2018 is well underway and it’s shaping up to be a HUGE year of television. So, to get you up to speed on the all the new shows (140, to be exact) coming this year, TV WEEK has put together the top shows to look out for.
With so much on-screen goodness to come, what are we looking forward to watching the most? Here are our top 10 picks for 2018…
Starting with the dazzling remake of the iconic film Picnic At Hanging Rock into a drama series for the Showcase channel on Foxtel. Watch the series first teaser below!
The must-see miniseries: Picnic At Hanging Rock
There’s much to love about Picnic At Hanging Rock. It has a great cast, including Samara Weaving, Madeleine Madden, Natalie Dormer and Lily Sullivan, as well as Yael Stone and Anna McGahan. Plus, it’s a murder mystery and a period piece. That’s a win-win, folks! Foxtel have revealed it’s release date, so mark your calendars for Sunday May 6 at 8.30pm.
Izzy Hoyland is back!
Strap yourselves in, Neighbours fans, because Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte) is back. Few TV characters have courted controversy like Izzy, with the bombshell leaving a trail of men – including Dr Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) and Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) – in her wake. Keep your eyes peeled for a showdown with Susan (Jackie Woodburne).
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!
Jungle fever has hit as another batch of famous faces brave the South African jungle. With a mix of controversial characters and big personalities, we’re ready to walk on the wild side with hosts Dr Chris Brown and Julia Morris again.
Delta as Olivia Newton-John
The hair, the music, the outfits – Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted To You could be the TV event of the year. We think Aussie songstress Delta Goodrem will revel in the pressure of playing Australia’s golden girl. Plus, there are so many moments to look forward to, from Grease to Xanadu and everything in between.
MKR’s Russian Roulette
My Kitchen Rules is gearing up for another big year. And while it might be hot in the kitchen, there appears to be a cold war among contestants. The promos for this season have teased that the “Russians are coming,” with an all-female duo hailing from Russia… with love. Sparks will fly and dishes will burn while Manu Feildel and Pete Evans judge accordingly.
Sam Frost in Home and Away
From Bachelorette to beach babe, Sam Frost has arrived in Summer Bay! The 28-year-old made a dramatic entrance in the final moments of last year’s shocking finale. We can’t wait to see what Sam’s character, Jasmine, does next.
Aaron Jeffery as Chopper
Underbelly is back, telling the larger-than-life tale of Australia’s most infamous criminal, Mark “Chopper” Read. While the story of Uncle Chop Chop is well known – thanks to Eric Bana‘s work in the 2000 film – we’re keen to see how Wentworth star Aaron Jeffery makes the role his own.
Lisa’s big move
It was the TV switch-up that made major waves in the media landscape. Lisa Wilkinson‘s defection from the Nine Network’s Today to Network Ten’s The Project last year was the subject of much scrutiny. Now, the time for talk is over. We can’t wait to see Lisa’s brand of charm and charisma on TV again.
Is the Freak really dead?
The season-five finale of Wentworth was a cliffhanger of the highest order, with Pamela Rabe‘s Joan “The Freak” Ferguson (above) being buried alive. Is this really it for her? Something tells us we haven’t seen the last of this teal terror…
Australian Spartan starts, Ninja Warrior Returns
If watching other people achieve superhuman feats of strength from your living room is your idea of a good time, then you’re in luck. We’re pumped for a double serve of obstacle-course viewing as Australian Ninja Warrior returns to the Nine Network and Australian Spartan, hosted by Hamish McLachlan and Edwina Bartholomew, begins on Channel Seven.