The entertainment world we now live in is one of extreme choice, and it’s a pretty nice problem to have. While our parents grew up with four or five TV channels to keep them entertained, we’re now in an era where there’s dozens of satellite and cable channels, multiple streaming services with their own original content, and numerous free sources of video entertainment across the internet available at the tap of a screen, from YouTube to Crackle.
And it’s that breadth of available entertainment that’s made the old-fashioned “appointment TV” concept a thing of the past. The five free-to-air networks have all had to adapt to the new world of on-demand video (which they’ve done via their catch-up services). They need to please a viewer base which isn’t glued to one channel all night like the previous generation might have been.
So, let’s have a look at ten shows that you don’t need a subscription to watch, all available on free-to-air TV or their respective catch-up services. The best part being, of course, that it costs you absolutely nothing to check them out and see for yourself whether your new favourite show has been sitting there waiting for you.
Which streaming service suits you best?
Still want more TV? We’ve reviewed Australia’s leading streaming providers to help you choose which service would give you the shows you want to stream whenever and wherever. Whether you’re a drama fan, reality TV junkie, or a sports head, there’s a streaming provider ready to cater to your TV needs. For more, check out the video below.
1. The Heights (ABC & iView)
This new 30-drama episode drama series centres on the inner‐city neighbourhood of Arcadia Heights, exploring the relationships between the residents of the Arcadia social housing tower and the people who live in the rapidly gentrifying community that surrounds it. The Heights mines the frictions and commonalities between the upper and working classes in the melting pot of urban Australia. Catch it on ABC and iView this month.
7.4/10
84%
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2. New Amsterdam (Nine & 9Now)
New Amsterdam is an American medical drama that follows the life of Dr. Max Goodwin, as he becomes the medical director of one of the oldest public hospitals in the US. His goal? Reform the neglected facility by taking down the bureaucracy — all for providing exceptional care for all patients. Catch new episodes weekly on Nine and 9Now.
7.7/10
97%
8.2/10
3. Gogglebox Australia (Ten & TenPlay)
Gogglebox returns with its latest season, introducing a brother-sister duo joining the returning cast that includes best friends Anastasia and Faye, married couple Lee and Keith, the adorably sports-crazy Jackson family, and the women of Silbery family, just to name a few. Enjoy the entertainment right at the comfort of your own home lounge when Gogglebox returns for its ninth season on Ten and TenPlay.
8.3/10
80%
8.6/10
4. Married at First Sight (Nine & 9Now)
Australia’s most talked about social experiment is coming back for its sixth season. Promising an even more explosive season, Married At First Sight sees ten brides and ten grooms from across Australia, each with their own remarkable stories, facing more challenges and romantic hurdles than ever before. Don’t miss new episodes on Nine and 9Now.
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5. I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (Ten and TenPlay)
Twelve celebrities are left to fend for themselves in the Australian jungle. In order to win food for themselves and fellow camp mates, the celebrities must compete in trials that test them both physically and mentally. Tune in to continuing new episodes on Ten and TenPlay.
7.7/10
93%
6.7/10
6. Restoration Australia (ABC & iView)
Saving what’s left of houses on the brink of being turned into rubble, Restoration Australia makes it their mission to restore Australia’s great homes to their former glory. Watch how ot all unfolds on ABC or iVIew.
5.7/10
53%
6.9/10
7. Salamander (SBS & SBS On Demand)
Based on the novel by Bavo Dhooge, this Belgium crime drama series tells the story of a detective who investigates the theft of safety deposit boxes that belong to prominent Belgium figures. Don’t miss the action on SBS and SBS On Demand.
4.2/10
68%
7.2/10
8. Instant Hotel (Seven & 7Plus)
Instant Hotel is a homegrown reality TV series that follows homeowners who have transformed their homes into “instant” hotels — all done in order to get the highest scores from judges to win an ultimate prize. Tune in to these fascinating reality lfiestyle show on Seven and 7Plus.
5.8/10
N/A
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9. The Orville (SBS & SBS On Demand)
An american sci-fi comedy-drama, The Orville is inspired by Star Trek and The Twilight Zone, while telling the story of the crew of spaceship Orville as they embark on various diplomatic and exploratory missions. Watch every episode of season 2 on SBS and SBS On Demand.
8.6/10
91%
8.5/10
10. Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries (Seven & 7Plus)
A spin-off of the drama series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries is an Australian drama series that follows the personal and professional life of Peregrine Fisher. She inherited a fortune when her aunt went missing, and then proceeding to be a world-class detective in her own right. Catch all the thrilling action only on Seven and 7Plus.
8.7/10
90%
8.8/10
Catch It All on Free-to-Air!
You’re in for a treat this month with these leading free-to-air channels and catch-up services. Don’t miss a minute of these hot shows on air and subscribe now to their respective on demand streaming services. Whether it’s drama, sport, or reality TV, you’ll definitely love tuning into these channels all month long!
