2019: Pick of the Upfronts

With the new year is around the corner, what are some of the highlights we can look forward to in 2019?

These are amongst my picks:

ABC:

Black B*tch (working title)
Drama, 6 x 1-hour episode
The captivating drama series Black B*tch (working title) is a story of high stakes ambition, betrayal and treachery, playing out in the nation’s capital. When Alex Irving (Deborah Mailman), a charismatic and contradictory Indigenous woman, is thrust into the national limelight after a horrific event, Australia’s embattled Prime Minister Rachel Anderson (Rachel Griffiths), sees a publicity goldmine for her party. In a bold power play, she appoints Alex to the Senate. But Alex wants to be more than just a political stunt: she wants to make a difference. So, when the Prime Minister’s cynical calculations betray her, Alex sets out for revenge that will send the political establishment into meltdown. A Blackfella Films production for the ABC Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC Financed with support from Create NSW with Screen Queensland and Screen Canberra Director Rachel Perkins Executive Producer Rachel Griffiths Producers Darren Dale and Miranda Dear Script Producer Stuart Page ABC Executive Producers Kelrick Martin and Sally Riley International Distributor is Keshet International, working alongside Endeavor Content in the US.

The Cry
Drama, 4 x 60-minute episodes
Multi-award-winning actors Asher Keddie and Alex Dimitriades, star alongside Jenna Coleman (Victoria, Doctor Who) and Ewen Leslie (Top of the Lake, Safe Harbour) in the thrilling drama series The Cry. Based on the novel by Helen FitzGerald and written by Jacquelin Perske (Seven Types of Ambiguity), the four-part psychological thriller follows the lives of a young couple, Joanna (Jenna Coleman) and her husband Alistair (Ewen Leslie). Joanna and Alistair travel with their baby from Scotland to Australia to see Alistair’s mother, Elizabeth (Stella Gonet) and to fight for custody of Alistair’s daughter Chloe (Markella Kavenagh) against his Australian ex-wife Alexandra (Asher Keddie).However, when their baby disappears, it triggers Joanna’s psychological breakdown and in the glare of global media speculation and judgement, the experience changes her marriage forever. A Synchronicity Films production for BBC One made in association with the ABC, Film Victoria and Creative Scotland Director Glendyn Ivin Producers Brian Kaczynski (Synchronicity Films) and Stuart Menzies (December Media) Executive Producers Claire Mundell (Synchronicity Films) and Elizabeth Kilgarriff and Gaynor Holmes (BBC One) ABC Executive Producers Sally Riley and Brett Sleigh.

Mystery Road, Series 2
A mangrove swamp. An endless sky. A headless body. Detective Jay Swan takes on a grisly case in order to be closer to his family, but has he left it too late? Set in a small coastal community where the desert meets the ocean, secrets past and present run deep and dark. Jay must reconcile the law and deep lore and confront a dangerous enemy. It’s a world of cults, carpetbaggers and smugglers, of ruined churchmen and crazed archaeologists. Produced by Bunya Productions for the ABC. Mystery Road Series Two was developed with assistance of Screen Australia.

Magical Land of Oz
Factual/Natural History, 3 x 57-minute episodes
Across Australia, as the dawn rises the marsupials go to bed – except for the ones that don’t – because there are exceptions to every rule in this land of ancient wonders, of big skies and jewelled seas. Narrated by Barry Humphries, Magical Land of Oz is a blue- chip, continent-wide natural history series ranging from the land’s highest snow peaks to the depths of the frigid and wild southern seas; from its last populations of wild numbats to its largest diorama of giant cuttlefish. It’s a land of diverse beauty, that delights and surprises. The series both entertains and deepens our understanding of how the natural world is made up of not just unique species, but distinct individuals, whose lives are far from predictable. Using the latest camera technology, Magical Land of Oz reveals animal populations only recently discovered, and behaviours not associated with species we thought we knew well. We meet animal characters so enigmatic, most Australians are unaware they share not just their island continent – but their own suburban backyards. The series also explores the challenges these animals must navigate in a land of extremes and extreme human-induced change. To do this, we fill the screen with colour, dance, acrobatics, music, mating and murder – all performed by the animals which make Australia a truly magical land. The stage is set for the story to begin. A Northern Pictures production for the ABC, BBC2, PBS and ITV Global Principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC Director Tosca Looby Writers Tosca Looby and Karina Holden Executive Producers Karina Holden and Sue Clothier ABC Commissioning Editor/ABC Head of Factual Steve Bibb.

The Recording Studio
Entertainment, 10 x 45-minute episodes.
The Recording Studio is an emotionally uplifting series that gives members of the public a chance to step inside ABC’s state-of-the-art music studios. Once through the studio door they set to work with Australia’s top music producers, musicians and engineers who have collaborated with some of the world’s leading musical artists. Over two days they work together to record a very personal song that the singer then presents as a gift, a thank-you or a tribute to a loved one or their community. The Aussies who come to The Recording Studio don’t want to cut a demo or record a number one single; their motives are more personal. The series has drama, surprises and great singing. The people that walk into the studio are tested and pushed along the way, but this show is so much more than just about the singing. The life affirming reasons for giving someone the gift of a professionally recorded song creates a loving and joyous celebration of the relationships we build across time. One song can change your life. It’s time to hit record. A FremantleMedia Australia production for the ABC Series Producer Dora Weekly Executive Producer Clare Bath Consulting Executive Producer Digby Mitchell ABC Executive Producer Richard Huddleston.

Seven:

Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries
Geraldine Hakewill (Wanted), Joel Jackson (Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door, Deadline Gallipoli) and Catherine McClements (Wentworth) headline this spin-off of one of Australia’s most loved and successful series. Set in swinging ’60s Melbourne, Hakewill portrays the gorgeously reckless Peregrine Fisher who inherits a windfall when the famous aunt she never knew, Phryne Fisher, goes missing over the highlands of New Guinea. Detective James Steed (Jackson) is a smart, ambitious cop constantly hamstrung by the rigid leadership of his immoral boss but respectful of the hierarchy. Instantly attracted to Peregrine, he’s dazzled by her audacity and often drawn into her mad plans. With a mind like a steel trap, and ex-member of WW2 Special Forces, Birdie (McClements) is the ‘M’ of The Adventuresses’ operation and club president. A tough woman of high expectations, she recognises the ’60s are changing and they need new blood – but having Peregrine under her wing is also a way of staying connected to the old friend she misses desperately. Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries is produced by Every Cloud Productions with the assistance of Screen Australia and Film Victoria for Channel Seven.

Between Two Worlds
From Australia’s most prolific creator/writer Bevan Lee (Packed to the Rafters, A Place To Call Home, All Saints, Winners & Losers, Always Greener) comes an intense, high concept contemporary drama series about two disparate and disconnected worlds, thrown together by death and a sacrifice in one and the chance for new life in the other. Bold, daring, emotionally gripping, fast paced and unpredictable, Between Two Worlds will push the boundaries of popular commercial drama in Australia. Between Two Worlds is a Seven Studios production.

Manhunt
Manhunt is a gripping three-part mini-series based on the true story of a murder investigation that kept the people of Britain on the edge their seats – and defined a detective’s career. Starring Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) as DCI Colin Sutton, the story begins in August 2004 when a young woman’s body is found. Sutton is appointed senior investigating officer but initially struggles: there’s no forensics, motive or witnesses. Painstaking detective work finally delivers a suspect – Levi Bellfield, but now the hunt is on for enough evidence to arrest him and make sure he’s found guilty at trial. Manhunt follows the compelling story of how DCI Sutton charged one of Britain’s most notorious killers with two murders, as well as an attempted murder, whilst also impelling Surrey police to consider Bellfield as prime suspect in the high-profile murder of Milly Dowler. Based on Sutton’s memoirs, Manhunt is written by Ed Whitmore (Silent Witness, Rillington Place, Strike Back) and produced by Buffalo Pictures.

Nine:

Seachange
There’s a big change coming to Nine. Two legends of Australian television, Sigrid Thornton and John Howard, are reprising their roles as Laura Gibson and Bob Jelly in the beloved drama series, SeaChange. Twenty years on, Laura (Thornton) returns to the beachside paradise of Pearl Bay. However, it seems that this time around Pearl Bay needs Laura just as much as she needs it. Original creator and head writer, Deb Cox, returns as Executive Producer alongside Sigrid
Thornton, Fiona Eager and David Mott. SeaChange will commence production in 2019.

Halifax: Retribution.
Multi-award-winning and critically acclaimed actress Rebecca Gibney reprises her role as forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax in the gripping crime thriller mini-series Halifax: Retribution, coming to Nine. Forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax will face the most thrilling and dangerous case of her career when she hunts down a killer terrorising an entire city. As she is drawn into the killer’s web, has she put herself and her family in the firing line?

Dynasties with David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough will present a five-part landmark series called Dynasties. Each episode follows different animal families – lions, hunting dogs, chimpanzees, tigers and emperor penguins – at the most critical period in their lives. Each is a ruler, a leader of their family, their troop, their pride – each determined to hold on to power and protect their family, their territory and their dynasty.

ABBA: Let the Music Speak
It’s been 35 years since Sweden’s legendary disco group ABBA released their last single. In April 2018, after repeatedly stating that they would never reunite again, the four members of the group Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad announced that they have recorded two new songs, revealing the first track titled “I Still Have Faith in You”. In 2019 comes a groundbreaking documentary on Nine that will explore the huge success that was ABBA, the incredible history of the band, why the famous four broke up and why they have decided to get back together to make music once again. ABBA: Let the Music Speak is produced by the BBC.

10:

Chris & Julia’s Sunday Night Takeaway
Based on the smash hit UK format, Chris & Julia’s Sunday Night Takeaway has it all: entertainment, heart, surprises, celebrities, mountains of prizes. It’s “family entertainment” that will actually grab the whole family and keep them glued to their couches.

My Life Is Murder
My Life is Murder stars iconic actress Lucy Lawless as complex, contrary and compelling investigator Alexa Crowe, who cannot help fighting the good fight – whether it is solving murders or combatting the small frustrations of everyday life. Fearless and unapologetic, Alexa’s unique skills and insights into the darker quirks of human nature, allows her to provoke, comfort and push the right buttons as she unravels the truth behind the most baffling of crimes.   

The Gilded Age
Also coming to 10 from across the seas is The Gilded Age, the hotly anticipated new show from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. Set in the boom years of 1880s New York City, The Gilded Age promises all the heart, style, wit and drama that made Downton Abbey a global smash.

SBS:

Eurovision: Australia Decides
The network will also host its own party with Eurovision – Australia Decides in February, giving audiences the opportunity to choose the Australian contestant to compete at the 64th annual Eurovision Song Contest, which will come to you live from Israel in 2019, with exclusive backstage and behind the scenes access from returning hosts Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey.

The Hunt 
The Hunt delves into one of the biggest issues of the social media era – cyberbullying. The new drama series intimately imagines the lives of four teenagers, their friends, their families, their teachers, their communities during the lead up, revelation and aftermath of a nude photo sharing scandal. Produced by Closer Productions with major funding from Screen Australia, and using teenagers and non-actors to tell the story, it is the kind of provocative local drama that only SBS would make.

Mastermind
SBS’s entertainment offering will extend to the highly competitive 6pm slot in 2019 with an all new Australian version of the iconic BBC game show, Mastermind, to play five nights a week. Famous for its challenging questions and intimidating setting, Mastermind is a true global smash. Each night, four contestants will take the iconic Mastermind chair to answer questions on their own specialist subject and compete for the prestigious title of Australia’s Mastermind.

Butterfly
International Emmy Award-winning Anna Friel stars in the heartfelt Butterfly, about the acrimonious relationship between separated parents and their division in opinion over how to support their gender variant child.

Foxtel:

Lambs of God – FOX Showcase
On a remote island, three Catholic nuns are the last remaining members of the enclosed order of St. Agnes. Forgotten by the rest of the world, they live in a dilapidated monastery, where wild vegetation grows out of stone angels and sheep wander freely through the chapel. Based on the captivating Australian novel by Marele Day, the twisted and macabre tale is brought to life on screen by an international all-star cast, led by Emmy Award-winning actress Ann Dowd (The Handmaids Tale, The Leftovers), fresh off her groundbreaking slate of five films at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Dowd is joined by Australian stage and screen star Essie Davies (The Babadook), and UK actress, Jessica Barden (The End Of The F*****World, The Lobster) who, as the three Sisters of St Agnes, must defend their lives, existence, and beliefs when the handsome priest, played by actor Sam Reid (The Railway Main, Belle, Anonymous) attempts to sell their dilapidated monastery. What unfolds is an epic and fantastical tale of faith, love, and redemption.

Game of Thrones S8 – FOX Showcase
The eighth and final season of HBO’s global television phenomenon makes its triumphant return in 2019. The epic six-episode finale season transports viewers back to the fantasy continents of Westeros and Essos, where summers can span decades and winters can last a lifetime. Over the past seven seasons, Game of Thrones has become a cultural icon, attracting record viewers and critical acclaim worldwide. The series garnered nine wins at the 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, and the show stands as the garnered nine wins at the 2018 most Emmy-winning primetime scripted series ever with a record 47 awards.

Big Little Lies S2 – FOX Showcase
Based on Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel, and starring Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, and Zoe Kravitz, the breakout hit HBO drama series returns for a second seven-episode season and continues exploring the intriguing lives of the Monterey, California families. The brand-new season, again conceived by Moriarty, also sees iconic Oscar- winning actress Meryl Streep join the stellar cast as the mother-in-law of Celeste (played by Kidman). Big Little Lies became one of the most talked about shows on television when it premiered and won eight primetime Emmy awards.

Les Misérables – BBC First
Adapted by Andrew Davies from Victor Hugo’s 19th Century classic, Les Misérables stars Dominic West as Jean Valjean, David Oyelowo as Javert, and Lily Collins as Fantine. The series brings to life a vast and unforgettable cast of characters and tells the story of Valjean, a former convict unable to escape the shadow of his past life, and his relentless pursuit by the chilling police officer Javert. Their cat-and-mouse relationship plays out against the epic backdrop of France at a time of civil unrest.

War of the Worlds – FOX Showcase in January
This epic three-part drama series is the latest adaptation of H.G. Wells’ seminal tale – the first alien invasion story in literature. Set in Edwardian England, the series follows George (Rafe Spall) and his partner Amy (Eleanor Tomlinson) as they attempt to defy society and start a life together. Rupert Graves stars as Frederick, George’s elder brother, and Robert Carlyle plays Ogilvy, an astronomer and scientist. The series tells their story as they face the escalating terror of an alien invasion, fighting for their lives against an enemy beyond their comprehension.

 

Stan:

Bloom
Bloom is described as a mystery drama about the scarcity of time and the choices we make. Beyond the impulses of youth and the regrets of age lies a secret. One year after a devastating flood kills five locals in an idyllic country town, a mysterious new plant appears with the power to restore youth. It’s a gift powerful beyond wildest imaginings. A phenomenon so formidable that attempting to harness its potency means re-evaluating everything that’s important. It’s a miracle some will kill to keep secret.

The Gloaming
The Gloaming: the twilight space where light meets dark, the space between awake and asleep, where time passes but secrets linger… Unorthodox, troubled cop Molly McGee leads an investigation into the murder of an unidentified woman. To solve the case, Molly has to team up with Alex O’Connell – a man she hasn’t spoken to in twenty years – and they discover that the murder has links to a cold case from the past. What begins as a routine investigation exposes something more insidious, and to catch the killer, Molly and Alex have to face the ghosts of their past.

Netflix:

Our Planet
The eight-part series will showcase the planet’s most precious species and fragile habitats, revealing amazing sights on Earth using the latest in 4k camera technology. The four-year project has been filmed in 50 countries across all the continents of the world, with over 600 members of crew capturing more than three and a half thousand filming days, and will focus on the breadth of the diversity of habitats around the world, from the remote Arctic wilderness and mysterious deep oceans to the vast landscapes of Africa and diverse jungles of South America.

Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City.
Based on the books by Armistead Maupin, this next chapter – Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City – follows Mary Ann (Laura Linney), who returns home to San Francisco and is reunited with her daughter (Ellen Page) and ex-husband Brian, twenty years after leaving them behind to pursue her career. Fleeing the midlife crisis that her picture perfect Connecticut life created, Mary Ann returns home to her chosen family and will quickly be drawn back into the orbit of Anna Madrigal (Olympia Dukakis) and the residents of 28 Barbary Lane.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
A beloved classic from the 80s marks its return as Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment network, will bring The Jim Henson Company’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance exclusively to members around the world. The 10-episode fantasy adventure series is a prequel to the groundbreaking 1982 fan favorite The Dark Crystal, and takes place many years before the events of the film. The series will be shot in the U.K., and will star an ensemble of fantastical, state-of-the-art creatures created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™ and Brian Froud, the original feature’s conceptual designer. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance returns to the world of Thra with an all new adventure. When three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power, they set out on an epic journey to ignite the fires of rebellion and save their world.

Amazon Prime:

Good Omens
David Tennant stars as Crowley whilst Sheen stars Aziraphale in the six part series, based on a novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Equal parts humour and horror, fantasy and drama, it is written by Gaiman (American Gods) also serving as Showrunner.  Sheen will star as the somewhat fussy angel and rare book dealer Aziraphale, and Tennant will play his opposite number, the fast living demon Crowley, both of whom have lived amongst Earth’s mortals since The Beginning and have grown rather fond of the lifestyle and of each other. So it’s really terrible news for both of them that, if Heaven and Hell have their way, the world will end on Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just before dinner. The armies of Good and Evil are amassing, Atlantis has risen, tempers are flaring. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are ready to ride. Everything appears to be going according to Divine Plan. Expect that someone seems to have misplaced the Antichrist…