The Most Popular Australian TV Series, Ranked

Choose the series you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:29
In the vibrant landscape of television, Australian shows have carved out a niche with captivating storylines and memorable characters, contributing significantly to the global entertainment scene. Gaining insights into which Australian TV series resonate most with viewers can help in understanding cultural trends and viewer preferences. A ranked list of these series, driven by audience votes, not only reflects public opinion but also guides new viewers towards quality content. By participating in the voting process, viewers have a direct impact on the rankings, making the list a true representation of popular choice. This engagement fosters a community among fans and gives them a stake in promoting the shows they love. Moreover, this dynamic ranking can shift with new votes, providing an up-to-date snapshot of what is currently trending in Australian television.

What Is the Most Popular Australian TV Series?

  1. 1
    31
    votes
    This long-running soap opera has been a staple of Australian television since 1985 and has gained a worldwide following. It follows the lives of residents in the fictional Ramsay Street and tackles a range of issues.
    Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera that revolves around the residents of Ramsay Street, a residential cul-de-sac in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough. The show explores the daily lives of the families, friendships, and romances of the diverse group of people living in this tight-knit community.
    • Genre: Soap Opera
    • Country of Origin: Australia
    • Language: English
    • First Aired: March 18, 1985
    • Number of Seasons: 37
  2. 2
    29
    votes

    Home and Away

    Alan Bateman
    Another long-running soap opera, "Home and Away" has been on Australian screens since 1988. It is set in the small coastal town of Summer Bay and follows the lives of its residents.
    Home and Away is a long-running Australian television soap opera that follows the lives of the residents of fictional coastal town Summer Bay. The show depicts the personal and professional dramas of various families, teenagers, and friends, highlighting both the joyous and tumultuous events that occur in their lives.
    • Genre: Soap opera drama
    • Country of origin: Australia
    • Language: English
    • First aired: 17th January 1988
    • Number of seasons: Currently running in its 35th season
    Home and Away in other rankings
  3. 3
    25
    votes

    MasterChef Australia

    Franc Roddam
    This cooking competition series has been hugely popular in Australia since it first aired in 2009. It has since spawned multiple spin-offs and has been praised for its high production values and diverse cast.
    MasterChef Australia is a reality cooking competition show that showcases the culinary skills of amateur cooks from around Australia. The series follows a format similar to the international MasterChef franchise, where participants undertake various cooking challenges to impress a panel of judges and advance in the competition.
    • Year of First Episode: 2009
    • Total Seasons: 13
    • Number of Episodes: 800+
    • Judges: Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, Matt Preston (seasons 1-10) and later, Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong, and Andy Allen
    • Average Viewership: Over 1 million per episode
    MasterChef Australia in other rankings
  4. 4
    29
    votes
    The Block
    H Padleckas · CC BY-SA 2.5

    The Block

    David Barbour and Julian Cress
    This reality TV series follows couples as they renovate apartments or houses and compete against each other to win a cash prize. It has been on air since 2003 and has become a cultural phenomenon in Australia.
    The Block is an Australian reality TV series that revolves around a group of couples who compete against each other to renovate and style properties. Each season, the participants are given rundown apartments or houses, which they have to transform into stunning living spaces within a fixed timeframe and budget.
    • Genre: Reality
    • Original release: 2003
    • Country: Australia
    • Language: English
    • Number of seasons: 17
    The Block in other rankings
  5. 5
    18
    votes

    Australian Survivor

    Mark Burnett
    This reality competition show is based on the popular international franchise and sees contestants stranded on a remote island and forced to compete in various challenges. It has been praised for its high-stakes drama and intense gameplay.
    Australian Survivor is a reality television game show that follows a group of castaways who compete against each other in challenges and strategic voting in order to outwit, outplay, and outlast their opponents. The show is set in various locations across Australia and tests the physical and mental abilities of the contestants.
    • Genre: Reality competition
    • Original language(s): English
    • Number of seasons: 7
    • Number of episodes: 167
    • Running time: 60-90 minutes
    Australian Survivor in other rankings
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    This crime drama series started in 2008 and has since become a cult classic in Australia. Each season focuses on a different criminal underworld and is based on real events.
    Underbelly is an Australian television drama series that explores real-life crime stories. It focuses on various criminal syndicates that operated in Australia's major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, and Gold Coast. The series is known for its gritty and dark storytelling, showcasing the underworld and the characters involved in illicit activities.
    • Genre: Crime drama
    • Country: Australia
    • Language: English
    • Number of seasons: 6
    • Number of episodes: 68
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    This drama series is a modern reimagining of the classic Australian TV show "Prisoner". It follows the lives of female inmates in a fictional prison and has been praised for its strong writing and performances.
    Wentworth is a critically acclaimed Australian television drama series that first aired in 2013. It is a reimagining of the iconic 1980s series 'Prisoner' and is set in the fictional women's prison, Wentworth Correctional Facility. The show follows the lives of the female inmates and the staff who work at the prison, exploring themes of power, survival, and redemption.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Release Year: 2013
    • Number of Seasons: 9
    • Number of Episodes: 105
    • Average Episode Runtime: 60 minutes
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Love Island Australia

    ITV Studios Australia
    This dating reality show has become hugely popular in Australia since it first aired in 2018. It follows a group of singles as they live in a luxury villa and try to find love.
    Love Island Australia is a reality dating TV series where a group of attractive singles competes for love and a cash prize. The show follows the contestants as they form romantic connections, go on dates, and face eliminations. Viewers have the opportunity to vote for their favorite couples, which can impact the outcome of the show. Love Island Australia is known for its drama, romance, and entertaining challenges.
    • Genre: Reality TV
    • Original release: 27 May 2018
    • Number of seasons: 2
    • Number of episodes: 56 (as of 2020)
    • Running time: 60 minutes
    Love Island Australia in other rankings
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    This dramedy series follows the life of obstetrician Nina Proudman and her chaotic family. It has been praised for its realistic portrayal of modern family life and its strong female characters.
    Offspring is an Australian drama-comedy television series that follows the life of Nina Proudman, a talented obstetrician navigating her chaotic personal and professional life. The show explores love, family dynamics, and the ups and downs of modern relationships.
    • Genre: Drama-comedy
    • Country of origin: Australia
    • Language: English
    • Original network: Network Ten
    • Original release: 2010-2017
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    This legal drama series follows the life of criminal barrister Cleaver Greene and has been praised for its sharp writing and strong performances. It has been on air since 2010 and has won multiple awards.
    Rake is an Australian comedy-drama television series that revolves around the chaotic life of Cleaver Greene, a brilliant but self-destructive criminal defense barrister in Sydney. The show explores his personal and professional struggles as he navigates the legal system, tackles complex cases, and continuously finds himself in precarious situations.
    • Genre: Comedy-drama
    • Country of origin: Australia
    • Language: English
    • Number of seasons: 5
    • Number of episodes: 40

Missing your favorite series?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular series

  1. Critic reviews
    Professional reviews from TV critics can impact the success and popularity of a series. Positive reviews can lead to higher viewership and a broader audience, while negative reviews may discourage potential viewers.
  2. Awards and nominations
    Recognition from reputable awards, such as Logie Awards in Australia, can also indicate a show's popularity and influence in the industry.
  3. Online presence and social media engagement
    The popularity of a show can be measured by its presence on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. A show with a strong online following is more likely to be considered popular.
  4. Longevity and number of seasons
    A show that has run for several seasons or years is often a sign of popularity and audience loyalty. A long-running series is more likely to have a dedicated fan base and consistent viewership.
  5. Syndication and international success
    A popular Australian TV series may have a global audience, increasing its overall popularity. Syndication rights, streaming deals, and international viewership are essential factors in determining a show's success beyond its home country.
  6. Cultural impact
    A truly popular show will have a lasting cultural impact, creating trends, catchphrases, or memorable moments that resonate with audiences.
  7. Accessibility and availability
    The ease of access to a TV series, such as being available on streaming platforms or aired on prime time, will also determine its popularity. The more accessible a show is, the more likely it is to attract a wider audience.
  8. Genre and demographic appeal
    Shows that cater to a broader demographic or have an appealing genre (e.g., drama, comedy) will generally be more popular than those with a niche audience.
  9. Word of mouth and recommendations
    A popular show will often be talked about among friends, family, and colleagues, leading to increased curiosity, viewership, and ultimately, popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Australian TV series. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or series is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2003 views
  • 164 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each series once every 24 hours. The rank of each series is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular australian tv series

Australia has produced some of the finest television series over the years, and it's no surprise that they have gained popularity across the globe. From thrilling crime dramas to heartwarming comedies, Australian TV series have something for everyone. Some of the most popular Australian TV series include "Neighbours," "Home and Away," "Wentworth," "Underbelly," "Love My Way," "Offspring," "Packed to the Rafters," and "McLeod's Daughters." These shows have not only entertained audiences but have also showcased the incredible talent of Australian actors, writers, and directors. With so many great options to choose from, it can be tough to pick just one favorite Australian TV series.

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