RFDS takes flight
Cameras roll on second season of Australia’s number one new drama of 2021
The Seven Network and Endemol Shine Australia are pleased to announce cameras are rolling on season two of the #1 new Australian drama of 2021, RFDS , with the new season to premiere later this year on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Based on remarkable real-life stories and filmed on location in and around Broken Hill, RFDS tells the stories of doctors, nurses, pilots and support staff in the Royal Flying Doctor Service as they navigate private lives as turbulent and profound as the heart-stopping emergencies they attend.
Nominated for three TV Week Logie Awards in 2022, the new season of RFDS sees the return of acclaimed cast members Emma Hamilton (Ten Pound Poms, Last Cab to Darwin), Stephen Peacocke (Home and Away, Five Bedrooms, The Newsreader), Rob Collins (Total Control, The Drover’s Wife), Justine Clarke (Going Country, The Time of Our Lives), Ash Ricardo (Offspring, Force of Nature: The Dry 2), Jack Scott (Hardball, Joe v Carole), Sofia Nolan (Home and Away), Rodney Afif (Ali’s Wedding, Lucky Miles), Ash Hodgkinson (Heartbreak High) and Thomas Weatherall (Heartbreak High, Blue).
Joining the cast this year is Emma Harvie (Colin from Accounts, Frayed) in the role of Chaya, a charismatic mental health nurse.
Season two of RFDS picks up one year after Eliza (Emma Hamilton) left Broken Hill behind. Much has changed, with lives at RFDS South East progressing at a rapid rate. The determined team will face some of their most confronting challenges to date – in the air, on land, with each other, and within themselves – set against the isolation, beauty and brutality of the outback.
RFDS is executive produced by Endemol Shine Australia Head of Scripted Sara Richardson, Imogen Banks (Kindling) and Julie McGauran for Seven. RFDS is produced by Ian Meadows (Upright) and Ross Allsop (The Artful Dodger) and directed by Jeremy Sims (Last Cab To Darwin), Rachel Ward (Rake) and Adrian Russell Wills (The Warriors). Season two is written by Ian Meadows, with other writers including Claire Phillips (Offspring), Magda Wozniak (Bad Behaviour), Kodie Bedford (Mystery Road) and Adrian Russell Wills.
Seven Network Head of Drama, Julie McGauran, said: “The best part of my day is seeing the dailies come in for the new season of RFDS. Watching this stellar cast bring these wonderful Australian stories to life is such a joy and I can’t wait for Australia to fall in love with this show all over again.”
Executive Producer and Endemol Shine Australia Head of Scripted, Sara Richardson, said: “It is such a joy to be back in Broken Hill and its community for the second season of RFDS. It is a huge privilege to be telling regional stories that are at the very soul of Australia, with scripts which have been crafted by the exceptional Ian Meadows and his team of incredibly talented writers.
“We are honoured to be bringing back our sensational cast and crew to showcase the powerful work of real-life heroes with heart, humour and gripping action.”
Screen Australia’s Head of Content, Grainne Brunsdon, said: “Returning with an exceptionally strong creative team, season two of RFDS will once again bring to life thrilling storylines with authentic and complex characters, showcasing regional parts of Australia rarely seen on screen. I’m confident season two will continue to engage and entertain audiences across Australia and beyond.”
RFDS is an Endemol Shine Australia production for the Seven Network. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Seven Network. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Banijay Rights handles international distribution for RFDS outside of Australia.
Season one of RFDS achieved a total TV audience of 1.09 million viewers, including an average BVOD per episode of 110,000 people. Watch it now on 7plus.
Season two coming soon to Channel 7 and 7plus
