With summer about to arrive, Foxtel has revealed an upcoming slate of programming from Australia and around the world, from the best in sport, drama, lifestyle and entertainment as well as factual, news, kids and movies.
Foxtel’s Executive Director of Television, Brian Walsh, said: “As the year winds down, Foxtel is taking it up a notch with a wide range of new and returning series across entertainment, factual and lifestyle available to watch and stream. Our movie line-up is always a huge hit over summer, and we have a great line-up of pop up channels and blockbusters titles to look forward to. Viewers will also be treated to plenty of live sport, music specials and kids programming.
“Our on demand offering also means there’s an abundance of must-watch content to catch up and discover over the summer break. With more than 1000 movies to stream at any time and over 100 complete drama series at your fingertips, this summer is the perfect time for Foxtel.”
It wouldn’t be summer without cricket, and Foxtel will be bringing viewers the biggest and best lineup of cricket ever offered in the one place and available in 4K. Catch all the action from every home soil Australian Test Match, the KFC Big Bash League and the One Day Internationals against India live in HD, 4K and ad break free. Other sporting events to watch out for include the NBA Boxing Day line-up and the AFC Asian Cup.
Headlining Foxtel’s drama schedule this summer are a number of new and exclusive dramas including the epic three-part drama series War of the Worlds, HBO’s Succession, teen drama Roswell, New Mexico and the Sky Italia Original The Miracle. These new dramas will complement a strong line up of returning series including True Detective S3, Mr Mercedes S2, Victoria S3 and Luther S5. Foxtel will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of what has been hailed “the greatest television drama of all time” – The Sopranos – with every season available to stream On Demand in January.
Movie buffs are in for an unrivalled experience this summer with over 1000 premium On Demand titles available to stream on Fox Flicks (iQ3 and iQ4 boxes) and 24 hour a day content across Foxtel’s linear movie channels. Special movie events include Fox Flicks playlists Christmas is Coming and Merry Me, pop-up movie channels A Taste of India to celebrate India’s cricket tour of Australia, 12 Days of Christmas and Aussies in Film for Australia Day, plus special channel programming including Romance Advent Calendar and Disney Summer Favourites.
Foxtel Movies will also showcase the best of the AACTA Awards – which takes place in December and this year marks the 60th Anniversary of AFI | AACTA – with a week of the best nominated and winning Australian titles including The Sapphires, Red Dog, The Water Diviner, Rabbit-Proof Fence, Muriel’s Wedding, Animal Kingdom, The Great Gatsby, Hacksaw Ridge and Mad Max.
There is a huge line-up of lifestyle and factual content, including new local crime series Ron Iddles: The Good Cop. This 6-part Foxtel Original series follows Ron Iddles, arguably the best Homicide detective Australia has ever known, as he takes us behind the scenes of his most challenging murder cases. Foxtel will also premiere Bushfire Wars, a new local production that tells the story of the men and women who risk their lives fighting bushfires. The eight-part series is a world-first as specially ‘fire trained’ camera crews go into the field alongside the firefighters to capture the action.
Entertainment is covered with returning favourites Top Chef, Vanderpump Rules and Million Dollar Listing LA sitting alongside new series Lindsay Lohan: Paradise Boss, spin-off series America’s Got Talent: Champions, and Game of Thrones fan show Thronecast: Gameshow of Thrones ahead of the eighth and final season of the global television phenomenon in 2019.
Foxtel is also the home of awards shows, bringing viewers live and exclusive coverage of the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards, the 24th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards and the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, all in January
DRAMA
SUCCESSION – from Thursday, December 6 at 8:30pm on FOX SHOWCASE
The Roy family – Logan Roy (Brian Cox) and his four children – controls one of the biggest media and entertainment conglomerates in the world. Succession tracks their lives as they contemplate what the future will hold for them once their aging father begins to step back from the company. Set in New York, the 10-part drama from HBO explores themes of power, politics, money, and family.
THE MIRACLE – from Sunday, December 9 at 8:30pm on FOX SHOWCASE
Written by best-selling Italian novelist Niccolo Ammaniti, who also serves as showrunner, The Miracle is a Sky Italia original, co-produced by Sky and FremantleMedia-owned Wildside. During a raid in the hideout of the fearsome mafia boss Molocco, officers suddenly find themselves before a pool of blood. One not due to any killings, but to a plastic statuette of the Madonna. There’s no answer to the mystery, but the power of the enigma brings madness to everyone who comes into contact with it, changing the direction of their lives forever. Stars Edoardo Natoli, Guido Caprino, Alba Rohrwacher, Elena Lietti and Javier Cámara.
DC CROSSOVER EVENT – December 10, 11 and 12 on FOX8
Airing over three massive nights in December, the DC Universe intersects in the highly anticipated DC crossover event between three of DC Comics’ most popular shows: The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl. Australian actress and rising Hollywood star Ruby Rose will star as the newly cast, lesbian superhero, ‘Batwoman’. Armed with a passion for social justice and flair for speaking her mind, the ‘out and proud’ iconic character will fight for justice on the streets of Gotham to bring an end to the failing city’s criminal resurgence.
CALL THE MIDWIFE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL – coming soon on BBC FIRST
Miriam Margolyes (Harry Potter) stars as the forthright and indefatigable Sister Mildred who arrives at Nonnatus House together with four Chinese orphans. With Christmas preparations in full flow and the midwives busy caring for the expectant mothers of Poplar, these unexpected visitors cause joy and chaos in equal measure.
GOTHAM S5 – Express from the US from Friday January 4 at 9.30pm
The fifth and final season of the Batman prequel premieres on FOX8 this summer with a promise to “wrap up this unique origin story of the great DC Comics Super-Villains and vigilantes”. The series stars David Mazouz as a young Bruce Wayne alongside Ben McKenzie as Jim Gordon, Camren Bicondova as Selina Kyle and Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth.
MARVEL’S RUNAWAYS S2 – every episode available On Demand from Wednesday December
26, screening weekly on FOX8 from Tuesday, January 8 at 8:30pm (double episode) In the second season of the acclaimed series, the Runaways have left their homes (and evil parents) behind and now have to learn to live on their own. As they scavenge for food, search for shelter, and take care of one another, the kids begin to realise, for better or worse, they’re stuck with each other. And it’s up to them to take down PRIDE once and for all.
EMERALD CITY – from Thursday January 10 at 7:30pm on SYFY
After being transported from Lucas, Kansas, to the Land of Oz by a tornado, 20-year-old Dorothy Gale sets out to find the Wizard, unaware she is about to fulfil a prophecy that will change everyone’s lives forever.
TRUE DETECTIVE S3 – from Monday, January 14 at 8:30pm on FOX SHOWCASE
Creator Nic Pizzolatto is taking his anthology series to the Ozarks for Season 3. Stephen Dorff (Somewhere, Immortals) is set to play Arkansas State Investigator Roland West, joining Oscar winner Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, House of Cards) in the eight-part series that follows the story of partner detectives investigating a macabre crime involving two missing children. The story spans three decades.
ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO – Express from the US from Wednesday, January 16 at 9.30pm After reluctantly returning to her tourist-trap hometown, Roswell native Liz Ortecho discovers a shocking truth about her teenage crush who is now a police officer: he’s an alien who has kept his unearthly abilities hidden his entire life, along with those of his otherworldly siblings. She protects his secret as the two reconnect and begin to investigate his origins, but when a violent attack and long-standing government cover-up point to a greater alien presence on Earth, the politics of fear and hatred threaten to expose him and destroy their deepening romance. Roswell, New Mexico is based on the Roswell High book series as imagined by The Originals’ Carina Adly MacKenzie and Julie Plec.
MR MERCEDES S2 – from Monday January 21 at 9.30pm on FOX SHOWCASE
A year after his thwarted attempt to perpetrate a second mass murder in the community of Bridgton, Ohio, Brady Hartsfield (Harry Treadaway) remains hospitalised in a vegetative state. Retired Detective Bill Hodges (Brendan Gleeson) has done his best to move on from his Brady obsession, teaming up with Holly Gibney (Justine Lupe) to open Finders Keepers, a private investigative agency. But when unexplainable occurrences begin to affect hospital staff members attending to Brady, Hodges is nagged by the feeling that Brady is somehow responsible. Based on Stephen King’s best-selling Bill Hodges Trilogy, which includes Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch.
SIREN S2 – from Monday, January 28 at 9.30pm on FOX8
In the second season, more mermaids will arrive in the once-sleepy fishing town of Bristol Cove – but are they seeking revenge, or is something more catastrophic driving them out of the sea? Marine researchers Ben (Alex Roe) and Maddie (Fola Evans-Akingbola) continue to establish a bond with mermaid Ryn (Eline Powell), not only to protect her but to try to help save her entire civilization. Ian Verdun and Rena Owen also star.
THE MAGICIANS S4 – from Wednesday, January 30 at 7:30pm on SYFY
After spending much of Season 3 without magic, our heroes finally return magic to the world, but Dean Fogg reroutes the flow of magic and gives the group (except Alice) new, magic-free identities, wiping away the memories of their magic life. An ancient, powerful, and un-killable Monster finds a host in Eliot. When Season 4 opens, the Monster is seeking out the rest of the Magicians … and something else …
WAR OF THE WORLDS – January on FOX SHOWCASE
This epic three-part drama series is the latest adaptation of H.G. Wells’ seminal tale – the first alien invasion story in literature. Set in Edwardian England, the series follows George (Rafe Spall) and his partner Amy (Eleanor Tomlinson) as they attempt to defy society and start a life together. Rupert Graves stars as Frederick, George’s elder brother, and Robert Carlyle plays Ogilvy, an astronomer and scientist. The series tells their story as they face the escalating terror of an alien invasion, fighting for their lives against an enemy beyond their comprehension.
THE SOPRANOS 20TH ANNIVERSARY – On Demand in January
To mark the 20th anniversary of HBO’s television classic The Sopranos, every season will be available to stream On Demand in January. The smash-hit crime drama series revolves around anti-hero Tony Soprano (played by the late James Galdofini), a husband, father, and mob boss juggling the problems of his fractious family with those of a family of a different sort – the mob. Exploring personal and professional power struggles, affairs, violence, and betrayal, The Sopranos has been hailed as one of the greatest television shows of all time.
LUTHER S5 – coming soon on BBC First
Golden Globe-winning Idris Elba returns to the iconic role of DCI John Luther with a fifth series created by Emmy-nominated writer Neil Cross. Luther and new recruit D.S. Catherine Halliday played by Wunmi Mosaku investigate a series of horrific killings in London. But as the case brings him closer than ever to the nature of true evil, a reluctant Luther must also face the ghosts of his own past. Striding back into the line of fire, he must choose who to protect… and who to sacrifice. Whatever his next move, it will have devastating consequences for those around him – and will change John Luther forever.
VICTORIA S3 – coming soon on BBC FIRST
Starring Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) and Tom Hughes (Paula). With revolutions on the continent and the Chartist movement reaching its peak in London, Victoria is under pressure from the government to leave London for her own safety, and beneath the façade of their united bond, Victoria’s relationship with Albert is at breaking point.
DEATH IN PARADISE – coming soon on BBC FIRST
Ardal O’Hanlon returns as DI Jack Moone. The Saint Marie police are joined by new recruit, Officer Ruby Patterson (Shyko Amos), who also happens to be Commissioner Patterson’s niece, which gives the team a challenge or two.
JAMESTOWN S2 – coming soon on UNIVERSAL TV
Set in the 17th century, and on the edge of the breathtaking but untamed Virginian wilderness, sits the English colony of Jamestown. This second series continues to follows the lives of three women (Jocelyn, Alice and Verity) as they wrestle with the challenges of creating a new life in a beautiful yet forbidding land. We return to a thriving Jamestown, the tobacco plantations are starting to provide the wealth they promised and trade booms, but the status quo will soon be disrupted by births, deaths, and broken marriages. The power of politics will impact the whole community, as the battle for supremacy continues.
ENTERTAINMENT
VANDERPUMP RULES S7 – from Tuesday, December 4, Express from the US at 1:35pm, encore at 8:30pm on Arena
This season of Vanderpump Rules kicks off with the anticipated opening of TomTom. Lisa Vanderpump channels her energy into making sure her newest venture is the epitome of perfection, but when last-minute problems arise, she must assign more responsibility to her junior partners Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval – whether they’re ready or not.
UNANCHORED – from Wednesday, December 5 at 2:30pm and 9:30pm on Arena
Adventure sets sail on the new series Unanchored as it follows best-friends Barrett Young, Chelsi Pugliese, Danielle McNeil, Evan Tauber, Korey Warzala, Max Craddock, Rachel McGowan, and Vanessa Cavanaugh as they embark on a life-changing journey filled with wanderlust and self-discovery. Led by their larger-than-life skipper, Captain Jack Royds, the crew attend one of the most coveted and exclusive “floating festivals,” called “The BucketLust” where 350 people and 35 catamarans set sail to breath-taking locales throughout the Bahamas. On this annual trip, these friends jump in feet first by taking on all the work of the crew; from hoisting their own sails and tending the lines, to managing 100% of the cooking and cleaning. Every day brings a new stunning view and a thrilling excursion, but it’s not always smooth sailing for this group, as friendships are put to the test, long-distance couples are forced to see if their romance can survive 24/7 togetherness and fiery exes try to coexist peacefully during their voyage.
THE DIRECTORS S1 – from Wednesday, December 5 at 8:00pm on FOXTEL ARTS
This new series looks at the 20th century’s iconic film directors; the real innovators whose breakthrough direction made film into the movies. Their early lives, often escaping war or poverty found expression in theatre, then film, forming the fundamental art that is cinema. Each episode brought to life by Derek Malcolm, Neil Norman, Stephen Armstrong, Dr. Bonnie Greer OBE, and Ian Nathan along with classic moments from each film career. The Directors include Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, William Wyler, Sam Peckinpah, and many more.
TOP CHEF S15 – from Friday, December 7, Express from the US at 1:35pm and encore 8:30pm on Arena
This season, 15 new talented chefs from cities big and small across the U.S. will compete for the sought-after title amid the unique culinary scenes in Louisville, Lexington and Lake Cumberland, before heading abroad for an epic finale showdown in Macau, China. The Emmy Award-winning series returns with host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio, Graham Elliot, Nilou Motamed, and Gail Simmons. Padma and Tom continue to keep the chefs on their game with an exciting season full of curveballs, double eliminations and the earliest and first ever three team Restaurant Wars. The cheftestants work to impress the judges and notable guests as they bet it all at Kentucky’s famous racetracks, Churchill Downs and Keeneland, cook for Laila Ali at the Muhammad Ali Center, and compete in a buzzer beater showdown for roaring fans at the University of Kentucky’s Rupp Arena with Hall of Famer, Coach Calipari.
THE DAY THE ROCK STAR DIED S1 – from Thursday, December 13 from 8:30pm on FOXTEL ARTS
The Day the Rock Star Died will explore the storied lives, rich musical legacies, and tragic ends of some of the biggest and most treasured superstars in music history. The series will take you on an in-depth journey of 15 artists who made deep impacts on the face of music and left an indelible imprint on the hearts and lives of fans around the world. Music legends featured in Series 1 are Janis Joplin, David Bowie, Buddy Holly and Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, George Michael, Michael Hutchence, and Tom Petty.
BOTCHED S5 – from Thursday, December 13 at 7:00pm on E!
The hit series returns for a fifth season with even more high stakes procedures and jaw dropping reveals. Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Paul Nassif will continue to change the lives of their patients as they come face to face with the most complicated reconstructive surgeries they’ve ever been challenged with.
18 OF 18 – Saturday, December 15 at 10.30am on MTV
MTV’s 18 of 18 brings viewers the biggest moments and music of 2018. From break-outs, beefs and bangers, it is all here. The only question is – which Artist will take out the number one post.
THRONECAST: GAMESHOW OF THRONES – from Monday, December 17 at 8.30pm on FOX SHOWCASE
Sky Atlantic’s Thronecast returns, but this time it’s changed! Thronecast: Gameshow of Thrones is a Quiz Show hosted by GoT super fan Sue Perkins. Celebrity fans and cast members will be battling it out in their Houses to see who knows as much as the three-eyed raven and who’s a bit more Jon Snow.
ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE – Express from the UK, Thursday, December 19 at 8:30pm on UKTV
Actor and comedian Greg Davies, hosts this year’s Royal Variety Performance, in the presence of members of the Royal family. Stars appearing include the multi-award-winning Take That, the West End cast of the phenomenal hit musical Hamilton, chart-topper George Ezra, the West End cast of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, and the legendary Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo.
PAUL MURRAY LIVE – NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECIAL – Monday, December 31 from 9:00pm
Join Paul Murray this News Year’s Eve for a special edition of Paul Murray LIVE from 9pm, covering all the celebrations taking place across the country. We’ll cross to reporters LIVE around the nation as the clock strikes midnight and fireworks take off.
DR PIMPLE POPPER – From Monday, January 7 at 8:30pm on TLC
She’s the undisputed queen of pimple-popping and a bona fide global sensation with over 4.4 million YouTube subscribers, and following the success of her one-hour special, Dr. Pimple Popper is back. This eye-popping series shares a window into Dr. Sandra Lee’s world as a busy dermatologist. Her ‘popping’ videos have become a cult phenomenon on YouTube, with an enormous 2 billion views (and counting) from a growing community of popaholics who love to watch her perform extractions. At her California-based dermatology clinic, she never knows who will come in on any given day and what she’ll need to do in order to help them fix their problems and transform their lives.
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: CHAMPIONS – Express from the US from Thursday, January 10 at 7:30pm on FOX8
This America’s Got Talent spin-off features the ultimate display of talent, as the most memorable acts and extraordinary performers from previous seasons return to the stage to compete in hopes of taking home the first-ever winter title of AGT Champion. Favourite contestants from other international Got Talent franchises, spanning 184 countries across the globe, also join the fray, showing off their talents for a whole new audience. Hosted by Terry Crews, with judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Heidi Klum.
MICHAEL MCINTYRE’S BIG SHOW S4 – from Sunday, January 27 at 8:30pm on UKTV
Michael McIntyre is back with a new series of dodgy dancing, celebrity guests and ‘make-yourface-hurt’ laughter! Timeless, hugely enjoyable and perfect for gathering a family together, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show will warm your heart and make you laugh until your face hurts.
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS S9 – Express from the US this summer on Arena
The popular reality series provides an insider view into the wealthy and extravagant women of Beverly Hills with a revealing insight into their world. In season 9, new Housewife and Hollywood actress Denise Richards will appear alongside returning Housewives Lisa Vanderpump, Kyle Richards, Lisa Rinna, Erika Girardi, Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave, and Dorit Kemsley.
MILLION DOLLAR LISTING LA S11 – on Arena this summer
LA’s best agents continue to broker big deals and drama when Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles returns. Selling real estate in the Los Angeles area can be a glamorous job, as Million Dollar Listing proves. The show follows young real estate agents as they try to sell high-end properties in the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills and Malibu.
AWARDS SHOWS – on Foxtel this summer
Foxtel is the home of awards shows, bringing viewers the best of the best from Television, Film, Music and Arts. This summer, FOX8 will exclusively broadcast the 76th Annual Golden Globe
Awards while E! captures the glitzy arrivals with E! Live from the Red Carpet, both live on Monday,
January 7. FOX8 will also screen the 24th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards live on Monday, January 14; and Foxtel ARTS will screen the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards live on Monday, January 28.
LINDSAY LOHAN: PARADISE BOSS – coming soon to MTV
Actress, singer, and entrepreneur Lindsay Lohan will expand her empire on the luxurious island of Mykonos with the launch of her new club, Lohan Beach House – but she won’t do it alone. Lohan’s handpicked team of young and hungry VIP Hosts will assist and do whatever it takes to secure Lohan’s name as the first and last word in vacation luxury. But when the lines between romance, friendship, and work get blurred, the staff will quickly learn that when it comes to Lindsay Lohan, the bar for excellence is high, the margin for error is slim, and job security is the ultimate fiction.
TOTAL BELLAS S4 – coming soon to E!, Express from the US
The hit series following the lives of WWE Superstars Nikki Bella and Brie Bella returns for a fourth season.
COMEDY
JUST FOR LAUGHS AUSTRALIA S6 – from Thursday, January 10 at 8:30pm on The Comedy Channel
Foxtel’s hugely popular Just For Laughs Australia filmed from the Just For Laughs Sydney
Comedy Festival returns for a sixth season, hosted by one of Australia’s favourite comedians, Tommy Little. A must watch for fans of original Australian comedy, the series will feature comedy favourites Dave Hughes, Matt Okine and Reggie Watts as well as performances from stand-up superstars Bill Bailey, Ken Jeong, Ryan Hamilton and Colin, Brad, and Greg from Whose Line Is It Anyway?.
FUTURE MAN S2 – on The Comedy Channel this summer
The irreverent time travel comedy returns for a second season this summer. In the first series, hapless janitor Josh Futturman (Josh Hutcherson) was recruited by mysterious visitors to travel through time and prevent the extinction of humanity. In season two, it seems the future Josh thought he saved is somehow even worse off. Now he’s expected to once again save the world with little more skills than being good at video games.
LIFESTYLE
HELL’S KITCHEN S18 – weeknights from Monday, December 3 at 9.30pm on Lifestyle FOOD Sixteen chefs again compete for a job as head chef – but this season there is a twist! This year it’s the “Rookies V Veterans” in the Gordon Ramsay-hosted reality series.
LONG LOST FAMILY S8 – From Monday, December 10 at 8:30pm on Lifestyle
Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell are back to present the documentary series that aims to reunite family members who are desperate to find long-lost relatives after years of separation.
LUXURY STUNT – From Thursday December 13 at 8:30pm on Lifestyle
Over three weeks, Lifestyle highlights the extravagant and luxurious lives of the wealthy with three new series:
World’s Most Expensive Present – December 13
There’s nothing we delight in more than showering our loved ones with presents and if you’re one of the UK’s millionaires or billionaires, then the sky’s the limit when it comes to the act of giving up. We go behind closed doors of the craftsmen and women producing lavish gifts with price tags to match.
Billionaire Babies: 24 Carat Kids – December 20
We dive into the exclusive world of wealthy mums and dads and their super-rich babies and young children; meeting the people tempting them with services that cater to their every whim and desire. These include Crystal de Gale, baby shower party planner, and Debbie Wingham, a kids’ birthday cake maker who charges thousands for her culinary creations.
Billionaire Kids: Diamond Lives – December 27
We look into the luxurious lives of children from wealthy families, including the teenage son of a Formula One entrepreneur who has access to personal chauffeurs and fitness trainers. The programme also looks at the companies able to make a profit by catering to the youngsters’ every whim, from party planners to the manufacturers of miniature super cars.
BUYERS BOOTCAMP WITH SCOTT McGILLIVARY– From Thursday, December 13 at 9:30pm on Lifestyle HOME
Scott McGillivray offers a real-life opportunity for amateur investors to partner with him to buy – and profit on – investment properties throughout North America. Scott puts up his own cold, hard cash on deals with amateur investors and together, they either sink or swim.
SECRET LIFE OF 4 & 5 YEAR OLDS S2 & S3 – From Sunday, January 6 at 8:30pm on Lifestyle The much-loved and award-winning The Secret Life of 4 and 5 Year Olds, returns with an all-new cast of children. The series that lifts the lid on the drama of life in the playground is back, offering an intimate and fascinating window on the ups, downs, tears, tantrums, and triumphs that unfold when a class of children meet each other for the very first time.
THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF S9 – From Tuesday, January 8 at 8.30pm on Lifestyle FOOD The Great British Bake Off is the ultimate baking battle where passionate amateur baking fans compete to be crowned the UK’s Best Amateur Baker. Over the course of 10 hour-long episodes, the series follows the trials and tribulations of the competitors, young and old, from every background and every corner of Britain, as they attempt to prove their baking prowess. Each week the bakers tackle a different baking skill, which become progressively more difficult as the competition unfolds.
KIRSTIE & PHIL’S LOVE IT OR LIST IT S3 – from Wednesday, January 9 at 8:30pm on Lifestyle Kirstie and Phil are back in a brand new series of the show where they’re helping couples who’ve fallen out of love with their houses and reunited a divided Britain one home at a time. Each episode will see the nation’s favourite property pairing meet families whose house no longer fits their requirements. After listening to their issues, Kirstie will set about transforming the home using the family’s own savings – she wants to convince them that doing up their home and learning to love it again is the best way forward. While Kirstie is knocking down walls, Phil will – in his words – use his time “more wisely”, tempting them with stunning new houses as he thinks selling up and listing is the best option.
BROTHER VS BROTHER S6 – From Thursday, January 10 at 8:30pm on Lifestyle HOME
Season 6 of Brother vs. Brother moves the sibling-rivalry competition between Jonathan and Drew Scott to the hot real estate market of San Francisco, where the brothers once again put their home-improvement and house-flipping skills to the ultimate test. The guys each buy – sight unseen! – renovate and sell a Bay Area home, and they each have a six-figure budget. Whichever sibling’s property scores the highest resale value increase wins the overall battle and – most importantly – claims unlimited bragging rights. JD, the older Scott brother, serves as host and behind-the-scenes reporter.
JOHN TORODE’S MIDDLE EAST – from Wednesday, January 30 at 8.30pm on Lifestyle FOOD
Chef John Torode goes on an incredible journey to track down the best food in the Middle East – hunting down the most inspiring local cooks and discovering the distinctive flavours of each country’s cuisine. Cooking on location with local chefs, each episode sees John recreate three sumptuous dishes. John Torode’s Middle East is a gorgeous gastronomic exploration of the region’s most dazzling destinations, and offers tips to viewers who want to recreate some of the meals at home.
GRAND DESIGNS HOUSE OF THE YEAR S4 – from Thursday, January 31 at 8:30pm on Lifestyle
Kevin McCloud, Damion Burrows, and Michelle Ogundehin will explore the 2018 longlist of homes, all vying for the accolade of being named House of the Year. The team will explore some of Britain’s most architecturally daring homes, revealing the secrets of their construction and explaining the design merits of each building.
FACTUAL
BUSHFIRE WARS – from Sunday December 2 at 8.30pm on National Geographic
The ancient Australian landscape is home to one of the most dangerous killers on earth – bushfire. A small spark, caused by lightning or a careless human, can turn into a raging inferno in minutes. Left unchecked, it destroys everything in its path, leaving nothing but tragedy and a barren, charred landscape in its wake. Bushfire Wars is a new, local production that tells the story of the men and women from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife Service in Western Australia, who risk their lives to fight the scorching enemy. The eight-part series is a world-first as specially ‘fire trained’ camera crews go into the field alongside the bushfire fighters to capture the action. This landmark series will use state-of-the-art camera technology with forty fixed cameras on helicopters, planes, bull dozers, four-wheel drives and body-cams to give viewers a terrifying and intimate window into a world rarely seen. Be immersed in the drama of these frontline heroes as they stand together, risking life and limb, to fight this deadly natural enemy.
LOUIS THEROUX – from Thursday, December 6 at 8:30pm on BBC KNOWLEDGE
Louis Theroux returns with a new series that looks at the unusual ways modern America deals with birth, love and death, featuring three one hour documentaries – Take My Baby, Choosing Death and Love Without Limits.
MOTOR MONDAYS – from Monday, December 10 at 8:30pm on Discovery
Get your week off to a revving starts with Motor Mondays. This night of motor mastery unites two heavyweights of the biz: Jay Leno makes his Discovery Channel debut in a new season of Jay Leno’s Garage, while Aaron Kaufman, Richard Rawlings’ former right hand man, returns with another season of Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman. Jay Leno’s Garage (8:30pm) sees the legendary comedian taking the fast and the furious car fan for a high-octane spin across America to explore people’s obsession with all things automotive and uncover some of the most incredible and ingenious vehicles ever built. Celebrity guests include Jamie Foxx, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chris Evans, Trevor Noah, Josh Duhamel, Billy Crystal, and more. Straight after, custom car builder Aaron Kaufman is back in brand new Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman. This season he takes a stab at building and racing a rally car. He and his crew set out to navigate this fast-paced world they know nothing about – where winning is rare for novices and losing can be fatal.
ROTTNEST ISLAND: KINGDOM OF THE QUOKKA – Sunday, December 16 and 23 at 8:30pm on National Geographic
On the west coast of Australia, with the limitless Indian Ocean beyond, there are a set of islands whose animals defy all laws of nature. The three islands lie side-by-side, but each is ruled by a different animal. In a world-first, the life-cycle of the mysterious Quokka, the Little Penguin and the Tiger Snake are filmed, using the latest equipment and techniques. Rottnest Island Kingdom of the Quokka reveals an exclusive and intimate look at the inhabitants and those intertwined in their lives on the islands and in the fringing ocean.
ELIZABETH II AND PRINCESS MARGARET – Monday, December 24 at 8:30pm on HISTORY It has been said that no two sisters were ever less alike. One reserved and proper. The other lively and controversial. One the anchor of a commonwealth of nations. The other searching for purpose in life. Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret are among the most photographed women in history. But what of the real women beyond the royal splendour, balcony and cheering crowds – beyond the Crown itself? Elizabeth was a mature child with a love animals and Margaret a mischievous extrovert. How has their relationship shaped the monarchy?
COAST NEW ZEALAND S3 – from Monday, January 7 at 7:30pm on HISTORY
The return of the stunningly shot series that takes you on an epic voyage of discovery of people and places through New Zealand. The enthusiastic team led by presenter Neil Oliver and six New Zealand experts in marine biology, history, and social history explore the panoramic beauty of the coastline while investigating the formation and evolution of the nation: its history, its people, and its culture. The third series kicks off in Wellington, the world’s southern-most capital city. Neil Oliver visits living Moriori artefacts and Michael Stevens hears about the day the Germans infiltrated the islands’ waters during World War Two. The team explore the natural wonders of the Bay of Plenty, and reveal seaside stories from locations including the white-stone city of Oamaru and the Northland region of Kaipura. In a Coast New Zealand first, adventurer Dave Murray lands his plane on remote Big Bay in South Westland.
BIG CAT TALES – from January 7-11, daily at 7.30pm on Animal Planet
Wild life pioneers, Jonathan and Angela Scott and Jackson Ole Looseyia from classic series Big Cat Diary return to Animal Planet in this highly-anticipated new natural history series. Premiering as a five-day television event, Big Cat Tales documents present-day prides and families of the lions, leopards and cheetahs of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. From the fights, the cuddling, and the adorable cubs growing up into adulthood, we revisit some of the lions, cheetahs, and leopards that have been documented for decades. Elusive leopard sightings are on the rise with several new characters emerging from the shadows. Throughout the season, remarkable big cat behaviour is documented through journeys of motherhood, play, survival and territorial battles that include the rarely-observed bonding between mother leopard and cubs, and a dramatic male impala hunting sequence.
THE CLINTON AFFAIR – from Tuesday, January 8 at 8:30pm on HISTORY
January 2018 will mark 20 years since the start of the investigation that led to only the second impeachment trial in America’s history. Now, it is not only a new century, but there have been seismic shifts in all aspects of our culture since the Clinton impeachment scandal unfolded across the global headlines of 1998. This six-part documentary series from Academy Award-winning documentary director Alex Gibney, focuses on the extraordinary sequence of events, which are an indelible part of American identity. It is a story of a vast right wing conspiracy against the Clintons and a West Wing conspiracy against Monica Lewinsky, of Americans divided both along party lines and within themselves, as the nation was quick to condemn the behaviour of the president and Lewinsky, yet unable to look away. Sex, power, money, secrecy, lies, betrayal, ideological warfare; the series will play out like an elaborate political thriller. The producers have exclusive access to Monica Lewinsky, her family, and her legal archive and extraordinary access to some of the other principals in the story.
VALLEY OF THE BOOM – from Tuesday, January 15 on National Geographic
Silicon Valley spawned some of the world’s most influential people and recognisable brands during the 1990s tech bubble. Valley of the Boom pulls back the curtain and introduces the audience to the real stories of these founders’ friendships, rivalries, victories and failures. Told with unparalleled access to the most ground-breaking and prominent figures in the tech world, the six-part limited series will follow the stories that made the history of the era. Two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Bradley Whitford (Get Out, The Post, The West Wing), Steve Zahn (War of the Planet of the Apes, The Crossing) and Lamorne Morris (Game Night, New Girl) star. From STXtv, the television division of Robert Simonds’ STX Entertainment, along with creator, showrunner, director, and executive producer Matthew Carnahan (House of Lies) and executive producer Arianna Huffington.
RON IDDLES: THE GOOD COP – from Thursday, January 31 at 7:30pm on Ci
Ron Iddles has often been referred to as the best homicide detective Australia has ever known, having solved 99% of all the crimes he has investigated. He is an old-school cop who is tough, inventive and incorruptible. A man who solved the unsolvable with his head and his heart. How this intuitive cop put more murderers behind bars than any other homicide detective in Australia is told in this six-part, Foxtel Original series, in which Ron Iddles shares his secrets. Each episode takes us behind the scenes of one of Ron’s most challenging murder cases, with powerful insights from the victims’ families, his homicide colleagues, journalists and even Ron’s informers and suspects. Many of these people have never told their story on television. The Good Cop is more than a crime show – this is a master class in detective work from Australia’s finest cop.
OUTBACK OPAL HUNTERS S2 – From Thursday January 31 at 8:30pm on Discovery
The ultimate treasure hunt is back on when Outback Opal Hunters returns to follow crews of resilient opal miners on their mission to unearth a fortune in some of Australia’s harshest and remote landscapes; from Lightning Ridge (NSW) and Opalton (QLD), to opal mecca, Coober Pedy (SA) and now Laverton (WA),. Old crews return, but the new season also brings some new faces. Opals are one of the most valuable gemstones in market – a single piece can be worth millions of dollars and 90% of the world’s entire supply lies hidden beneath the searing Australian Outback. The new season is a rollercoaster of triumphs and disasters; new teams, new machines and new opal. Out here anyone could make a fortune… if they can find it.
MOVIES
Foxtel Movies has an unrivalled movie experience for summer with over 1000 premium On Demand titles available to stream on Fox Flicks (iQ3 and iQ4 boxes) and 24 hour a day content across Foxtel’s linear movie channels Premiere, Action, Comedy, Romance, Disney, Family, Masterpiece, Greats and Thriller. Special movie events this summer include Fox Flicks playlists Christmas is Coming and Merry Me, pop-up movie channels A Taste of India, 12 Days of Christmas and Aussies in Film for Australia Day, plus special channel programming including Romance Advent Calendar and Disney Summer Favourites.
SPORT
TEST MATCH CRICKET – from Thursday, December 6 on FOX CRICKET and on Foxtel 4K (Channel 444)
- Domain Test Series v India – 4 Tests (December 6-10, December 14-18, December 2630, January 3-7)
- Domain Test Series v Sri Lanka – 2 Tests (January 24-28, February 1-5)
FOX CRICKET will broadcast every Australian Test match on home soil this summer, LIVE and with no ad-breaks during play with coverage also available in 4K on Foxtel 4K (Channel 444). The action starts on Thursday, December 6 with the first of four Test matches against arch rival India as the next generation of elite Aussie cricketers take on the best team in the world, with matches to be played in Adelaide and Perth before the iconic Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year’s Test in Sydney. Rounding out a huge Test cricket schedule this summer will be a two-game series against Sri Lanka, with a day-night Test in Brisbane followed by a Test match in the Nation’s capital Canberra. The FOX CRICKET commentary team will provide all the analysis and opinion with members including Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Mark Waugh, Isa Guha, Mark Howard, Brendon Julian, Brett Lee, Neroli Meadows, Mike Hussey, Michael Vaughan, Allan Border, Kerry O’Keeffe, Ian Healy, Harsha Bhogle, and Russel Arnold.
BIG BASH LEAGUE CRICKET – from December 19 on FOX CRICKET and on Foxtel 4K (Channel 444)
Summer’s most exciting entertainment, the KFC Big Bash League, explodes into action in December and FOX CRICKET will broadcast every match LIVE and with no ad-breaks during play, giving viewers the best seat in the house. From the first ball on December 19, when big hitter Chris Lynn and the Brisbane Heat host the defending champions the Adelaide Strikers, at the Gabba, the entertainment will come thick and fast in what shapes as an epic Big Bash League season. Specialised fixtures will feature throughout the season. On Christmas Eve there’s a double-header: the Hobart Hurricanes versus Melbourne Stars starts at 3:45pm (AEDT), followed by Sydney Thunder versus the Sydney Sixers from 7:15pm (AEDT), before Santa Claus arrives. Then on Boxing Day, the biggest day of cricket gets even bigger when all the day’s play from the MCG Test match is wrapped up before going LIVE from 7:15pm (AEDT) for the Perth Scorchers versus Adelaide Strikers game. All 59 matches of the Big Bash League will air on FOX CRICKET, while selected matches will also be available to watch in 4K on Foxtel 4K (Channel 444).
NBA BOXING DAY – 5 games live from 4.00am December 26 on ESPN
Five sizzling matchups grab the spotlight, headlined by LeBron facing the Warriors, the Rockets hosting the Thunder and Simmons and the 76ers taking on the fired-up Celtics. As the NBA sprints further into the regular season, any number of developing storylines promise to keep fans glued to their seats. With the arrival of LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers, the already impressive Western Conference – home to that juggernaut known as the Golden State Warriors – has only gotten deeper and stronger, while the Cleveland Cavaliers losing their cornerstone has opened up an Eastern Conference battle for dominance that is expected to bring out the best in the trio of the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors. December is full of great matchups, led by one that never gets old as LeBron (new Lakers teammates in tow) faces his old nemesis, the Golden State Warriors.
AFC ASIAN CUP – from Sunday, January 6 on FOX SPORTS
Australia’s Socceroos will be looking to defend their title they won on home soil in 2015 when they head to the UAE for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Graham Arnold’s Socceroos have been drawn in Group B and will face Jordan on Sunday, January 6, Palestine on Friday, January 11 and Syria on Tuesday, January 15 in a bid to advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament. FOX SPORTS will screen every match of the tournament LIVE and with no ad breaks during play with the final to be staged in the early hours of Saturday, February 2.
ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL CRICKET – from Saturday, January 12 on FOX CRICKET and Foxtel 4K (Channel 444)
Australia will play three One Day Internationals against India in January with FOX CRICKET broadcasting every ball of every over LIVE and ad-break free during play. Sydney’s SCG will host the first match in the Gillette ODI Series on Saturday, January 12, with game 2 from Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, January 15 and game 3 from the MCG on Friday, January 18. All matches in the series will also be available LIVE in 4K on Foxtel 4K (Channel 444). ODI Commentary Line-up: Mark Waugh, Isa Guha, Adam Gilchrist, Mark Howard, Brendon Julian, Neroli Meadows, Mike Hussey, Michael Vaughan, Shane Warne, Allan Border, Kerry O’Keeffe, Megan Barnard, Harsha Bhogle, and Graeme Smith.
X GAMES ASPEN – from Saturday, January 26 at 2:35pm on ESPN
Aspen’s sleek Buttermilk Mountain again hosts the world’s most talented winter action sports athletes with LIVE coverage on ESPN/ESPN2 of X Games Aspen 2019. For four days in January, more than 200 world-class competitors push their bodies to the limit in winter’s most popular and challenging sports: Snowboard, Ski and Snowmobile. Last year saw the debut of Snow Bike Best Trick and Harley-Davidson Snow Hill Climb, two new disciplines that join sure-fire crowdpleasers like Snowboard SuperPipe, Snow BikeCross and Ski Big Air.
KIDS
A VERY BEARY CHRISTMAS – from December 1, daily 4-9pm, on Cartoon Network To celebrate the holidays, Cartoon Network is hosting a very beary special We Bare Bears takeover. For the 25 days leading up to Christmas, Cartoon Network will show brand new, and fan-favourite episodes of We Bare Bears, every hour, every day from 4-9pm! The special also includes brand new Christmas themed episodes of Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Unikitty! and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. In Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Swallow Falls gets a special visit from Santa, but he is not out to deliver Christmas cheer just yet. He needs to firstly challenge Lobster Claus and take back his turf to save Christmas.
THOMAS AND FRIENDS TINSEL TIME MARATHON – from Tuesday, December 24 at 4:30pm on CBeebies
Toot Toot this Christmas Eve, CBeebies brings you a very special Thomas & Friends Tinsel Time Marathon. Settle in for back-to-back Christmas adventures with Thomas and his friends.
HEY DUGGESS NEW YEARS EVE SLEEPOVER – from Monday, December 31 at 3:00pm on CBeebies
Pack your PJs for our New Year’s Eve Hey Duggee sleepover! Join Duggee and the Squirrels from 3pm for an epic Duggee marathon.
BEST OF BOOMERANG HOLIDAY MARATHON – daily from 6am, December 22 – January 1 on Boomerang
To celebrate the holidays, Boomerang is showing all your favourite shows – all day, every day for
10 days! The marathons include some of the best episodes of Pat the Dog, Mr. Bean: The Animated Series, Oggy and the Cockroaches, Baby Looney Tunes, Dorothy and the Wizard of
Oz, Lego Friends, Be Cool Scooby-Doo, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Grizzy and the Lemmings and Barbie Dreamtopia. Boomerang is the place to be these school holidays with round the clock entertainment for the whole family.
LEGO FRIENDS: GIRLS ON A MISSION – Fridays, from January 4 at 5:30pm on Boomerang Our beloved Lego friends are back with new episodes this month as the five girls learn that their city needs some help. They realise that by combining their diverse creative thinking, they form a super team of ordinary girls doing extraordinary things. They help the city, fix what’s broken, rescue what needs rescuing, expose the cheating, and unfair shady aspects of the
many corners and areas they didn’t even knew existed. On top of helping the city, our girls spend countless hours on the famous HLC track. They’re the first to stand up and protect the city’s reputation, when the world champion, Vicky Roman, arrives in town to win the HLC Grand Prix. This will require our girls to setup a team, learn new skills and overcome jealousy in order to successfully beat the professional driver.
ANDI MACK S3 – from Friday January 4 at 5:00pm on Disney Channel
In season three, Andi is increasingly confident about expressing herself as she navigates her relationship with Jonah Beck and new territory in her long-standing friendships with Buffy and Cyrus. She continues to work on building a family unit with her parents, Bex and Bowie, who are new to parenting but are doing their best through humour, love and open communication. Andi’s grandparents, Celia and Ham, are still very much in the picture to provide her with additional support.
DOC McSTUFFINS’ PET RESCUE S5 – from Wednesday, January 9 at 4:00pm on Disney Jr Doc McStuffins is an imaginative animated series about Doc McStuffins, a six-year-old girl who communicates with and heals stuffed animals and broken toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic. Assisting Doc with the day-to-day operations at the clinic are her much-loved friends:
Stuffy, an overly proud dragon; Lambie, her cuddly best friend; Hallie, a jolly and caring hippo nurse; Squeakers, an alarmist squeaky toy fish; and Chilly, a snowman who spends a lot of time getting check-ups at the clinic. Whether it’s a case of loose stitching, low batteries or a blow-up toy who’s sprung a leak, Doc and her pals are always there to lend a helping hand.
CRASH THE BASH – from Saturday, January 12 from 7:00am on Nickelodeon
The Logie-nominated series, Crash the Bash, is back for a third season this summer! A cricket show, not about cricket … kinda…Crash the Bash is about what happens between the balls, around the overs, in the stands and behind the scenes of the BBL and WBBL. Join legendary cricketer and Crash the Bash survivor, Lee Carseldine as he bowls his way around the heaving cricket stadiums of Australia with friends, gate-crashing the Big Bash party. This season is going to be EPIC! With silly sketches, fake ads, pranks, and international cricket stars behaving like you’ve never seen before.
PAW PATROL – from Monday January 14 at 8:00am weekdays on Nickelodeon
The PAW Patrol is on a roll this January with three weeks of Summer Rescues! Tune in with your toddler daily for a mini-marathon of PAW Patrol episodes as the world’s most daring pups battle the summer blaze to save Adventure Bay. There will be fireworks, ferris wheels, cook offs and camping which will put the pups and Ryder to the test. PAW Patrol is a CG, action-adventure preschool series starring a pack of six heroic puppies: Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Zuma, Rubble, and Skye, who are led by a tech-savvy 10-year-old boy named Ryder. With a unique blend of problemsolving skills, cool vehicles and lots of cute doggy humour, the PAW Patrol works together on high-stakes rescue missions to protect the Adventure Bay community.
READY SET DANCE – from Monday January 14 daily at 10:00am on Nick Jr
Ready? Set? Dance! Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to move with the brand-new series locally produced by Nickelodeon. This up-tempo, participatory program is created for preschoolers, encouraging them to move along to the music while building confidence, co-ordination and creativity as they watch and jive along with two animated hosts, Twirl and Freeze. READY SET DANCE has a curriculum of kinesthetics, gross motor skills and problem solving – getting the whole world moving one preschooler at a time.
Note: All times are in AEDT and are correct at time of publication .
