ABC’s drama series The Newsreader has commenced filming its 6-part second season.
A year on from the events of series one, audiences met Helen Norville (Anna Torv) and Dale Jennings (Sam Reid), now established as ‘The Golden Couple of News’.
To the outside world, they present a glowing image of success and romance. But the truth is more complex. As 1987 rolls along, global stocks will soar and crash, Australia will prepare to celebrate its Bicentennial year, and Helen and Dale grapple with who they really want to be in life – and whether that path can be together…
Award-winning actress Anna Torv said, “I am so delighted production has started on The Newsreader season two. The scripts that Michael and the writers have put together are fantastic and I couldn’t be happier with where the show is going to lead the characters in this new season.”
Season one won the 2021 AACTA Award for Best Drama Series and was nominated for Most Outstanding Drama Series at this year’s TV Week Logie Awards
Series creator and producer, Michael Lucas said, “It’s such a thrill to have the full ‘News At Six’ team back in action. 1987 and 1988 has provided us with an incredible canvas in terms of drama, music, fashion and, critically, hair-styling, and we’re delighted that our entire ensemble cast has returned for season two, with some fantastic new additions.”
ABC head of scripted production Sally Riley said, “We are delighted to be underway on the second season of The Newsreader from the incredibly talented team at Werner Film Productions.
“The combination of real-life news events of the period and the extraordinary ensemble of characters within “News at Six” resonated so strongly with our ABC audiences – we can’t wait to share another season with them in 2023.”
The Newsreader season one
Series one returning characters are those portrayed by Anna Torv (2022 TV Week Logies – Most Outstanding Actress & 2021 AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama), Sam Reid (nominated for TV Week Silver Logie Most Outstanding Actor and nominated AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama), William McInnes (AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama & nominated for the TV Week Silver Logie for Most Outstanding Supporting Actor), Robert Taylor, Michelle Lim Davidson (nominated AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama), Stephen Peacocke (nominated AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama), Chai Hansen, Chum Ehelepola and Marg Downey (nominated AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama).
They will be joined in season two by international actor Daniel Gillies (The Originals, Virgin River, Coming Home in the Dark) and Philippa Northeast (Home & Away).
Minister for creative industries, Steve Dimopoulos said, “Our $191.5 million VICSCREEN strategy is supercharging our local screen industry by investing in our outstanding local productions like The Newsreader.
“This is uniquely Australian, gripping entertainment that showcases some of our best talent – and the people behind the scenes that make them shine.”
Produced by Werner Film Productions, The Newsreader season two will be directed by executive producer Emma Freeman (2021 AACTA Award for Best Direction in Drama) and will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2023.