We start this episode with a very different love story, Alice & Jack (BBC First/Binge/Foxtel, series). Swift Street (SBS, series) tells the story of petty crime in suburban Melbourne. White Lies (Stan, series) is a crime investigation starring Natalie Dormer set in South Africa. Sugar (AppleTV+, series) sees Colin Farrell playing LA detective John Sugar. How to Poison the Planet (Stan documentary) is a brilliant documentary made in collaboration with The Sydney Morning Herald that tells a chilling tale about how we are impacted by poisons let loose by the chemical industry.

This week’s TV goes from suburban Sydney to Saigon and Paris. Stars in the series include Robert Downey Jr, Sandra Oh, Angus Sampson and Michael Douglas The Sympathizer (Binge/Foxtel, series) tells the story of a half-French, half-Vietnamese spy during the final days of the Vietnam War. The second series of Heartbreak High (Netflix, series) starts with a school fire at the end of term. But it’s then back to the start of the school year. Benjamin Franklin and his diplomatic efforts are the subject of Franklin (AppleTV+, series). Michael Douglas is the lead and the series details the years one of America’s founding fathers spent in France.

Four very memorable pieces of television this week for very different reasons. We start with the compelling British crime drama Truelove (BBC First on Fetch, Binge or Foxtel, series.) Next is Ripley (Netflix, series) with a standout performance from Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley in a new version of the Patricia Highsmith novel The Talented Mr Ripley. The sole Australian production under review this episode is White Fever (ABC/iview, series) which starts off at a furious pace with an episode you are not likely to forget. Finally, we watch the TV movie Scoop (Netflix) with Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew. It’s a dramatisation about how the BBC’s Newsnight managed to convince the Prince to be a guest and be interviewed by journalist Emily Maitlis.

3 Body Problem (Netflix, series) is the much-anticipated new series from the creators of Game of Thrones. This is the first of 4 shows reviewed this week. One of the TV Gold hosts checked out immediately, while the other hung around. A Gentleman in Moscow (Paramount+, series) is a stunning piece of television starring Ewan McGregor as a Russian count sentenced to spend his life inside one Moscow hotel after the Russian Revolution of 1917. Steve (AppleTV+ 2-part documentary) chronicles the life of American comedian and actor Steve Martin. Finally this week, the latest work from Sally Wainwright, the creator of Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack. Renegade Nell (Disney+, series) tells the story of a women who accidentally becomes a notorious outlaw with a magical spirit that protects her when needed. It might sound strange, but Wainwright makes this drama set in 18th century England work.

Two new dramas set in the media and a series set at the end of the American Civil War. Obituary (BritBox, series) tells the story of an obituary writer for a small Irish newspaper. She needs more bodies to keep her job. You’ll be surprised at her initiative. The Girls on the Bus (Binge/Foxtel, series) is set on the campaign trail for a US election in what is an election year in the US. We meet four very different reporters who chase their stories in four different ways. Even though it is set in the current day, it manages to feature cameos from a character playing gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson. Manhunt (AppleTV+, series) is a dramatic recreation about the hunt for the killer of American president Abraham Lincoln. As an Easter extra, Andrew and James detail their greatest hits of the year so far with some viewing tips if you have time over Easter for catch-up viewing.

The important, yet challenging to watch, story of Jimmy Savile is recreated in The Reckoning (Binge/Foxtel, series). Savile is played by Steve Coogan and the disc jockey manages to land a job with the BBC in the 60s on the then new music show Top of the Pops. The series explores the impact of his crimes and the difficulties faced by those who tried to raise the alarm. Palm Royale (Apple TV+, series) features Kristen Wiig as an ambitious woman trying to become a member of the most exclusive club in Palm Beach at the end of the 60s. Watch it for the wonderful period recreation and the excellent supporting cast. Our third series up for review this week is The Gentlemen (Netflix, series), from creator/writer/director/executive producer Guy Ritchie. It is really the surprise package out of these three series. It tells the story of a son who surprisingly inherits the family estate instead of his older brother. And wow, does he uncover a few surprises hidden in that family!

High Country star Leah Purcell is the guest on this bonus edition of TV Gold. She join’s TV Gold hosts Andrew Mercado and James Manning to talk about her new series now on Binge and Foxtel. Set in the Victorian north east around Jamieson, Purcell talks about what drew her to the series and the wonderful location that is the setting for the 8 episodes. In addition to talking about her character Andie Whitford, Purcell also discusses working with some of her acting colleagues including Ian McElhinney, Aaron Pederson and Henry Nixon. Listeners will also hear a scoop about plans to make a sequel to The Drover’s Wife. Purcell also discusses the possibility of a second season of High Country. Make sure you follow the TV Gold podcast to get alerts about the regular weekly review episodes plus these bonus specials.

Three series we are calling Australian dramas this week. Starting with Apples Never Fall (Binge/Foxtel series, 7 episodes). Filmed in Queensland from an Australian author’s book is enough for us to claim it. Sam Neill and Annette Bening star in this family drama set in West Palm Beach, Florida. Next up is Population 11 (Stan, series 12 episodes) which is another quirky comedy/thriller set in outback Australia. Filmed in Derby, WA, it tells the story of the US son of the local tour guide returning home to discover his dad has gone missing. Finally, another powerhouse performance from Leah Purcell. This time in High Country (Binge/Foxtel series, 8 episodes) as a country police officer thrown into a missing person investigation.

Three very ambitious dramas this week – two set in Europe and the third in 17th century Japan. Shōgun (Disney+ series, 10 episodes) tells the story of how a British sailor was captured in Japan after his ship ran aground. It’s a big budget, sprawling historical drama. The Regime (Binge/Foxtel series, 6 episodes) brings Kate Winslet back to television in this satire about a Central European regime. After her brilliance in The Mare of Easttown, does Winslet bring the magic again? Mary and George (Binge/Foxtel series, 7 episodes) is a British history drama about King James I and the male lover he takes after the young man’s mother hatched a plot to get him into the royal household. The series features some wonderful scenes with Julianne Moore facing off against Nicola Walker.

A Netflix triple-play this week and a quirky New Zealand comedy. The Netflix productions start with the Tyler Perry movie Mea Culpa with Kelly Rowland as an ethically-challenged criminal lawyer. The movie is already #1 on the Netflix movie chart. Next up is Can I Tell You A Secret?, a 2-part docudrama about a very creepy UK stalker and how he created chaos for many women and how they ultimately trapped him. Thirdly from Netflix is Loudermilk, 3 seasons of a Canadian sitcom overlooked on Prime and now getting a big crowd on its new platform. Finally, this week we have another sitcom about two lesbians who get more than they bargained for when trying to have a baby – Double Parked (ABC iview, 8 episodes).

A deeper dive on two very different dramas that do have connecting themes. First up for review is House of Gods (ABC/iview, series) telling the story of the Messenger Mosque and the ambitious family involved in its leadership. Next up is Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon (AppleTV+, movie). James manages to find some connections with his favourite drama Billions. When it comes to Show of the Week, Andrew decides to choose another program not on the original running sheet! The hosts also talk about the launch of Hubbl and Andrew has been watching MAFS!

Two major new dramas are reviewed this episode. The first is a real surprise package – Three Women (Stan, series). It features Shailene Woodley and Betty Gilpin starring in a story adapted from the book of the same name. We guarantee there’s a few scenes in those first two episodes you won’t forget in a hurry. The other new release is The New Look (AppleTV+, series). Ben Mendelsohn stars as Christian Dior and Juliette Binoche is Coco Chanel. The series starts with the story of how the fashion designers survived the Nazi occupation of Paris and then how their businesses grew after the war.

You shouldn’t overlook the brilliant Mr Bates vs The Post Office (Seven & 7plus, series) which tells the tale of what is being called the worst miscarriage of justice ever in the British legal system. Also this week we look at the latest adaption of the David Nicholls’ novel One Day (Netflix, series). Also the Australian feature film Five Blind Dates (Prime, movie), a romcom from Goalpost Pictures that is set in Townsville and Sydney.

Five new series reviewed this week. A brilliant cast is the reason not to miss the second season of Feud (Binge/Foxtel series), sub-titled Capote vs The Swans. Also this week is Griselda (Netflix, series) from the creators of Narcos. Three Little Birds (BritBox, series) from writer and producer Lenny Henry. Also Mr & Mrs Smith (Prime, series) and finally, the brilliant doco Nemesis, about the three recent Liberal Party prime ministers Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison.

Three impressive dramas this week, all with good reasons to watch. It was a challenging week to pick a Show of the Week (at least for James…Andrew was decisive). First off Masters of the Air (AppleTV+, series) was under the microscope. The World War II airforce drama cost a bomb to make and you see where they money went the moment you start watching. Next up is Maryland (Britbox, series) which features the brilliant Suranne Jones and Eve Best as estranged sisters dealing with a family tragedy. Finally TV Gold reviews the Nicole Kidman-led drama about life in Hong Kong, Expats (Prime, series). It’s an impressive piece of work on-screen and off by Kidman, her production company and the cast.

The new Australian drama Prosper (Stan, series) is a must-watch for many reasons. Especially for the great work of Rebecca Gibney, Richard Roxburgh and Ewen Leslie as family members running the U Star church. Also this week we review True Detective S4 (Binge/Foxtel, series) featuring the work of Jodie Foster, Culprits (SBS On Demand, series), Role Play (Prime, movie) and Criminal Record (AppleTV+, series). Don’t miss our separate episode on Stan’s Prosper, with special guest Rebecca Gibney.

Andrew and James both nominated new Stan drama series Prosper as the TV Gold Show of the Week in the January 18 episode. In this bonus episode, they talk to one of the stars of the Stan series, Rebecca Gibney. In the Stan Original about an evangelical megachurch run by the wealthy and powerful Quinn family, Rebecca plays Abi Quinn, a pastor at the U Star church and the husband of the U Star founder Cal, played by Richard Roxburgh. On the podcast, Rebecca talks about what drew her to the character of Abi, her own experience with religion, and the amazing cast she co-stars with. She also discusses the main locations scouted by the team at Lingo Pictures –the U Star HQ and the Quinn family home which looks like a house that appears in another recent Australian hit drama series. This is the ultimate TV Guide to Prosper.

First show back for 2024 and there’s already a long hist of quality TV to watch. We start this week with the Australian epic Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix, 7 episodes). Michelle Keegan and Joanna Lumley star in the UK crime thriller Fool Me Once (Netflix, 8 episodes). The incredible true story of the 1972 plane crash in the Andes is told in Society of the Snow (Netflix, movie). More compelling Australian drama with an impressive cast joining Deborah Mailman and Wayne Blair in the third and final season of Total Control (ABC, iview, 6 episodes). We also look at a sitcom with a difference, Ted (Binge, 7 episodes) and the sci-fi movie shot in Australia, Foe (Prime).

There were so many great TV shows this year we have recorded two episodes listing them all. Joining Andrew Mercado and James Manning in both these episodes is TV Tonight founder David Knox. There is a comprehensive selection of over 40 international dramas, comedies and documentaries to choose from if you are catching up on the best of 2023. Those series include Stonehouse (Britbox), Beef (Netflix), The Sixth Commandment (Binge), The Long Shadow (Stan) and The Last of Us (Binge). See a complete list of all the shows we mention at mediaweek.com.au. Don’t miss the other TV Gold Year in Review podcast episode which covers Australian TV.

There were so many great TV shows this year we have recorded two episodes listing them all. Joining Andrew Mercado and James Manning in both these episodes is TV Tonight founder David Knox. There is a list of over 20 shows we all enjoyed including The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (Prime), Scrublands (Stan), Bay of Fires (ABC iview) and While the Men Are Away (SBS On Demand). See a complete list of all the shows we mention at mediaweek.com.au. Don’t miss the other TV Gold Year in Review podcast episode which covers International TV.

Five big productions as the year draws to an end. The podcast starts with a review of Archie (Britbox, series), the dramatised life of Cary Grant and his relationship with Dyan Cannon. Then it’s our sole movie this week, the Australian-made horror film Talk To Me (Netflix). Suranne Jones always gets plenty of time on a TV Gold podcast and this week we look at season two of the crime thriller Vigil (Binge/Foxtel, series), then there is a change of pace with the hilarious Smothered (Binge/Foxtel, series) and the very popular Australian comedy from John and Dan Edwards, Bump (Stan S4, series).

Three big drama releases this week, all featuring strong female lead characters plus we have another Australian documentary original from Stan. The three dramas are Asher Keddie as a character “inspired” by Mia Freedman in Strife (Binge, series); Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick as backpackers in The Royal Hotel (Binge, movie); and Jodie Whittaker, Bella Ramsey and Tamara Lawrence on the wrong side of the law in the second season of Time (BBC First, series). Andrew also talks about the Australian original documentary Ben Roberts-Smith: Truth on Trial (Stan) and James has a preview of Archie, the dramatized biography of Cary Grant, a series they will be discussing next week.

Three of this week’s shows under review are Australian dramas and the fourth is a UK documentary that owes much to Aussies. The dramas are Paper Dolls (Paramount+, series), The Artful Dodger (Disney+, series) and Baz Luhrmann’s reimagining of his movie Australia, now a six-parter, called Faraway Downs (Disney+, series).

This week we examine the first four episodes of the final season of The Crown (Netflix, series). It’s all about Diana and Dodi, but there’s much more too as Queen Elizabeth and (then) Prince Charles are called on by their country. Other new shows this week reviewed are Fargo (SBS, series), A Murder at the End of the World (Disney+), Jones Family Christmas (Stan, movie) and Signora Volpe (UKTV).

Stan has another Australian Original hit on its hands with Scrublands based on the novel by Chris Hammer. Also this week The Killer (Netflix, movie), 007: Road to a Million (Prime) and Robbie Williams (Netflix). A couple of quick mentions too for the movie NYAD with Jodie Foster and Annette Benning (Netflix) and the documentary The Lost City of Melbourne (SBS).

The four TV series looked at this week live on just two streaming platforms. The fifth instalment of the NCIS franchise is reviewed this episode as NCIS: Sydney (Paramount+, series) launches in Australia before it debuts in the US on CBS. Also this week we look at World War II drama All The Light We Cannot See (Netflix, series), a time-traveling thriller Bodies (Netflix, series), and the patience-testing reality TV parody The Curse (Paramount+ series).

That was awkward! Bit of sensitivity this week when one host’s choice for Show of the Week is slammed by the other host. What could it be? Andrew and James power through five programs this week: Milli Vanilli (Paramount+, doco), Boiling Point (BBC First, series), A Friend of the Family (7plus, series), Night Bloomers (SBS On Demand, series) and Australian Epic (ABC and iview, series).

We start this episode with The Fall of the House of Usher (Netflix series). No spoilers, but the Shows of the Week (two this week) come from these four programs – Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles (Prime doco), Fellow Travelers (Paramount+ series), Erotic Stories (SBS series) and Darradong Local Council (7mate and 7plus).

Another busy week in front of the TV with some great recommendations. The Burning Girls (Paramount+ series) arrives in time for Halloween. Payback (BritBox series) is a British crime drama from Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio. Surviving Summer (Netflix, two series) is a family drama from Australian producer Joanna Werner. Never Let Him Go (Disney+ documentary) comes from ABC News in the US and Blackfella Films in Australia. Also this week The Burial (Prime movie) and Andrew talks about his visit to Broken Hill for a new documentary he is filming. James reveals his highlight of the week was Damian Lewis in a leather jacket and Slayer T-shirt as the metal band blazed away on the soundtrack in the third last episode ever of Billions (Stan).

Three very different dramas on three different streaming platforms this week. Love is in the Air (Netflix movie) is a romcom starring Delta Goodrem about a Queensland airline serving the Whitsunday Islands. Bargain (Paramount+ series 6 episodes) is a dystopian drama from Korea that covers a lot of ground and many troubling issues – and that is just the first episode. The Long Shadow (Stan 7 episodes) is a stunning crime drama that takes a very different look at the investigation into the Yorkshire Ripper case where a killer was convicted of 13 murders and seven attempted murders.

We start this episode with a detailed review of the new Stan Original C*A*U*G*H*T from creator and star Kick Gurry. Next up is the wonderful new drama While the Men Are Away (SBS) which details life in a country town during the Second World War. Lastly, Andrew has a look at the new season of Sex Education (Netflix). There is also discussion about what series we have recently finished, ads on SBS and Binge, we list our Show of the Week and tease some of the great TV coming in the weeks ahead.

Our latest bonus episode features Andrew and James talking to the writer, producer and director of C*A*U*G*H*T, Kick Gurry. All episodes are now available to watch on Stan. Just how did Gurry get some of Hollywood's biggest stars, who appear alongside Australia's finest, to work on this Aussie independent production? The movie tells the story of Australian troops sent into a conflict zone. After their capture they make a hostage video that goes viral around the world.

One documentary and three new dramas this week. The documentary is The Super Models (AppleTV+) which features the life and times of Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell. The dramas are Far North (Paramount+), The Other Black Girl (Disney+) and The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies (BBC First on Foxtel & Binge).

Three international dramas reviewed this week plus Andrew speaks about the first episodes of the relaunch of Neighbours. The Changeling (AppleTV+) is a horror/fantasy series that starts well. Wilderness (Prime Video) is a six-episode suspense thriller with Jenna Coleman in the lead role. The Gold (Paramount+) is a drama about a massive British robbery in 1983 starring Hugh Bonneville.

It's a special shows about TV week. Three new series this week all feature fictional TV programs. The Newsreader (S2 ABC and iview) returns with loads more drama from the eighties newsroom where Helen and Dale are TV's golden couple. Morning Wars (S3 AppleTV+) returns with Alex Levy still hosting breakfast TV and Bradley Jackson reading the evening news. Finally we look at The Lovers (Binge/Foxtel), a romcom about a TV current affairs host sent to Belfast to record his weekly series. So good is one of the stars in The Lovers it sent James back to her previous series for a reappraisal.

It is Upfront time in TV land. This year Andrew and James are recording special episodes with each of the FTA network programmers after their Upfront events where they preview the year ahead. First up is Nine's Hamish Turner who talks about innovation at 9Now, why Nine doesn't have more drama series and the growth and subsequent challenge facing global streaming platforms and lots more.

Two major drama series this week – a quirky action thriller from Spain & England, Who Is Erin Carter? (Netflix), then a new Australian drama about female relationships, One Night. Andrew talks about the unleashing of 50 new FTA FAST TV channels via Pluto TV and James details the subscriber numbers and how best to budget when it comes to streaming subscriptions. We also look at six classic movies new to Paramount+ this month. Remember to email us: comments@tvgold.au

To coincide with the home entertainment release of the John Farnham feature length documentary, TV Gold has recorded a special episode dedicated to the Australian singing superstar. TV Gold hosts Andrew Mercado and James Manning are joined by co-manager and long-time Farnham family friend David Wilson who reveals the lengthy discussions he and Glenn Wheatley initially had with John about making the documentary. David also discusses the highlights of John’s career as captured by the filmmakers. This is the perfect audio companion for the DVD release of the feature length doco.

Vicky McClure stars in Without Sin (Seven/7plus), a truly gripping British crime drama where for a change of pace McClure is not portraying a police officer, but a taxi driver. Also this episode we review The Winter King (Stan) which tells the fictional story of King Arthur in fifth century Britain after his falling out with his father King Uther. Finally a movie for a bit of light entertainment – Red, White & Royal Blue (Prime Video) is a romcom with a difference starring Uma Thurman as the US President.

Two big shows this week – first up is the reboot of Mother and Son (ABC/iview). Starring Matt Okine and Denise Scott, the Aussie sitcom created a debate in this episode with Andrew and James having very different opinions about its first outing. Next is a drama that the hosts expect to be amongst the best TV of the year. The Sixth Commandment stars Timothy Spall, Anne Reid and a what could surely be a BAFTA-winning performance from Eanna Hardwicke as the very creepy Ben. Don’t. Miss. This. Show. Also on offer this week is Outback Farm (7mate/7plus) with narration by, wait for it, Jason Donovan. Finally, Andrew looks at a new drama about the opioid crises in the US, Painkiller (Netflix).

What characteristic links the three returning dramas Andrew and James review this week? The shows are RFDS S2 (Seven/7plus), Only Murders in the Building S3 (Disney+) and Billions S7 (Stan). A new documentary reviewed is HBO’s Telemarketers (Foxtel/Binge). We also discuss The Inspired Unemployed Impractical Jokers (10) and the Catalyst special The Soundtrack of Australia ABC/iview). There are also a couple of series that make the Finished list with all episodes viewed. Don’t forget to email us at: comments@tvgold.au

After recording a bonus episode dedicated to The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (Prime Video), Andrew and James give their own thoughts on how successful it is. (Spoiler: very) Also this week they review Justified: City Primevil (Disney+), Physical (S3 AppleTV+) and they look at the 2023 TV Week Logie winners.

TV Gold takes you inside the biggest Australian drama of the year, Prime Video’s The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. Join Sarah Christie (Prime Video) and Jodi Matterson (series executive producer) as they talk about adapting the bestseller and finding the key cast members – from Sigourney Weaver and Leah Purcell to Asher Keddie and Alycia Debnam-Carey. They reveal all the wonderful Australian places where the series was shot and talk about the special effects that created one of the iconic locations.

Four series under the microscope this episode: Two UK dramas on BBC First (Foxtel/Binge) – Fifteen-Love with Aidan Turner and Ella Lily Hyland, and The Catch with Jason Watkins and Poppy Gilbert. We also watch the return of Craig Reucassel in War on Waste S3 and look at the rebuilding of the Chicago restaurant featured in The Bear. Hard decision had to be made – what could be Show of the Week? There is also some great correspondence from two TV Gold listeners. Please send your thoughts, criticism, praise, viewing tips to comments@TVgold.au.

Three very different programs this week starting with a real surprise package – The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race from producer Andrea Keir on 10 and Paramount+. We also review producer Taylor Sheridan's new series Special Ops: Lioness (Paramount+) and the second season of Minx (Stan).

This week we talk in detail about the success Marta Dusseldorp should have with Bay of Fires (ABC/iview) in which she stars. Also we review Full Circle (Binge/Foxtel), The Betoota Advocate (Paramount+) and Superpowered: The DC Story (Binge/Foxtel).

A bonus episode of TV Gold this week as Andrew and James interview Marta Dusseldorp, co-creator and star of Bay of Fires. She talks about another quirky mystery set in Tasmania, but the creators wanted to avoid the stereotypes. Marta also talks about moving the family to Tasmania and her life on the island state.

Reviews this week of Limbo with Simon Baker, Rob Collins and Natasha Wanganeen (ABC, iview), The Last Daughter with Brenda Matthews (Netflix), Wham! with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley (Netflix), and Six Four with Kevin McKidd and Vinette Robinson (Britbox).

The longtime Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison is guest in a special bonus episode. He talks about his “suburban noir” drama Riptide (a TV Gold Show of the Week), and his stellar TV career writing and producing primetime FTA dramas. He also reveals the rollercoaster ride of emotions he experienced when Neighbours was first cancelled and then re-commissioned.