Series synopsis
The Newsreader is an Australian drama television series that premiered on ABC TV on August 15, 2021. It ended on March 9, 2025. It was created by Michael Lucas. It stars Anna Torv, Sam Reid, William McInnes and Michelle Lim Davidson.
An unconventional relationship in a world on the cusp of change; a star newsreader and an ambitious bisexual reporter join forces in a ruthless 1986 newsroom, as events unfold that will change their lives.
Premise
An unconventional relationship in a world on the cusp of change; a star newsreader and an ambitious bisexual reporter join forces in a ruthless 1986 newsroom, as events unfold that will change their lives.
Premise: The end of an era.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Anna Torv as Helen Norville
- Sam Reid as Dale Jennings
- William McInnes as Lindsay Cunningham
- Michelle Lim Davidson as Noelene Kim
- Marg Downey as Evelyn Walters
- Chum Ehelepola as Dennis Tibb
- Stephen Peacocke as Rob Rickards
- Philippa Northeast as Kay Walters
Supporting cast
- Rory Fleck-Byrne as Gerry Carroll
- Daniel Gillies as Charlie Tate
- Robert Taylor as Geoff Walters
- Chai Hansen as Tim Ahern
- Daniel Henshall as Bill McFarlane
Guest cast
- Khisraw Jones-Shukoor as Talk Show Assistant
- Sorab Kaidobad as Gerry's Floor Manager
- Evan Hocking as Warm Up Guy
- Caroline Lee as Jean Pascoe
- James Saunders as Keith Mitchell
- Maria Angelico as Cheryl Ricci
- Caspian Dezfouli as Photographer
- Dave Lawson as Trevor Lehmann
- Lachlan Martin as Ray
- Cazz Bainbridge as Marta
- Nick Simpson-Deeks as Paul Stricker
- Jeremy Stanford as Paddy Hewitt
Episodes
This series spans 3 seasons with 18 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | August 15, 2021 | September 19, 2021 |
| Season 2 | 6 | September 10, 2023 | October 15, 2023 |
| Season 3 | 6 | February 2, 2025 | March 9, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Three, Two, One… In 1986, the cutthroat world of commercial television news throws ambitious reporter Dale and newsreader Helen together. |
August 15, 2021 |
| 2 |
Once in a Lifetime Helen and Dale's new alliance has become the talk of the office as they cover the much-hyped return of Halley's Comet. The closer Dale draws to Helen, the more he finds himself thrust into the spotlight. |
August 22, 2021 |
| 3 |
The White Marquis Matinee Jacket When news breaks of Lindy Chamberlain's imminent release from prison, Helen, Dale and cameraman Tim fly to Darwin. But they'll face fierce competition as they fight to land the "interview of the century". |
August 29, 2021 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Decision 87 It's one year on and Helen and Dale are now established as 'The Golden Couple of News'. It's Election Night 1987 - Hawke vs Howard. Competitor Geoff Walters is also making a well-publicised comeback on a rival network. |
September 10, 2023 |
| 2 |
People Like You and Me The country is rocked by a shock mass shooting in the heart of Melbourne. When Helen races to air with confronting footage of the aftermath, she is seen as exploiting the tragedy, and public sentiment shifts against her. |
September 17, 2023 |
| 3 |
Greed and Fear With international stock markets in freefall, Helen is plunged into crisis when a gossip columnist threatens to expose her troubled past. Feeling hunted, she turns to embattled CEO Charlie Tate for help. |
September 24, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Night of Nights In 1989, and Helen and Dale are reaching new peaks of success. Helen has been given her very own current affairs program, and Dale has become the biggest name in news with a Gold Logie nomination. |
February 2, 2025 |
| 2 |
A New Era When news of an Alaskan oil spill breaks on the day of Public Eye's launch, Helen is pressured to rethink her show format, whilst combatting a brutal act of sabotage from Lindsay. Dale tries to land an interview with the PM. |
February 9, 2025 |
| 3 |
Behind The Front Line Dale embraces his success, hosting a lavish birthday party. Meanwhile, Helen is struggling personally and professionally - Public Eye's ratings are dire but when offered an exclusive, she sees an opportunity to save her show. |
February 16, 2025 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | ABC TV |
|---|---|
| First aired | August 15, 2021 |
| Last aired | March 9, 2025 |
| Status | ended |