As of this writing, the new and returning series in October are from Australia, including Rake, which brings back one of the most beloved characters in Down Under TV.
For updates about shows from Australia and New Zealand added to US channels and streaming services throughout the month, see the Down Under TV Viewing Guide.
NATIONAL PREMIERES
Ask the Doctor (Australia)
This factual lifestyle/infotainment series addresses the state of the world’s health, the latest in medical treatments, and the future of healthcare as we know it. From exercise, infertility and sleep, to how to treat the common cold and the future of genetics, a team of doctors tackles the big healthcare questions, busts medical myths, and delivers reliable, up-to-date medical advice to help people live healthy lives.
Ask the Doctor, a Netflix Original series, premieres in the US on Friday, October 19, exclusively on Netflix.
Wolf Creek: Season 2 (Australia)
Based on the cult-hit “Wolf Creek” horror movie franchise, this psychological thriller series returns with serial killer Mick Taylor (John Jarratt, McLeod’s Daughters) hitting the proverbial jackpot: a motor coach with thirteen unsuspecting international tourists.
Featuring Matt Day (Rake, see below) and Tess Haubrich (Pine Gap), Wolf Creek: Season 2 premieres in the US on Sunday, October 21, at 10 PM ET, on Pop TV.
NON-PREMIERE PROGRAMS ADDED TO PROGRAMMING SCHEDULES
Rake: Series 5 (Final) (Australia)
Starring Richard Roxburgh (East of Everything) as the brilliant, belligerent, and maddening yet still lovable Cleaver Greene, the final season of this award-winning dramedy opens a year after the Season 4 finale, in which Cleaver leaves his days as a barrister behind and becomes an independent Senator in Australia’s Federal Parliament.
Now Cleaver’s living in Canberra and facing old foes and new — from David Potter (Matt Day, Underbelly), who’s transitioned to being a senator for the Green Party, and Cal McGregor (Damien Garvey, Jack Irish), who’s battling Caitlin Farquhar (Sara Wiseman, A Place to Call Home), the new co-host of his show, to Cleaver’s new nemesis: right wing Senator Penny Evans (Jane Turner, Kath & Kim). None of Cleaver’s chaos has abated, so we’ll see if he’ll step up to help Australia keep calm and carry on.
(Video is from Season 4)
Returning for the final season are Kate Box (Picnic at Hanging Rock), Caroline Brazier (Packed to the Rafters), Adrienne Pickering (Offspring), and Keegan Joyce (Please Like Me). New cast members include Jacek Koman (The Border), Mark Mitchinson (Dear Murderer), and William McInnes (Deep Water). And guest stars include Anthony LaPaglia (Without a Trace) and Celia Pacquola (Rosehaven).
Rake: Series 5 begins streaming Monday, October 22, on Acorn TV and the Acorn TV channel on Amazon.
Cloudstreet (Australia)
Set around Perth from 1943–1963, this award-winning, six-part adaptation of Tim Winton’s bestselling novel tells the story of two rural families, each scarred by catastrophe, who end up sharing a large, ramshackle house that shudders and groans with memories of its own. The Lambs are hardworking, God-fearing, and devastated by a horrific accident. The Pickles are luckless and derelict, blown by the winds of fate and their own bad decisions. The families couldn’t be more different, yet they find common ground beneath the same roof.
Kerry Fox (The Woman in White) and Essie Davis (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries) lead the six-part miniseries’ ensemble cast, which includes Emma Booth (Glitch), Stephen Curry (Pine Gap), Sean Keenan (Newton’s Law), and Geoff Morrell (The Code).
Cloudstreet begins streaming Monday, October 29, on Acorn TV and the Acorn TV channel on Amazon.
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Did you miss any of the new shows from previous months? Check the Down Under TV Viewing Guide and Viewing Guide Archives to find out.
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For details about the October premieres of shows from the UK, Canada, and Ireland, visit The British TV Place. For those about the debuts of original-language, English-subtitled programs from Europe, visit The Euro TV Place.
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