acting thing dries up, maybe I’ll do medicine,” Harvie said.

“And then my boyfriend was like ‘what are you talking about? You don’t like blood at all. And you don’t do needles well either.’

“And that’s so true – it makes my mouth go all wet and I feel like I’m going to pass out.

“But the make believe’s fun.”

Georgie Parker with Erik Thomson in the long-running Seven drama All Saints. Picture: Seven

Knox also believes the key to drama’s ongoing revival means experimenting with timeslots and delivery.

“This year networks have been experimenting with drama timeslots,” he said.

“Both Warnie and Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race screened in early evening slots, while ABC and SBS have sometimes dropped full seasons on their catch-up platforms.

“Seven was considering RFDS for a 7.30pm slot but has opted for a late start for what is essentially a family audience.”

But Knox can’t see the end to reality ruling on networks.

“Australia is one of the few countries to strip reality TV across multiple nights, but while it rates and remains economically viable networks will continue to pump it out,” he said.

“There’s no end in sight to competition reality and celebrities eating an ostrich anus while sobbing over being bullied in school.”

RFDS, Tuesday, 9pm, Seven