A very well developed group of characters. Starts out simple but becomes richer with every episode. Very blunt but done with a good heart. Superb acting and plot make up for low budget settings. A good watch indeed....
43 Reviews
Excellent mini-series...
Idle_Hands0812 February 2022
An excellent blend of functional character driven drama, intertwined with the real stories of early 1986... Such a great concept really.
Great set design, costumes, and all things 1980s...
It's really worth viewing and runs the perfect length of 6 episodes... Enjoy.
Great set design, costumes, and all things 1980s...
It's really worth viewing and runs the perfect length of 6 episodes... Enjoy.
Slow build
graham_j_crawford12 September 2021
I jumped the gun and rated this lower for early episodes, but it builds as the series progresses. Having lived through these times and watched these 80's stories when they happened, this brings back so many bitter sweet memories. I'm glad the production team didn't exaggerate the 80's vibe as many other shows do - They nail it. The acting seems shallow at first (like the TV industry), but builds into something complex and real. Sam Reid's acting exposing his character's growth is exception - but you need to watch the whole series to see what this amazing talent can do with a slow arc.
Outstanding series
katrob-294979 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
There is so much to love about The Newsreader. To me it is the best and most truthful drama series in recent years. While it has great entertainment qualities - humour, 1980's retro cuteness, understated yet resonating scripts, fast moving action, clever interweaving of real news to propel the plot - it also has wonderful recognisable characters that invite us to care deeply for them even as they make mistakes or sabotage themselves. The lead characters Helen and Dale are brilliantly played by Anna Torv and Sam Reid. I notice a few of the reviews try to reduce these characters to the 'difficult career woman' or the 'repressed gay' and appear to diminish their value accordingly. I suspect these responses reveal more about the reviewers' biases however than a more balanced interest in these characters as human beings. To me Helen and Dale are convincing and nuanced and very human. Of course The Newsreader has other characters who deserve our sympathies and cheering! Congratulations to the scriptwriters, the director, the sublime actors, the costume and set designers, the editors and researchers. I so hope there is a second and third series.
A first class series.
Sleepin_Dragon27 December 2022
The day to day goings on at an Australian news team in the 1980's, a team that deals with terrorism, nuclear disasters, as well as all manner of personal problems.
This awesome series is packed with heart and meaning, almost every action, every line has a significance, and a relevance, it is very much a well crafted, intelligent series. I hate to use the word simple, but there is a simplicity about the earlier episodes, that changes as it develops, it becomes more complex as it develops.
It really wasn't what I expected, it truly does manage to move and entertain in equal measures, it deals with subjects you really wouldn't expect, though when you think of it, quite a lot happened in the 1980's.
I cannot say enough about the acting, it is quite something, Anna Torv and Sam Reid are awesome, and their chemistry is terrific. Credit also to Robert Taylor and Chai Hansen in particular, though the acting throughout is top notch.
9/10.
This awesome series is packed with heart and meaning, almost every action, every line has a significance, and a relevance, it is very much a well crafted, intelligent series. I hate to use the word simple, but there is a simplicity about the earlier episodes, that changes as it develops, it becomes more complex as it develops.
It really wasn't what I expected, it truly does manage to move and entertain in equal measures, it deals with subjects you really wouldn't expect, though when you think of it, quite a lot happened in the 1980's.
I cannot say enough about the acting, it is quite something, Anna Torv and Sam Reid are awesome, and their chemistry is terrific. Credit also to Robert Taylor and Chai Hansen in particular, though the acting throughout is top notch.
9/10.
Glad I Found On Roku in The States
fayandray20 March 2022
Roku isn't known in the US for great format or content (ahem The Most Dangerous Game movie, broken up into ten'ish 10 minute "episodes"). The Newsreader has moved my opinion a bit on Roku, and I just hope that it gains more traction, because this show deserves it. I understand the comparisons to The Newsroom (which I absolutely love), in that it uses real events in the story, but the similarity ends there. The newsreader doesn't have the quick wit, but it does build chemistry and character, IMHO, much better than The Newsroom. In an age when it's easy to feel there's not much to watch amid an ocean of content, The Newsreader is a lifeboat of story. Not once have I been bored, and I've only wanted to keep watching. At the end of episode 4, I'm already sad there's only 6 episodes.
Born in the mid 70s, I grew up in the 80s (a decade of which I am not a fan in terms of fashion, art, design and decor). And tbh, I thought I wouldn't be able to take The Newsreader seriously at first; let's face it, most shows set in the 80s are hard to watch because the sets and costumes can be caricatures. This show does it right. It's real to the era without making fun of it. Combine this with strong writing and we get a winner like The Newsreader. Im glad I started it.
Born in the mid 70s, I grew up in the 80s (a decade of which I am not a fan in terms of fashion, art, design and decor). And tbh, I thought I wouldn't be able to take The Newsreader seriously at first; let's face it, most shows set in the 80s are hard to watch because the sets and costumes can be caricatures. This show does it right. It's real to the era without making fun of it. Combine this with strong writing and we get a winner like The Newsreader. Im glad I started it.
... only chance you'll get to pause is after E1
bjarias19 December 2021
... Anna Torv's really-terrific all-throughout-this show ... should all episodes be near as good as first one this series will be a-solid-success
... not only are all remaining episodes of this six-part-season as good ... they-get-even-better as time goes on ... you-haven't-yet seen any.. suggest allotting enough time to stream all-six-of-'em ... as you-won't-wanna-stop anytime-before-finishing
... 09.29.23 ... S2 AGA S1 (after 3-episodes)... we know the history, and it's still handled by this production in exceptional fashion... only big question to be decided-answered... do the pair remain together-solidly, or have some detours in their relationship (bit more groundwork laid in S2 E3), or does question more-likely move-w-them into S3
... 10.16.23 - were there to be an award for Best-Season-Ending-Episode, S2E6 of The Newsreader would most assuredly be in the running, and as of right now probable-winner... just a phenomenal-ending to a great-season for this wonderful-show.
... not only are all remaining episodes of this six-part-season as good ... they-get-even-better as time goes on ... you-haven't-yet seen any.. suggest allotting enough time to stream all-six-of-'em ... as you-won't-wanna-stop anytime-before-finishing
... 09.29.23 ... S2 AGA S1 (after 3-episodes)... we know the history, and it's still handled by this production in exceptional fashion... only big question to be decided-answered... do the pair remain together-solidly, or have some detours in their relationship (bit more groundwork laid in S2 E3), or does question more-likely move-w-them into S3
... 10.16.23 - were there to be an award for Best-Season-Ending-Episode, S2E6 of The Newsreader would most assuredly be in the running, and as of right now probable-winner... just a phenomenal-ending to a great-season for this wonderful-show.
It's a fun series, just enjoy!
caeevans26 August 2021
I know nothing about newsrooms and I have never seen HBO's 'The Newsroom ' series, so when I watched the first two episodes, it was just about entertainment, and in that it didn't disappoint.
The 80's hair, wardrobes and sets were great. It's a quality cast and script, & as someone who started work in the late 80's, I can attest that in the financial institution that I worked for, there were Managers like the character that William McInnes plays.
I did think that the cast was more ethnically diverse then what I remembered from that time, but that's a minor critique. Overall, the series doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's interesting to see the take on the 80's news of the day, so enjoy!
The 80's hair, wardrobes and sets were great. It's a quality cast and script, & as someone who started work in the late 80's, I can attest that in the financial institution that I worked for, there were Managers like the character that William McInnes plays.
I did think that the cast was more ethnically diverse then what I remembered from that time, but that's a minor critique. Overall, the series doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's interesting to see the take on the 80's news of the day, so enjoy!
First Class TV Newsroom Aussie Drama
waltermwilliams18 August 2021
Just watched first episode of "The Newsreader" and it didn't disappoint.
As a former award winning Radio Newsreader and growing up on Radio & TV in this era it really connected with me.
Great cast, script, direction, cinematography, editing etc.
Plus the bonus of major world news events from 1986.
The newsroom is a ruthless arena and only the strongest gladiators will survive.
It's showing the changing of the guard from the old style of news reading to today's double header desks with sports and updates, of heavily repeated footage and the drama.
Anna Torv is superb as the female anchor trying to forge her way in a mans world.
Hardly recognised my mate William McInnes, as the Editor in Chief, who is always amazing.
Great to see Stephen Peacocke back on the telly.
Robert Taylor is the quintessential 70's/80's TV Newsreader and always playing Walters.
And Sam Reid is the find of the year after working in London for the past decade as the up and coming producer and fresh face of TV News.
First class drama.
ABC iView.
As a former award winning Radio Newsreader and growing up on Radio & TV in this era it really connected with me.
Great cast, script, direction, cinematography, editing etc.
Plus the bonus of major world news events from 1986.
The newsroom is a ruthless arena and only the strongest gladiators will survive.
It's showing the changing of the guard from the old style of news reading to today's double header desks with sports and updates, of heavily repeated footage and the drama.
Anna Torv is superb as the female anchor trying to forge her way in a mans world.
Hardly recognised my mate William McInnes, as the Editor in Chief, who is always amazing.
Great to see Stephen Peacocke back on the telly.
Robert Taylor is the quintessential 70's/80's TV Newsreader and always playing Walters.
And Sam Reid is the find of the year after working in London for the past decade as the up and coming producer and fresh face of TV News.
First class drama.
ABC iView.
Best Australian drama for years
carlodimartino22 December 2021
Series 1 great then awful
Peekupz10 October 2023
Series one of this show was fantastic
But it seriously has bought
the farm in series two.
They seem to have lost interest in the stories of the time and focused on the private lives and relationships of some really uninteresting characters.
The two lead characters are both unlikeable and dull. They managed to cover this up previously by having interesting scripts.
The only point I can see to continue watching is to see William McInnes go hell for leather over the top. Love it. He has not been better than the brilliant Sandy Freckle.
Maybe they could find a role for Kath, Kel and Sandy. Perhaps then it might regain its lustre.
They seem to have lost interest in the stories of the time and focused on the private lives and relationships of some really uninteresting characters.
The two lead characters are both unlikeable and dull. They managed to cover this up previously by having interesting scripts.
The only point I can see to continue watching is to see William McInnes go hell for leather over the top. Love it. He has not been better than the brilliant Sandy Freckle.
Maybe they could find a role for Kath, Kel and Sandy. Perhaps then it might regain its lustre.
Complete and utter nonsense
ozjosh0315 August 2021
Heavily promoted as a landmark Aussie series and (amazingly) well-reviewed by critics, The Newsreader proves to be as dispiriting and preposterous as almost every other ABC drama of recent years. In order to fashion a story about how appallingly mistreated women working in 1980s TV newsrooms were - something that may or may not be true - The Newsreader finds it necessary to create an entirely false and revisionist picture of TV news of the time. For example, up-and-coming newsreader Helen Norville (played by Anna Torv) is threatening the popularity and career of older, established male newsreader Geoff Walters, a seasoned journo who we're told made his name covering Vietnam. The inference is that "glamour" and Helen's brand of more "emotional" news coverage is replacing a more staid kind of impartial journalism. In reality, the older established male newsreaders of the 80s were not crusty old journos like Geoff; they were almost unanimously "broadcasters" or "announcers" like the esteemed Brian Henderson. They were almost never journalists; they were there to project the right aura of authority and deliver the news in well-modulated voices. What actually happened through the 80s is that female newsreaders (generally with minimal experience, sometimes journalists, sometimes not) were grafted on to these men to inject glamour and a sense of gender balance. They occasionally continued to work as reporters, but mostly they didn't. The idea that any of them had enormous clout - and, as Helen does, could dictate that news coverage be extended instantly or demand to be given additional on-air bulletins - is just ludicrous. In short, The Newsreader makes the 80s an era in which women had to fight to survive, when in fact the 80s was the era in which women were promoted to news desks and as on-air journalists in ever greater numbers. If anyone was fighting to keep their jobs, it was the men they were replacing. It doesn't help that in Torv's hands Helen Norville is a truly lousy newsreader who wouldn't keep her job on a weekend rural news bulletin. That this somehow escapes the notice of the series' producers and directors isn't surprising given the general cluelessness of the entire enterprise. In short, The Newsreader is yet another example of "woke" drama that plays fast and loose with history and reality, which seems to be the specialty of ABC dramas of late. Total Control was similarly daft. It's looking a lot like the era of the ABC as the last bastion of quality Australian drama might pretty much be over.
The best show I've watched in years is Australian and it's called The Newsreader
aecceity21 September 2023
I haven't written a review in ages but I felt like I needed to express my appreciation for this show in some humble way after just finishing the second season which, miraculously, managed to live up to my high expectations.
I consider this show a bit of a hidden gem, especially because I discovered it completely by coincidence. It's difficult to put into words what an intense viewing experience it is. The backdrop setting of a 80's newsroom is so delicious it feels like it could have been written for me personally. The rise and decay of these characters, especially the two leads BRILLIANTLY portrayed by Anna Torv and Sam Reid, is extremely captivating.
I'll be (im)patiently waiting for the announcement of a third season because there needs to be one.
I consider this show a bit of a hidden gem, especially because I discovered it completely by coincidence. It's difficult to put into words what an intense viewing experience it is. The backdrop setting of a 80's newsroom is so delicious it feels like it could have been written for me personally. The rise and decay of these characters, especially the two leads BRILLIANTLY portrayed by Anna Torv and Sam Reid, is extremely captivating.
I'll be (im)patiently waiting for the announcement of a third season because there needs to be one.
Roku Channel comes up huge in this impressive 6 episode drama
johnc-523 March 2022
Newsreader is excellent. It is gripping from the first moments and it's well acted and the production design is impeccable. But it's the acting of Anna Torv and Sam Reid that elevates this show. First off, Torv is a super hero, she is incredible in everything and that means she's incredible in this, too. And the chemistry between her and Reid is engrossing and you want to root for them. Robert Taylor, of Longmire fame,(an awesome you should check out too) is also a welcome addition and he commands the screen in every scene he is in. I loved this show. I wish it was 60 episodes and not 6. It was a blast and it was funny and it was emotional. I am grateful the Roku Channel made this available, as I have been wanting to watch this show for quite a while now. I ripped through this show in 2 days and finished and then rewatched the last episode again. It is that good. You should watch. I will watch again.
Chemistry
surfingnaked112 September 2021
The sexiest voice on television
simon_williams91747 August 2022
Aussie Budget Newsroom
efd-104675 September 2021
The writing of this show keeps it moving along well but basically this is a local version of the Newsroom or even Morning Wars, so it loses a bit of POW by being a 'me too'.
As with almost everything written in the last 3 or 4 years a lead is gay or discovers they're gay during the show, with their struggle to express their sexuality running parallel to the main story, it's getting pretty predictable.
The Australian slant or angle is both interesting and boring at the same time, but over all the show moves along well, but may struggle to hold me.
As with almost everything written in the last 3 or 4 years a lead is gay or discovers they're gay during the show, with their struggle to express their sexuality running parallel to the main story, it's getting pretty predictable.
The Australian slant or angle is both interesting and boring at the same time, but over all the show moves along well, but may struggle to hold me.
Brillant show.
ash44445 September 2021
Political propoganda
catherineselwood1 October 2023
I was really enjoying this second series but after last night's attempt at political propoganda,typical of the ABC'S biased support of the "yes" faction, I 'll be thinking twice. It was a pitiful attempt at best. Blackfella's used to call themselves blackfella's and all Australians were part of the same MOB.
Dragging the same old sob story into the plot was unnecessary and badly portrayed.
I've always been a huge supporter of Australian TV and movies and take my hat off to the actors. I know it's all meant to be make-believe but one would have to be an idiot not to have picked up on the timing. Bad form ABC.
Dragging the same old sob story into the plot was unnecessary and badly portrayed.
I've always been a huge supporter of Australian TV and movies and take my hat off to the actors. I know it's all meant to be make-believe but one would have to be an idiot not to have picked up on the timing. Bad form ABC.
I Stuck This Out Because I'm Patriotic When It Comes To Australian TV
bigrenz19 October 2021
I was hyped for this. It came with great fanfare and a whole host of actors returning from overseas due to COVID.
There were some great performances; most notably from Michelle Lim Davidson and William McInnes but the main pair I just couldn't really feel for.
It did have some key underlying themes that I thought were really important and interesting to see hard it was in the 1980s but I just didn't feel that other things weren't quite right and it was loaded with cringeworthy moments.
I'd only watch this if you really enjoy flagship ABC dramas or if you were a child of the 80s as the attention to detail there was spectacular!
There were some great performances; most notably from Michelle Lim Davidson and William McInnes but the main pair I just couldn't really feel for.
It did have some key underlying themes that I thought were really important and interesting to see hard it was in the 1980s but I just didn't feel that other things weren't quite right and it was loaded with cringeworthy moments.
I'd only watch this if you really enjoy flagship ABC dramas or if you were a child of the 80s as the attention to detail there was spectacular!
Refreshing
rosebx-6036215 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
What refreshing change to watch a very entertaining drama that's not a crime or detective story. Fast paced, witty and pretty much captures the language, fashions, cars and humour of the 1980s authentically. OK, maybe a few too many F-bombs for the eighties and Helen pronouncing process as pross-cess instead of pro-cess but that's just being picky! Also realistic for the time, Dale and Helen didn't jump into bed with each other when he took her back to his house.
Great acting & overall premise
iSkiDV16 November 2023
The Newsreader is an incredibly watchable, engaging show. It may be surprisingly simple in premise, but overall, it is incredibly well done. The two leads spark off of each other & play off one another quite well. It's interesting to view historic events through the lens of the fictional news crew.
Series 1 was flawless. Series 2 starts well, but it stumbles when the writers veer in to topics of race. This is a common but unfortunate theme in too many shows on the BBC. Why do I say that? Because the writers choose to approach historic topics without really taking the time period in to account. For all of the research that goes in to these episodes, they have the "2023 progressive" take on it as opposed to that of an 80s basic liberal. It gets annoying because it ends up coming off as preachy as you just kind of want certain scenes to end. "I'm done waiting for a chair at the table of democracy," (inset eye roll here) is something you hear from some of the most preachy & monologue-oriented people now... not back in 1987.
I'm a millennial, not a boomer. This trend of everything having to be deep or have some kind of moral message. People are casting themselves as victims and unfortunately, now they're casting shows in the same manner.
I do recommend the Newsreader. The cast is generally enjoyable & they work well together. I hope if there is a series 3 they go back to making it entertaining & watchable as opposed to merely trying to cram today's politics in to any/every show they can.
Series 1 was flawless. Series 2 starts well, but it stumbles when the writers veer in to topics of race. This is a common but unfortunate theme in too many shows on the BBC. Why do I say that? Because the writers choose to approach historic topics without really taking the time period in to account. For all of the research that goes in to these episodes, they have the "2023 progressive" take on it as opposed to that of an 80s basic liberal. It gets annoying because it ends up coming off as preachy as you just kind of want certain scenes to end. "I'm done waiting for a chair at the table of democracy," (inset eye roll here) is something you hear from some of the most preachy & monologue-oriented people now... not back in 1987.
I'm a millennial, not a boomer. This trend of everything having to be deep or have some kind of moral message. People are casting themselves as victims and unfortunately, now they're casting shows in the same manner.
I do recommend the Newsreader. The cast is generally enjoyable & they work well together. I hope if there is a series 3 they go back to making it entertaining & watchable as opposed to merely trying to cram today's politics in to any/every show they can.
This could have been great
nsah24 August 2021
The production value is good, acting, script is great ( I'm two episodes in) but what ruins this show is it's quest to be politically correct which contradicts the show entirely, it's hard to show the inequity of the time with such a unrealistically diverse eighties cast. Dennis is completely miscast obviously race swapped after writing which is more than obvious from the dialogue, this also detracts from Michelle Davidson's character Noelene, what's all the fuss about when you work in the most diverse news room in the western world?? Sad this could have been great, but the point of the show is completely lost thanks to modern "virtue"
exceptional
anniemarshallster28 July 2022
I thought this was a genuinely out of the vaults program the BBC had discovered would fill the summer slot. But it's new.
Well, blow me down with a feather and congrats to all the talent that made it look genuinely 1986. Brilliant.
Script had me way behind the twists too.... And all those faces I know so well - I want to go home (almost) - but MacInnes and Downey and Torv you smashed it. And so did everyone else.
Well, blow me down with a feather and congrats to all the talent that made it look genuinely 1986. Brilliant.
Script had me way behind the twists too.... And all those faces I know so well - I want to go home (almost) - but MacInnes and Downey and Torv you smashed it. And so did everyone else.
If you remember the 80s....
nufc_geordie29 July 2022
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