The ABC has today announced their 2011 lineup and it sounds epic. There’s set to be 34 hours worth of television drama and a host of comedic talent from the likes of Adam Hills, Chris Lilley, Marieke Hardy and Frank Woodley.
In support of nurturing homegrown talent, the ABC have a slate of programs ready for release in the new year, which they boast as being “distinctly Australian”. As far as Australian TV is concerned, up until now, that wouldn’t have meant much; (need we remind you that Packed to the Rafters ranked as the top regular program of 2010. WTF?!). But the ABC have plans to reign supreme and bring forth the dawn of a new era; an era of quality and entertaining Australian television.
Here are a few highlights:
“Angry Boys”: Chris Lilley returns and explores what it’s like being a young boy in the 21st century; giving way to a set of even more amusing characters in his new series.
“Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo”: a two-part telemovie that depicts the early days of ACP. It features Asher Keddie (Offspring) as Ita Buttrose and Rob Carlton as Kerry Packer.
“In Gordon Street Tonight”: Adam Hills gets his own talk show. Sweet.
“Laid”: a six-part comedy series written and conceived by the loveable Marieke Hardy and Kirsty Fisher, about sex, death, valour, life and love.
“Woodley”: comedian Frank Woodley plays the loveable dad-type in his own comedy series.
“Crownies”: a 22-part legal drama, heralding ABC’s return to long-form drama.
“The Slap”: a television adaptation of Christos Tsiolkas’s award winning novel.
“Redfern Now”: the first contemporary television drama series directed and produced by Indigenous Australians.
“The Eye of the Storm”: Judy Davis, Geoffrey Rush and Charlotte Rampling star in Fred Schepsi’s first Australian film since Evil Angels.
Other offerings include the comedy series “Twentysomething”; “Top of the Lake” a compelling mystery series; “The Straits” about a unique crime family; and “Phryne Fisher” an adaptation of Kerry Greenwood’s novels about a stylish, female detective from the 1920s.
It’s a landmark year for the ABC as far as new and current affairs goes: Four Corners turns 50, the 7.30 Report (sadly sans Kerry O’Brien) 25 and Australian Story and Stateline turn 15. And last but certainly not least, our dear friends Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton turn 25.
Just in case you miss an episode, ABC will also offer a catch-up TV service via its iPad app, which enables you to access and watch all of its 160+ programs for free.
Source: eBroadcast Entertainment News
