Binge has unveiled the official trailer, key art, and premiere date for the streaming service’s upcoming original mystery series “High Country,” featuring acclaimed actress Leah Purcell alongside international names Ian McElhinney, Sara Wiseman, and Aaron Pedersen.
Earlier this month, Mediaweek highlighted how the Australian scripted drama has undergone a significant shift, with streaming services emerging as the primary platform for such content. It was predicted that in 2024, audiences are more likely to find scripted Aussie dramas on a streaming service than free-to-air
The enduring popularity of shows like Offspring, McLeod’s Daughters, Packed to the Rafters, Neighbours, Home & Away, and the recent hit Boy Swallows Universe on Netflix, is testament to Australians’ love for scripted drama. This is despite the 2023 TV ratings favouring sports and reality TV, suggesting otherwise.
Looking ahead to 2024, it seems streaming services will be stepping in to fill this gap.
See also: Where’s the Drama? Why streamers are scooping up scripted series
Australian viewing habits have been evolving, but with the most recent Emmy Awards recording their highest-ever share of nominations from streamers, where is the drama on FTA?
High Country, created by Marcia Gardner and John Ridley, is an 8-part mystery thriller centered around detective Andrea Whitford (Purcell), who finds herself thrown into a baffling case of five missing persons in the Victorian High Country.
The series is set to premiere with a double episode on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, on BINGE, followed by weekly episodes.
High Country was produced by Curio Pictures, commissioned by the Foxtel Group for BINGE, with backing from Screen Australia and the Foxtel Group in partnership with VicScreen.
The production was supported by executive producers Jo Porter, Rachel Gardner, Lana Greenhalgh, Penny Win, as well asGardner and Ridley, and producers Pino Amenta and Sue Edwards.
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