For a while now, Australia has given Americans a variety of unique television to view. There is an enormous range of understated yet bawdy comedy, like Rake, Kath & Kim, and Chris Lilley's brilliant Summer Height High. There is also a wide selection of children's programming that showcases Australia's beauty, like H2O: Just Add Water.
And there is also a surprising number of crime procedurals, like Deep Water. Now with more and more streaming services, American audiences are getting access to even more Aussie shows. Hulu now includes a bunch of popular series in their library and the variety is fantastic.
Bloom (2019 - 2020)
A small town in Victoria is dealing with tragedy after a horrible flood when a new plant species is discovered that heals the ravages of time. The question is: What will happen when the plant wears off?
Solid writing and an interesting premise with a few surprises thrown in, Bloom is definitely worth a watch. This series includes a number of familiar faces, including Oscar-nominated Jacki Weaver (The Silver Lining Playbook, Animal Kingdom) and Bryan Brown (Gorillas In The Mist, Cocktail).
The Unusual Suspects (2021 - )
This dramedy stars the magnificent Miranda Otto (nothing like Money Heist, this character-driven miniseries is a satisfying blend of fun and social commentary.
When Otto's character, Sara Beasley, life falls apart, she is forced to organize a heist to help her nanny (and herself). The series addresses the struggles of an immigrant who has left her daughter behind in the Philippines. That being said, many people have commented that this fun, fast-paced four-part miniseries is highly binge-able.
The Other Guy (2017 - )
Staring and written by one of Australia's favorite comedians, Matt Okine (Dora And The Lost City Of Gold, Nine Perfect Strangers), this comedy is a carefully crafted and intimate look into the intricacies of Australian social lives. Okine takes a much darker, direct, and honest look into the modern dating world than many American sitcoms dare to endeavor.
Okine plays AJ, a successful radio personality, whose girlfriend of 10 years is cheating on him. And the worst part is that it's with his best friend. AJ finds himself back out in the dating world after a decade and discovers how much has changed. There are two seasons of this hilarious show, and some say that the second season is even better than the first.
All Saints (1998 - 2009)
This award-winning drama about nurses and doctors in one ward at All Saints Western General Hospital stayed on the air for record-breaking 12 seasons. In the series, Ward 17 is nicknamed the "garbage ward" because it receives all of the hospital overflow cases.
For die-hard ER fans (or even Grey's Anatomy), All Saints is perfect if a little bit more realistic. The show delves into universal medical dramas while facing some uniquely Australian social issues. The show won numerous awards over the years for its excellence in acting, writing, and overall popularity.
Top Of The Lake (2013 - 2017)
Created, written, and directed by Ozark).
Detective Griffin is following the mystery behind the disappearance of a 12-year-old pregnant girl, the daughter of a local drug dealer. Griffin struggles against the secrets of a small town along with her own demons. Hulu has both seasons of this show, really two mini-series, and both are haunting.
Packed To The Rafters (2008 - 2013)
Packed to the Rafters is a lighthearted family dramedy about a couple who is excited to finally have an empty nest. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances force everyone back home. Dave Rafter is played by Erik Thomson (All Saints, Xena: Warrior Princess), and his wife, Julie Rafter, is played by Rebecca Gibney (The Dressmaker, Wanted).
The show was constantly in the top five shows in Australia and won numerous awards. Filmed in Sydney, the show has the big city banter and bustle. With so much success, the show had a reboot six years later titled Back to the Rafters.
City Homicide (2007 - 2011)
This police procedural centers around a fictitious version of Melbourne's homicide squad. The ensemble cast of cops and detectives work hard to find justice for the dead. The team is led by Detective Senior Sargeant Stanley Wolff (played by Shane Bourne) and demonstrates a real wicked Aussie wit that relieves often intense situations.
Unlike most homicide dramas that revolve around thieves and drug addicts, this show delves into murders committed by everyday people. For people who dive into police procedurals, this is the next step. Hulu has all five seasons of these action-packed murder mysteries.
Harrow (2018 - )
This medical drama focuses on Dr. Daniel Harrow, an exceptional forensic pathologist, played by Ioan Gruffudd (Black Hawk Down). Though Harrow is talented at solving bizarre murders and is willing to bend or break rules to do so, the doctor struggles to balance his professional and personal life.
Though the premise is not new, Harrow's witty banter and unique perspective keep this show intriguing. The backdrop of Brisbane is stunning. Add to all of that a secret from Harrow's past that might just destroy everything and this show will keep viewers happy through all three seasons.
Please Like Me (2013 - 2016)
The brilliant writer/actor, Josh Thomas, co-created Please Like Me with his close friend, Thomas Ward. The series also introduced the wider world to comedian/actor/writer Hannah Gadsby, now famous for her Douglas. This unique dramedy revolves around Josh, who's a bit lost in life, but surrounded by friends and family who care for him very much.
Please Like Me gained popularity internationally because of its delicate handling of heavy subjects like depression, anxiety, and suicide through quirky and even uncomfortable humor that simultaneously feels both Australian and universal. It is no surprise that this fantastically subtle and human show was nominated and won so many awards, including the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.
Mr. Inbetween (2018 - 2021)
Scott Ryan masterfully plays Ray Shoesmith, an ex-con who has a daughter with his ex-wife. He's trying hard to be a good person but finds it difficult, especially when he's still surviving as a hitman. The show is actually inspired by a movie called The Magician (2005) which Scott Ryan wrote, directed, and produced while originating the character of Ray.
This show more than most exposes a raw underbelly in Sydney while contrasting it with the everyday world of most people. The fine balance of Ray's volatile profession and precarious personal relationships is intriguing. The combination of dark humor, drama, and violence made this show a hit.