ABC: 2013 highlights

The ABC has  released details about some of the new programs coming in 2013, including a raft of new dramas, factuals, kid’s TV, plus the return of Chris Lilley and a new-look Spicks and Specks.

A Press Release with select highlights follows:

ABC TV has today announced its amazing programming slate for 2013, which continues the network’s mission to deliver bold and highly-recognised content across the range of distinctive channels and platforms.

In 2013, the drama slate on ABC1 will be stronger than ever before. Following the success of Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo comes the highly-anticipated Paper Giants: Magazine Wars – the story of the Golden Years of the glossies.  Don Hany stars as Australian-born Sam Callaghan in the fast-paced detective series Serangoon Road, while Craig McLachlan takes us back to the 1950s as the unpredictable Dr Lucien Blake in The Dr Blake Mysteries.  Kevin Harrington will tell the story of Australia’s most unlikely sporting hero in the telemovie Cliffy; and a stellar cast including Claudia Karvan, Justine Clarke, Shane Jacobson, William McInnes and Stephen Curry will star in The Time Of Our Lives – a long-form drama that delves into the lives of the three generations of a modern Australian family.

In entertainment and comedy you’ll be Amazed by the new project by the star of Summer Heights High and Angry Boys Chris Lilley; and we welcome the return of Australia’s favourite music quiz show Spicks And Specks – but it will be no cover version (NB: New cast to be announced).

Creators of The Librarians, Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, bring us the heart-warming comedy Upper Middle Bogan. Merrick Watts, Dave O’Neil and Monty Dimond will romp down memory lane in the fast and furious comedy game show Tractor Monkeys; The Chaser’s Julian Morrow and Craig Reucassel will give consumer affairs an extreme makeover in The Check Out; and our Agony Aunts and Uncles are back with The Agony Guide To Life.

There will be amazing new factual programs and documentaries including a portrait of the man with a brilliant mind – Gough Whitlam – in Whitlam: The Power And The Passion.  Join William McInnes as he heads to remote corners of Australia to indulge in a secret passion – bird watching – in William’s Big Twitch; Gruen Planet’s Todd Sampson gets a radical brain ‘makeover’ in Redesign My Brain; and Making Couples Happy will take four marriages on the brink of break up and put them through relationship rehab.

ABC2 will continue to provoke, enthuse and surprise with a raft of programs that will really get you talking. Intrepid storyteller Sabour Bradley dives Head First into the most controversial and intriguing issues in Australia; Joe Hildebrand returns to shatter some myths, burst our bubbles and slaughter some sacred Australian cows; Jess and Josh will continue on their hilariously bumpy road to self-discovery in a return series of Twentysomething; and there’s sketch comedy by the funniest blackfellas in Australia with Don’t Be Afraid Of The Darkies.

ABC3 and ABC4KIDS remain the first choice for kids around Australia. In 2013 kids will be amazed by the exciting online game Peleda; the science-based game show Steam Punks; and the live-action drama series Lost Boys. Australian favourites Play School, Bananas In Pyjamas and Giggle And Hoot will all be back.

Reaching more than three million Australians each week, ABC NEWS 24 continues to grow expanding its ability to show key events live from across the country and the world and presenting informed discussion and debate on the big issues facing the nation.

In 2013 ABC TV will continue to lead the way in the multi-screen TV environment when we see the launch of an exciting new way to connect with TV content. The ABC Companion is an interactive tablet-based app designed to complement ABC TV programs. The ABC Companion’s first project accompanies Tractor Monkeys, and will allow viewers to play along with the TV show on their second screen mobile device.  ABC iview is set to become even more exciting and usable with the rollout of a major redesign.

Kim Dalton, Director of Television says: “At ABC TV we believe in great television. We believe in commissioning, acquiring and delivering distinctive programs, and making them available where and when our audiences expect to find them – on our very distinctive, familiar and much loved suite of broadcast channels, through iview or connected TVs, PCs, tablets and mobile phones.”

“For your entertainment, your information and your analysis, we invite you to be amazed with ABC TV in 2013.

This post updates.