Top Australian Series You Need to Watch This Summer

As the temperatures climb Down Under, audiences turn to their screens on the days where it’s too hot to do anything else and Australian television is delivering the entertainment at the highest levels of quality. From poignant dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies and compelling crime mysteries, this summer’s local slate proves homegrown series are among the best to stream right now.

Whether your taste is edge of your seat thrills or heart-warming laughs, these are the Australian series you need on your summer watchlist.

1. BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE (NETLFIX)

Adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name written by Trent Dalton, Boy Swallows Universe is an emotional and deeply layered coming of age drama set in 1980’s Brisbane. Led by massive Australian names including Simon Baker, Travis Fimmel and Phoebe Tonkin, the series blends gritty crime elements with magical realism while being bold in tone and is a perfect binge for viewers chasing depth and cinematic storytelling at the highest level.

2. TOP END BUBS (ABC iVIEW)

A massive standout on the ABC play platform, Top End Bubs follows new parents Liv and Andre as they navigate the chaos, highs, and lows of life with a baby in Australia’s tropical Top End. The show captures the relatable ups and downs of early parenthood and is equal parts warm, funny and honest. The shows short episodes and easy pacing make Top End Bubs ideal summer viewing.

3. DEADLOCH (PRIME VIDEO)

Onto darker and wickedly funny viewing now with Deadloch, a show set in a small Tasmanian town gripped by murder mysteries and one that delivers a refreshingly subversive take on crime comedy. Deadloch stars Kate Box and Madeline Sami, whose performances anchor the show’s sharp satire and clever plotting that make it a genre mash-up that rewards crime junkies and laughter seekers alike.

4. UTOPIA (ABC iVIEW)

One of Australia’s most celebrated comedies returns with Utopia and its trademark blend of workplace antics and razor-sharp political satire. Set inside the fictional National Building Authority, bureaucracy becomes chaos and nothing is safe from ridicule. The stellar ensemble cast is led by Rob Stitch and Celia Pacquola, who all work to turn everyday dysfunction into golden viewing, making it perfect for a summer watch.

5. TOTAL CONTROL (ABC iVIEW)

From comedy to a far more intense and drama led experience now with Total Control, a show that delves into power dynamics, representation, and moral complexity within Australia’s political sphere. Being one of Australia’s most celebrated political dramas and led by commanding performances from Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths, Total Controls is a tense and impactful pick for viewers after rich story-driven drama.

6. COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS (BINGE/PARAMOUNT +)

Colin From Accounts is a charming and heartfelt romantic comedy series starring Harriet Dryer and Patrick Brammall. With its refreshingly warm take on the genre that goes out of its way to find the humour and awkwardness of modern relationships, Colin From Accounts is an easy watch and ideal for summer evenings.

7. THE NEWSREADER (ABC iVIEW)

Uniquely set in the colourful world of 1980’s newsrooms, The Newsreader is a stylish show that blends workplace drama with poignant personal drama. Led by Anna Torv and Sam Reid, the series marries nostalgia with sharp social insight and is one of Australia’s most critically acclaimed recent exports.

This summer’s Australian television slate proves there is no shortage of local excellence to explore, whether it’s hilarious takes on new parenthood, high-stakes drama, or mind-bending crime tales, these series are guaranteed to make your summer viewing lineup unforgettable.