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High Country heads back to Victoria for Season 2 of acclaimed mystery series

High Country returns for Season 2 with Leah Purcell in a new alpine mystery.

Second series announced at Upfronts.

Mystery thriller High Country will return for a second season, with filming once again taking place in Victoria’s alpine regions.

The Foxtel Group, VicScreen and Screen Australia confirmed today that the BINGE original series, produced by Sony Pictures Television’s Curio Pictures, has been renewed for an eight-part run. The first season of High Country performed well with audiences in Australia and abroad, attracting thousands of viewers in the UK on BBC1 and in the US on Hulu.

Award-winning actor Leah Purcell AM reprises her role as Sergeant Andie Whitford, with the new storyline drawing her into a case larger and more dangerous than before.

Season two’s production will return to the landscapes of Jamieson, Mansfield, Eildon and greater Melbourne when cameras start rolling in November.

Praise for High Country

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said the production would have a significant economic and cultural impact. ‘We’re proud to support the return of the riveting series High Country. The second season will again showcase Victoria’s stunning mountain scenery and Victorian talent, both behind and in front of the camera, creating 895 jobs for Victorian screen workers. The series is also set to inject over $16.9 million of local spend into the Victorian economy.’

Foxtel Group’s Director of Scripted Originals, Lana Greenhalgh, called the renewal a natural step. ‘Season one was hugely successful for the Foxtel Group, captivating viewers with its intriguing characters, unique mystery and majestic landscape. The formidable Leah Purcell will reprise the role of Andie as she navigates new twists and turns that will keep us all guessing right until the very end.’

Screen Australia’s Director of Narrative Content, Louise Gough, highlighted the return of the show’s central character. ‘In this second season, Leah Purcell’s portrayal as the strong and complex Andie Whitford soars to new heights as she grapples with identity, family and belonging.

‘Curio’s award-winning team have an impeccable track record of delivering ambitious and compelling dramas with global appeal and this fast-paced enthralling tale of mystery and intrigue will have audiences on the edge of their seats.’

Executive producers Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner said audiences could expect an even more propulsive storyline. ‘We were delighted by the incredible audience response to the first season of High Country both in Australia, BBC1, Hulu and around the world. John Ridley together with the brilliant other writers have conjured up the next propulsive season with a new mystery at its heart all built around the magnetic Leah Purcell as Andie Whitford.’

High Country season two is produced by Curio Pictures for the Foxtel Group, with major investment from Screen Australia and Foxtel in association with VicScreen and the ABC. The series was created by John Ridley and Marcia Gardner. Executive producers are Jo Porter, Rachel Gardner, John Ridley and Leah Purcell, alongside Foxtel’s Lana Greenhalgh and Penny Win. International sales are being handled by Sony Pictures Television.

Production on season two of High Country will begin in November, with the series set to premiere on Foxtel and BINGE in 2026. Cast announcements are expected in the coming months.

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The Great Entertainer will have its world premiere at the Ritz on October 16 as part of SXSW Sydney, four days before it airs on Fox Showcase.

FOXTEL ORIGINAL

THE GREAT ENTERTAINER

PREMIERES MONDAY 20 OCTOBER

BASED ON THE LIFE OF BRIAN WALSH: THE MAN BEHIND THE MOMENTS

OFFICIAL SELECTION FOR SXSW SYDNEY® SCREEN FESTIVAL

Foxtel Group today announced the premiere date for Foxtel Original feature documentary THE GREAT ENTERTAINER based on the extraordinary life and career of Australian TV icon Brian Walsh. The feature documentary will have its world premiere at SXSW Sydney on 16 October, ahead of its premiere on Foxtel and BINGE on Monday 20 October – coinciding with Foxtel’s 30th birthday and commemorating three decades of entertaining Australians.

The captivating documentary chronicles the transformation of the TV industry and how Walsh created some of the most memorable sport and entertainment moments in Australian history and helped launch the careers of some of our biggest stars.

The ultimate showman and a storyteller like no other, Walsh is credited with spearheading the iconic Tina Turner ‘Simply the Best’ promotional campaign for the National Rugby League and re-launching Neighbours when it shifted to Network 10, among many others. Walsh commissioned some of Australia’s most iconic and beloved television series including Love My Way, Wentworth, Colin from Accounts, Australia’s Next Top Model and Gogglebox Australia during his 28-year tenure at Foxtel.

Beyond his visionary work in radio, television and live entertainment, Walsh was renowned for his exceptional ability to identify and nurture talent. He was instrumental in launching the careers of many Australian stars, including Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Kylie Minogue, and Guy Pearce. His dedication to fostering emerging talent has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

THE GREAT ENTERTAINER features some of the biggest names in the Australian entertainment and sport industries including Hugh Jackman, Jason Donovan, Patrick Brammall, Harriet Dyer, Marcia Hines, Leah Purcell, Danielle Cormack, Matthew Le Nevez, Matt Shirvington, Deborah Hutton OAM, Wayne Pearce and offers a unique lens to illustrate how one man’s vision, creativity, and mentorship influenced both the media landscape and the cultural identity of Australia.

Lana Greenhalgh, Director of Scripted Originals, Foxtel Group, said: “Brian was a visionary and the cultural heart of Foxtel for nearly three decades. He continually set the bar for premium and bold Australian storytelling and created countless memorable moments that launched careers and put Australian sport and television on the world’s stage. This documentary celebrates his remarkable legacy and unwavering passion for bringing Australian stories to the screen globally.”

Rudi McGregor, Executive Producer, Shadow Productions, said: “Brian Walsh lived and breathed entertainment, with an unmatched instinct for talent and storytelling. He believed passionately in Australian stories and dedicated his life to nurturing the people who told them, leaving a legacy that continues to shape our industry today. It has been a privilege to tell his story.”

THE GREAT ENTERTAINER is eligible for a SXSW Sydney Audience Choice Award.

Production credit: Produced by Shadow Productions for the Foxtel Group, THE GREAT ENTERTAINER is produced by Rudi McGregor, Mathew Brooks, Steve Cronan and Stephen Baldwin. Executive Producers are Graham McNeice and Rudi McGregor and Lana Greenhalgh and Alison Hurbert-Burns for the Foxtel Group and is financed in association with Screen NSW.

THE GREAT ENTERTAINER** premieres on Foxtel’s Showcase on Monday 20 October at 8.30pm and will also be available to stream on BINGE.

Rush tickets to the world premiere at SXSW Sydney are on sale now, visit sxswsydney.com.

I look forward to the next episode in the series on Foxtel employees who have passed. :rofl:

Foxtel has bought 4-part British thriller The Game, starring Jason Watkins and Robson Green, from distributor Sphere Abacus. It was shown on Channel 5 across four consecutive nights in May this year.

Official trailer released for new romantic comedy-drama Film Club

Starring BAFTA winners Aimee Lou Wood and Suranne Jones plus Emmy winner Owen Cooper
Coming to BINGE October 27

BINGE today released the official trailer for FILM CLUB, a heart-warming new romantic comedy-drama series premiering October 27 on BINGE with all six episodes dropping at once.

Starring Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education, The White Lotus), Suranne Jones (Gentleman Jack, Vigil), Owen Cooper (Adolescence) and Nabhaan Rizwan (Station Eleven), FILM CLUB is a witty and emotional story about love, friendship, and family – exploring whether we should follow our hearts or our heads, and what it truly means to be in love with a friend.

The series follows Evie (Wood) who hasn’t left her house in six months following a “wobble.” Her only escape is her beloved film club in her mum’s garage, where she creates magical movie worlds with best friend Noa (Rizwan). But when Noa announces life-changing news, Evie must face the possibility that they might be more than just friends.

FILM CLUB, made by Gaumont (Obsession, Locked In, The Wives, Lupin, Narcos), marks the highly anticipated screenwriting debut of Aimee Lou Wood and Ralph Davis (House of the Dragon, Big Boys, Othello), bringing fresh, bold storytelling to the small screen.

Also joining the cast are Arian Nik (Daddy Issues, Passenger) and Fola Evans-Akingbola (The Night Agent, Back In Action) as film club members Kam and Samantha, with co-creator Ralph Davis stepping in as the club’s newest member, Dominic. Lisa McGrillis (Rivals, Sex Education) plays Steph, Suz’s friend and neighbour.

FILM CLUB was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, and Fiona Campbell, Controller Youth Audience, BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. It is co-created and written by Aimee Lou Wood and Ralph Davis, with Anna Jordan (One Day, Killing Eve) joining the writing team for episode four. The series is produced by Gaumont UK with the support of ZDFneo in Germany. Stella Merz (Gentleman Jack) and Hannah Pescod (The Lovers) are producers, and Catherine Morshead (Daddy Issues, The Full Monty) directs the series. Executive producers are Alison Jackson, Jamie Jackson, and Aimee Lou Wood for Gaumont, and Nawfal Faizullah for the BBC. International sales will be handled by Fremantle.

Foxtel has bought season 2 of The Couple Next Door, Deadly Attraction.

Wasn’t DMV announced for Binge? It premiered today in the US and isn’t on Binge yet.

It was confirmed as coming to Binge no air date has been announced.

Stream the brand new series DMV starring Harriet Dyer from Nov 11 on BINGE; double episodes.

Premieres November 6 on BINGE.

This all seems over indulgent given the general populous would have no clue who he was.

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He was in charge of Foxtel and might’ve helped start Pay-TV in Australia and in 1985 he got Kylie Minogue a role as Charlene Mitchell nee Robinson on Neighbours.

he was a publicist, not a casting agent.

The Binge iOS app has been updated at some point with a new Live tab. No more needing to scroll through the app looking for the live channels.

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OFFICIAL TRAILER RELEASED FOR LIMITED SERIES

THE DEATH OF BUNNY MUNRO

STARRING BAFTA AND EMMY-NOMINATED MATT SMITH

COMING TO BINGE NOVEMBER 20

BINGE today released the official trailer for THE DEATH OF BUNNY MUNRO, a six-part limited series based on Nick Cave’s cult novel of the same name, starring BAFTA and Emmy-nominated Matt Smith (The Crown, House of the Dragon) as Bunny Munro, premiering 20 November on BINGE.

Following his wife Libby’s death by suicide, sex addicted door-to-door beauty salesman and self-professed lothario Bunny Munro (Matt Smith), finds himself saddled with his young son, Bunny Junior (played by Rafael Mathé making his television debut), and only a loose concept of parenting. As the two struggle to contain their grief in wildly different ways, Bunny takes Junior on the road for an increasingly out-of-control door-to-door sales tour around Brighton and the surrounding coast.

Bunny bounces from one sales pitch to the next, trying to seduce any woman he meets, while Junior kills time talking to the ghost of his mother and grappling with the dawning realisation that his dad isn’t just fallible, he’s a fucking mess. As Bunny starts to unravel, he realises he must do something to rescue his son from his own outdated notions of what it is to be a man; to save him from becoming another Bunny Munro. The Death of Bunny Munro is both a wild cautionary tale and a tender portrait of the relationship between father and son.

Alongside Smith and Mathé, the series stars Sarah Greene (Bad Sisters, Rosie) as Libby, Johann Myers (Somewhere Boy, Without Sin) as Poodle, Robert Glenister (Sherwood, Hustle) as Geoffrey, Alice Feetham (Boiling Point, Save Me) as Yvonne, David Threlfall (Shameless, Funny Woman) as Bunny Snr, Lindsay Duncan (Truelove, The Morning Show) as Doris Pennington, and Elizabeth Berrington (Last Night in Soho, In Bruges) as Charlotte Parnovar.

The series is written by BAFTA winner Pete Jackson (Somewhere Boy) and directed by BAFTA-nominated Isabella Eklöf (Industry, Holiday). Australian musician, screenwriter and novelist Nick Cave serves as Executive Producer and composed the score with longtime collaborator Warren Ellis, while Matt Smith also serves as Executive Producer.

Produced by Clerkenwell Films, part of BBC Studios, in association with Sky Studios. Commissioning Editor, Manpreet Dosanjh, is Executive Producer for Sky. Petra Fried, Ed Macdonald and Emily Harrison are Executive Producers for Clerkenwell Films. Matt Smith, Nick Cave, Pete Jackson and Isabella Eklöf also serve as Executive Producers. The Producer is Matthew Mulot.

The Death of Bunny Munro will drop all six episodes on 20 November on BINGE and will premiere on Foxtel on Showcase at 8.30PM.