SA-made Netflix series Territory draws comparisons to hit TV dramas Yellowstone and Succession

A new South Australian-made Netflix show has drawn comparisons to hit TV dramas days after its launch and the director will return to SA next year for a new instalment of a classic film also filmed in the state.

A new South Australian-made Netflix show has drawn comparisons to hit TV dramas Yellowstone and Succession just days after its global launch.

But the man behind Territory, director Greg McLean, says another small screen blockbuster was the real inspiration for the six-part series.

“We were originally looking at a Game-of-Thrones style power struggle in the NT with a Succession storyline,” said McLean, who also created Wolf Creek.

“But it’s been compared to two of the biggest shows in the world over the last few years so that’s not a bad thing. Hopefully their fans tune in.”

New Netflix show Territory, much of which was made and produced in SA has drawn comparisons to Yellowstone and Succession. Director Greg McLean at this week's SA premiere.

Set on a real-life sprawling Northern Territory cattle station, the action-packed thriller follows the Lawson family and their rivals – from cattle barons, desert gangsters, Indigenous elders and billionaire miners – who are each trying to gain control of their business.

Starring an all-star cast including Anna Torv and Robert Taylor, the show, which debuted on Thursday, was filmed on location last year in the NT and SA.

Much of the interiors were shot in Adelaide, with Walkerville, Mallala and the showgrounds among the locations featured in the production, which created almost 250 jobs around the state.

“It was a massive show. It’s the biggest thing I’ve been involved in, in terms of its scale. Just the amount of crew, planning and preparation,” said McLean.

“It was a cast and crew of almost 300 people, moving them from location to location... logistically, it was military-style operation.”

Much of Territory was made and produced in SA.

McLean said SA had becoming an increasingly attractive place for filmmakers, thanks to its positive attitude – led by the SA Film Corporation – and its “world class” post-production teams.

“SA as a state has an incredible can-do attitude. There’s a vibe and energy to Adelaide that makes it a great place to make TV and films,” he said.

“It always punches above its weight, and you only have to look at the films and shows coming out of Adelaide.”

Recent SA-made productions include global horror smash Talk to Me, by Adelaide’s own Philippou brothers (aka RackaRacka).

Other films to showcase the state’s landscapes and film production capabilities were ­Warwick Thornton’s drama The New Boy, starring Cate Blanchett, Outback thriller The Royal Hotel and the Sarah Snook thriller Run Rabbit Run, set in the beauty of the Riverland.

McLean will return to SA next year for the new Wolf Creek: Legacy movie, the third instalment in the horror franchise.

John Jarratt will reprise his role as Outback murderer Mick Taylor, with Sean Lahiff set to direct the film. It will begin production in the Flinders Ranges in the middle of 2025.

“It’s an awesome script and we’re super pumped about it. We can’t wait to get back to South Australia,” said McLean, who will produce the movie.

Originally published as SA-made Netflix series Territory draws comparisons to hit TV dramas Yellowstone and Succession