Viewers watch more Docos during lockdown

New FOX Docos channel launches today on Ch. 129, replacing Foxtel Arts.

New research by YouGov* suggests viewing of documentaries has increased during lockdowns.

According to data 89% of Australians tuned in to watch a documentary or docu-series in the last 18 months, with NSW, VIC and SA seeing the biggest peaks in viewing compared to residents in WA.

The top genres of documentaries being watched are history and world events (41%) and crime/true crime and justice (35%). Other genres seeing growing popularity are environmental and nature stories (30%), science and medicine (27%) and travel (23%). Millennials showed a strong interest in stories about religion and cults (15%) and Australian women invested heavily in true crime stories with almost half (45%) listing it as their favourite documentary genre compared to just 26% of men.

Jim Buchan, Foxtel General Manager, Factual, said: “The popularity of true and unforgettable stories with Australian audiences is at its peak. This new research uncovered the variety of genres Australians are now turning into and the compelling conversations and connections these stories are igniting amongst viewers. In our mission to bring world-class entertainment to the living rooms and screens of more Australians each and every day, we are excited to launch FOX Docos giving our customers an unrivalled destination for brand new, highly acclaimed world class documentaries all in one place.”

“Featuring a broad range of content from renowned producers, directors and distributors, FOX Docos will appeal to all ages. From headline-grabbing scandals, celebrity biographies and artist performances to incredible sporting moments, epic travelogue series and inspiring stories of everyday people, FOX Docos will unfold the story and enhance audience understanding of our fascinating, ever-changing world at a time when we need it the most.”

Upcoming docos set to launch include:

• Walking With Hope in which Melissa Doyle joins Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, to lead a bush walk of self-empowerment, discovery and healing.
• A ground-breaking four-part docuseries, Spike Lee’s NYC Epicenters 9/11-2021½ examining life in New York City in the twenty years since September 11.
• Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union, a three-part series examining the life and rise of President Barack Obama amidst racial tensions
• Renowned filmmaker, Nanfu Wang’s, In the Same Breath, which examines the origin and spread of coronavirus from the early outbreak days in Wuhan, China to the USA.
• The Rise of Jordan Peterson takes an unprecedented look at Jordan Peterson and explores the tension between free speech and hate speech.

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1034 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 12th – 16th August 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).