It was the decade that truly kickstarted our reality TV obsession, from countless talent shows (Popstars, Australian Idol, X-Factor) to scandalous social experiment, Big Brother. The noughties also gave us iconic dramas, comedies, and timeless one-liners courtesy of Kath & Kim.
So grab a plate of baby cheeses, a glass of chardonnay and scroll your way through the 2000s as TV WEEK celebrates its 60th birthday with some momentous flashbacks.
Popstars
Popstars – 2000
Before we had Australian Idol, everyone wanted to be on Popstars. Formerly called Popstars Live, the talent show shot groups like Bardot (with Belinda Chapple, Sally Polihronas, Sophie Monk and Tiffani Wood) into the spotlight. In 2001, it received a Logie Award nomination for Best Reality Program.
Backyard Blitz
Backyard Blitz – 2000
Remember when Jamie Durie, Scott Cam, Jody Rigby and Nigel Ruck would rock up and take over your garden? In its seven years on air, Backyard Blitz won the Logie Award for Most Popular Lifestyle Program six years in a row.
Big Brother
Big Brother – 2001
Big Brother was controversial viewing and the beginning of our reality TV addiction. The show put a group of strangers in a house and surrounded them with hidden cameras, so we could watch their every move. It was TV gold and ran for 11 seasons. All up, 211 individuals had been in the Big Brother house.
McLeod’s Daughters
McLeod’s Daughters – 2001
It’s been sixteen years since we fell in love with McLeod’s Daughters. It was 2001 when Claire McLeod (Lisa Chappell) met her half-sister, Tess McLeod (Bridie Carter), and the two looked after the farm, Drovers Run. Spanning eight seasons, the series became one of our favourite shows, serving up some memorable episodes. The show also introduced us to some of our most loved stars, including Michala Banas, Luke Jacobz and Rachael Carpani.
The Secret Life of Us
The Secret Life of Us – 2001
Set in Melbourne’s St Kilda Beach, The Secret Life Of Us was a hit. It’s stars – Damian De Montemas, Joel Edgerton, Samuel Johnson, Deborah Mailman, Spencer McLaren, Abi Tucker, Sibylla Budd and Claudia Karvan – had us hooked.
Kath & Kim
Kath & Kim – 2002
In 2002, TV fans were crying out for something different. Something noice. Something unusual. Enter Kath & Kim. Mum Kath (Jane Turner) and daughter Kim (Gina Riley) were the suburban superstars who we welcomed into our lives for four hilarious seasons. Along the way they won three Logies and became comedy greats.
The Block
The Block – 2003
After 13 successful seasons, the Logie-winning renovation show has become a staple on our screens. Under the watch of tradie Scott Cam and sidekick Shelley Craft, five teams have 12 weeks to build a multimillion-dollar property, which is then put up for auction.
Australian Idol
Australian Idol – 2003
Shannon Noll, Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy are just some of the names to have catapulted to fame on Australian Idol. But their performances aren’t the only moments the talent show is remembered for. In season one, Shannon was “robbed” of his win, when Guy took the crown with song “Angels Brought Me Here.
Love My Way
Love My Way – 2004
Few Aussie shows have served up a moment as memorable as Lou’s (Alex Cook) death on Love My Way. The eight-year-old daughter of Frankie (Claudia Karvan) died suddenly of cardiomyopathy, leaving all of Australia heartbroken.
Dancing With The Stars
Dancing With The Stars – 2004
It was a hit in the US, so when Dancing With The Stars arrived down under, it had all the right moves. Many Aussie celebrities took part in the live dance-off, including former Home And Away star Bec Hewitt.
We Can Be Heroes
We Can Be Heroes – 2005
The arrival of Chris Lilley heralded a new age in Aussie comedy. We Can Be Heroes was Chris’ first long-form TV series. In 2006, the show won a Logie Award for Most Outstanding Comedy Program, while Chris was the recipient of the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding New Talent.
The X Factor Australia
The X Factor Australia – 2005
The X Factor Australia brought us hot, new singing talent. It saw artists like Reece Mastin find fame with the help of mentors and names including Mel B, Guy Sebastian, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Ronan Keating.
Australia’s Got Talent
Australia’s Got Talent – 2007
Based on the UK series format, Australia’s Got Talent was the breeding ground for pop group Justice Crew and singer Jack Vidgen. He quickly rose to fame after belting out Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” during his audition in season five. The talent show wrapped after eight seasons.
Sea Patrol
Sea Patrol – 2007
Set on HMAS Hammersley, the big-budget drama ran for five seasons. Gold Logie winner Lisa McCune led the way as Lieutenant Kate McGregor, while Ian Stenlake joined her as Lieutenant Commander Mike Flynn.
Summer Heights High
Summer Heights High – 2007
Arguably Chris Lilley’s most famous series, Summer Heights High was a smash hit for the ABC. Between Ja’mie King, Jonah Takalua and Mr G, Chris created and played three of the most colourful characters on the box.
The Farmer Wants A Wife
The Farmer Wants A Wife – 2007
Farmers looking for love signed up for the dating show that allowed them to meet like-minded women from across the country. The show’s nine seasons resulted in eight marriages, making it the most successful dating show so far.
Packed To The Rafters
Packed To The Rafters – 2008
On Packed To The Rafters, Australia’s favourite TV family gave us many special moments, including Julie’s (Rebecca Gibney) shock pregnancy, Ben (Hugh Sheridan) and Mel’s (Zoe Ventoura) love story and, of course, Mel’s devastating death. It left the Rafters clan shell-shocked. Over six seasons, Rafters won multiple Logies, including the award for Most Popular Drama Series four years running.
Underbelly
Underbelly Franchises – 2008
The first series of Underbelly took us into the Melbourne ganglands war, with the battle between Carl Williams (Gyton Grantley) and Jason Moran (Les Hill). We’ve since had more series, including The Golden Mile, Razor and Badness.
Bondi Vet
Bondi Vet – 2009
With his flawless jaw and the mile-wide smile, viewers enjoyed watching Bondi Vet star Dr Chris Brown as he saved pets’ lives. The vet earnt two Logie nominations along the way, but announced in 2017 that it’d be his last year on the show. Four new vets take his place in 2018.
Masterchef Australia
MasterChef Australia – 2009
Since its debut, MasterChef Australia has been a success. Judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston still continue to find the country’s best chefs.
