and why we loved them 📺
Australian TV has given birth to some incredibly popular and enduring sitcoms that've not only captured the heart of the nation but also resonated with audiences the world over.
From their charming characters to their quintessentially Aussie humour, these series offer a unique cultural insight wrapped in laughs, tears and irreverent entertainment. In this article, your mates at Uptown Pokies explore the top Australian sitcoms that’ve left their mark on the world of television.
Here are our fav Aussie soap dramas and sitcoms and why we love them!
Common themes with Aussie soap dramas
Aussie soap dramas and sitcoms are known for their unique blend of humour, drama and relatability. They often explore themes that are common to the Australian way of life including mateship, larrikinism, resilience and family values.
These shows have a knack for highlighting the everyday struggles and triumphs of ordinary Australians in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking without ever feeling overbearing.
In this sense, they're much different to their US counterparts since they tend to take the Micky out of even the most serious life matters.
7 classic sitcoms and soap dramas from Australia
Neighbours
Neighbours, Australia's longest-running drama series, has been a staple in our screens since 1985.
Set in the fictional Ramsay Street, it follows the lives of suburban families in Melbourne while depicting their daily trials and tribulations with an uncanny mix of relatable drama and light-hearted humour.
This show has launched the careers of international stars such as Kylie Minogue, Russell Crowe and Margot Robbie. An absolute Aussie gem, Neighbours truly is the most enduring TV show ever to grace screens Down Under.
Summer Heights High
If you're ever keen for a good laugh, Summer Heights High can't be beat. This mockumentary-style TV series set in an Australian high school is absolutely hilarious.
The show, created by and starring comedian Chris Lilley, follows the lives of various characters at the fictional Summer Heights High School. There's Ja'mie (the self-absorbed private school girl), Jonah (the troubled Tongan student) and Mr. G (the eccentric drama teacher). Together, they make for a chaotic and entertaining blend of comedy.
Home & Away
Like Neighbours, Home & Away is a long-running Australian soap opera set in the fictional beachside town of Summer Bay.
The show follows the lives and dramas of the residents of this small coastal community, focusing on family relationships, friendships, romance and daily struggles. Home & Away has been on air since 1988 and is one of Australia's most beloved TV shows.
It’s also gained a large international following and has been translated into many different languages.
Rake
This incredibly well-loved TV show follows the life of Cleaver Greene, a criminal defense barrister who loves to push boundaries.
He's intelligent, charming and completely incapable of staying out of trouble. Set in Sydney, Rake showcases the gritty realities of the city's justice system while also delivering endless laughs through Cleaver's outrageous antics.
With 5 seasons and numerous awards under its belt, this clever comedy-drama is a must-watch for any fan of Aussie TV.
Packed to the Rafters
Family dramas don't come more heart-warming and entertaining than Packed to the Rafters.
This show is about the lives of the Rafter family and their struggles to balance work, relationships and parenthood. With a perfectly crafted mix of comedy, drama and heartfelt moments, this series has become one of Australia's most beloved sitcoms since it first aired in 2008.
Underbelly
Everyone will remember the infamous Underbelly - a true crime series based on real-life events that rocked Australia's criminal underworld.
The show chronicles the rise and fall of various criminal figures throughout Melbourne's history, delivering an intense mix of drama and action. It was highly controversial upon its release but has since become one of Australia's most successful TV dramas.
Multiple spin-offs have been spawned and it still enjoys a loyal fan base. To this day, Underbelly remains a must-watch for anyone interested in learning more about the seedy (albeit dramatized) underbelly of Australia's mob gangs.
Kath & Kim
Kath & Kim is an Aussie classic that needs no introduction. The show follows the lives of a mother and daughter duo living in suburban Melbourne and their hilarious antics as they navigate through life's challenges.
With iconic characters, catchphrases ("look at moiye, look at moiye"), and an unapologetic celebration of Aussie culture, Kath & Kim has cemented itself as one of Australia's most beloved sitcoms.
Like, who doesn’t love seeing Kel on the netball court? It is and will be a funny TV show for years to come.
So, which one of these classic Australian sitcoms will you be binge-watching next? Whether it's the heartwarming family dramas or the outrageous comedies, we've got a long list of highly watchable shows that are sure to keep you entertained.
Better yet, pull out your phone while binging and have a few spins on Uptown Pokies. There's just something about being entertained and winning cash on the couch...
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