Summer has arrived early with Foxtel launching Summer Fest – a massive line-up of the hottest entertainment featuring the world’s best live sport, drama, movies and shows all in the one place.
Headlining Foxtel’s Summer Fest campaign is a huge slate of new and exclusive dramas including the star-studded Watchmen (Oct 21), based on one of most the iconic graphic novels of all time; Catherine the Great (Nov 3), starring Oscar winner Helen Mirren as one of the world’s most infamous monarchs; as well as the highly anticipated series His Dark Materials (Nov 5) based on author Philip Pullman’s award-winning trilogy of the same name.
Also in November is the epic three-part drama series War of the Worlds (Nov 7), the latest adaptation of H.G. Wells’ seminal tale; new courtroom drama All Rise (Nov 12); and the chilling new crime drama Prodigal Son (Nov 13) starring Tom Payne as Malcolm Bright, a gifted criminal psychologist and son of the notorious serial killer “The Surgeon” (Michael Sheen).
December will see the premiere of Foxtel Original series Upright (Dec 1), written by and starring critically acclaimed musician, comedian, actor, writer and director Tim Minchin; as well as FX’s spine-tingling new adaptation of A Christmas Carol starring Australian actor Guy Pearce as Ebenezer Scrooge.
It wouldn’t be a Summer Fest without cricket, and Foxtel will be bringing viewers the biggest and best line-up of cricket ever offered in the one place and also selected matches available in Ultra HD. Catch all the action from the T20, Test Cricket, KFC BBL, the One Day International Series, and
Women’s Cricket. Other sporting events to watch out for include the continuing coverage of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, which is also available in Ultra HD; the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 this weekend; the best in Australian Football with The Hyundai A-League kicking off this Friday, the Westfield W-League, and the FFA Cup; NBA/NBL Basketball; Formula 1 and Moto GP.
This Summer, Foxtel brings the cinema experience home with ad break free and On Demand movies across 11 dedicated HD channels including a new Ultra HD 4K channel, and over 1000 movies available to stream on demand. Launching November 7, Foxtel Movies Ultra HD includes this year’s blockbuster hits Aquaman and Bumblebee, and titles including MI: Ghost Protocol, Saving Private Ryan, and movies from the wizarding world with all eight Harry Potter movies and the two Fantastic Beasts movies.
Other shows set to entertain viewers as part of Foxtel’s Summer Fest campaign include the third season of the hugely popular Outback Opal Hunters (Oct 17), brand new local reality series The Veronicas: Blood Is For Life (Nov); hilarious new Aussie series Road to Riches (Nov 12) with host Lucas Callaghan; and Discovery’s long-running, annual Shark Week (Dec 5) – seven days of terrifying, shark-infested programming.
Highlights for Summer Fest
OCTOBER 10-13: SUPERCHEAP AUTO BATHURST 1000
October is the biggest month of motorsport in Australia and it all starts with the mecca –
Bathurst. Defending champion Craig Lowndes is back on the mountain and will team up with
Jamie Whincup. This year’s runaway championship leader Scott McLaughlin has never won a Bathurst before but nothing is guaranteed on the most challenging circuit on the calendar. Watch all the action unfold from Thursday, October 10 on a FOX SPORTS dedicated Bathurst channel LIVE, ad-break free during racing and in HD on FOX SPORTS 506.
OCTOBER 11: 2019/20 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE SEASON
Australia’s premier football competition returns on Friday, October 11 for its 15th instalment. The season’s opening round set to kick off with a band starting with a showdown between Adelaide United and reigning champions Sydney FC on Friday night at 7.30pm. On Saturday, AAMI Park lights up for a blockbuster Melbourne derby when Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City go head-to-head. The opening round concludes on Sunday with Wellington Phoenix hosting the league’s newcomers Western United FC in their first A-League game at 4.00pm, before reigning premiers Perth Glory take on Robbie Fowler’s Brisbane Roar. FOX SPORTS expert panel of commentators headed by the voice of football in Australia Simon Hill and Brenton Speed will be joined in commentary by Socceroos greats Mark Bosnich, Robbie Slater, Archie Thompson and football legend Andy Harper. Watch every match of the 2019/20 Hyundai ALeague season LIVE, ad-break free during play and in HD on FOX SPORTS 505.
OCTOBER 17: OUTBACK OPAL HUNTERS S3
The treasure hunt is back on as crews of resilient, opal-hungry miners put everything on the line to unearth a fortune in some of Australia’s harshest and remote landscapes. A mission not for the faint-hearted, this season of Outback Opal Hunters has a major shake up with a newlook line up of crews. While there are some familiar faces in the mix, we meet some new miners that well and truly have opal fever. The series is at the forefront of this unique industry where the stakes are very real, as crews risk it all in their pursuit for these precious stones. From Lightning Ridge (NSW), Opalton (QLD) and Laverton (WA), the new season brings new locations into the fold; Mintabie (SA), White Cliffs (NSW) and Grawin (NSW). Pushing their bodies and bank accounts to the limit, these crews tunnel through the dangerous underground shafts, battle relentless heat, face deadly snakes and spiders – prepared to pay the ultimate price, hunting the ultimate reward: a fortune in opal. Stream on Foxtel or watch on Discovery
OCTOBER 18-19: DOWNER RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 9’S
Twelve nations will descend on Bankwest Stadium competing to claim the inaugural Downer Rugby League World Cup 9’s title. Teams from the Pacific Islands, Europe and the Middle East with join Australia and New Zealand playing 28 games over the course of two days. The tournament will feature Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea, Tonja, Fiji, Samoa, Wales, Lebanon, Cook Islands and the United States. Watch all 28 games of the Downer Rugby League World Cup 9’s LIVE and EXCLUSIVE and in HD on FOX LEAGUE, and in 4K Ultra HD on Foxtel 4K (Channel 444).
OCTOBER 19-20: RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019™ QUARTER-FINALS
The biggest prize in world rugby is on the line of the 2019 Rugby World Cup when the QuarterFinals gets underway of October 19 and 20. The only place to see every game and every nation of the 2019 Rugby World Cup LIVE, ad-break free during play and on two dedicated 24-hour channels on FOX SPORTS 503 and RWC 4K Ultra HD (Channel 499).
OCTOBER 21: WATCHMEN
Featuring a star-studded cast including Oscar winners Regina King, Jeremy Irons and Louis Gosset Jr. and celebrated actors Frances Fisher and Don Johnson, Watchmen is based on one of most the iconic graphic novels of all time and is set in an alternate history where masked vigilantes are treated as outlaws. Written and executive produced by Damon Lindelof (Lost, The Leftovers) and directed by Nicole Kassell (Westworld, The Leftovers), the 10-part series embraces the nostalgia of the original ground-breaking graphic novel of the same name, while setting out to break new ground of its own. Nine Inch Nails musicians Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have created the original music for the series. Watchmen is based on the graphic novel co-created and illustrated by Dave Gibbons and published by DC.
Stream on Foxtel or watch on FOX SHOWCASE
OCTOBER 25-27: AUSTRALIAN MOTOGP
MotoGP comes down under! It’s Phillip Island’s turn to host the best riders from around the globe. Alma Pramac Racing’s Jack Miller will have the home crowd behind him as he attempts to become the first Aussie MotoGP rider to win here since Casey Stoner in 2012. Watch every practice, qualifying session and race LIVE, with no-ad breaks during racing on FOX SPORTS 506.
OCTOBER 26-27: RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019™ SEMI-FINALS
The final four teams go head-to-head at Yokohama for their spot into the Rugby World Cup Final as they bid to claim the William Webb Ellis trophy. The only place to see every game and every nation of the 2019 Rugby World Cup LIVE, ad-break free during play and on two dedicated 24-hour channels on FOX SPORTS 503 and RWC 4K Ultra HD (Channel 499).
OCTOBER 27-30: T20 INTERNATIONAL SERIES v SRI LANKA
Australia’s summer cricket campaign gets underway on home soil against Sri Lanka with a bang with three T20 international matches. Fans can expect to see the biggest hitters and the best bowlers slug it out when the patience of Test Cricket is removed and the likes of Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell and Darcy Short go all-out attack on the international stage that provided the platform for current star batsmen David Warner to feature in all forms. Every ball is LIVE and adbreak free during play on FOX CRICKET.
NOVEMBER 2: RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019™ FINAL
The biggest prize is world rugby – the William Webb Ellis trophy – is there for the taking on November 2 when the culmination of the Rugby World Cup Japan hits its crescendo. After six weeks of the world’s best teams battling it out, two teams will have the chance to write their name in history. The Final will be broadcast LIVE and in HD with no ad-breaks during play on FOX SPORTS 503 and on RWC 4K Ultra HD (Channel 499).
NOVEMBER 3: CATHERINE THE GREAT
Oscar-winner Helen Mirren stars as the tumultuous monarch and politician who ruled the Russian empire and transformed its place in the world in the 18th century. The four-part historical drama follows the end of Catherine’s reign and her affair with Russian military leader Grigory Potemkin (Jason Clarke) that helped shape the future of Russian politics. Amid scandal, intrigue and immense conflict, Catherine develops a unique and devoted relationship with Potemkin as they overcome their adversaries and serve as architects of modern-day Russia. Catherine the Great also features a stellar supporting cast including Richard Roxburgh as Catherine’s lover, Grigory Orlov, Joseph Quinn as Catherine’s son, Prince Paul, Gina McKee as the empress’s close friend and confidante, Countess Bruce and Rory Kinnear as Catherine’s long-time advisor, Ivanovich Panin.
Stream on Foxtel or watch on FOX SHOWCASE
NOVEMBER 3-8: GILLETTE T20 INTERNATIONAL SERIES: AUSTRALIA v PAKISTAN
The summer of cricket heats up with the lethal bowling attach of Pakistan coming to take on Australia on home turf. After sitting out last Summer, Steve Smith and David Warner will be back on the international stage and in front of home support for the first time since their suspensions, a pleasing sight for all Australia cricket fans. Coach Justin Langer will be quick to remind his men of the lessons handed out by Pakistan in Dubai just over 12 months ago and the Aussies will be more than ready to return the favour on home soil. Every ball is LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX CRICKET.
NOVEMBER 5: HIS DARK MATERIALS
Based on author Philip Pullman’s award-winning trilogy of the same name, considered a modern masterpiece of imaginative fiction, the series has been picked up for two seasons and features a stunning ensemble cast lead by Ruth Wilson (Golden Globe winner for The Affair), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Tony winner for the musical Hamilton) and James McAvoy (Golden Globe nominee for Atonement). The first 8-episode season follows Lyra (Dafne Keen), a seemingly ordinary but brave young woman from another world. Lyra’s search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children, which leads to a quest in understanding a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. Keen is joined by McAvoy as Lyra’s Uncle Asriel; Wilson as socialite Mrs Coulter; and Miranda as the adventurer Lee Scoresby. Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) has adapted the novels for television, with the first two episodes directed by Oscar-winner Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech).
Stream on Foxtel or watch on FOX SHOWCASE
NOVEMBER 7: WAR OF THE WORLDS
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. Stream on Foxtel or watch on FOX ONE
NOVEMBER 12: ROAD TO RICHES
Road to Riches is a fun, fascinating, and often hilarious new Aussie series putting much needed cash back into the pockets of ordinary Australians. According to research every house in Australia has at least $5000 worth of stuff that could be liquidated for cold hard cash. Our host, Lucas Callaghan (Aussie Pickers), knows the trash from the treasure. In each episode Lucas will hunt through the homes, sheds, garages, spare rooms, and attics of everyday Australians. Using his vast knowledge of the industry, Lucas finds the right restorers, auctioneers and specialists to maximise the value of the hidden treasures, generating the best profits for their owners and teaching us the tricks of the trade as we go.
Stream on Foxtel or watch on A&E
NOVEMBER 12: ALL RISE
All Rise is a courthouse drama that follows the chaotic, hopeful and sometimes absurd lives of its judges, prosecutors, and public defenders, as they work with bailiffs, clerks and cops to get justice for the people of Los Angeles amidst a flawed legal process. Among them is newly appointed Judge Lola Carmichael (Simone Missick), a highly regarded and impressive deputy district attorney who doesn’t intend to sit back on the bench in her new role, but instead leans in, immediately pushing the boundaries and challenging the expectations of what a judge can be. Greg Spottiswood, Len Goldstein and Emmy Award-winner Michael M. Robvin are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television. Stream on Foxtel or watch on FOX ONE
NOVEMBER 13: PRODIGAL SON
This chilling new crime drama centres on Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne), whose father, Dr. Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen), is the infamous serial killer known as “The Surgeon”. Malcolm was responsible as a child for enabling the police to arrest his father, and has not (of his own volition) seen his father in ten years. Now a profiler, formerly with the FBI (until he was fired) and currently working with the New York City Police Department, Malcolm is forced to confront his father after a copycat serial killer uses Dr. Whitly’s methods of killing.
Stream on Foxtel or watch on FOX ONE
DECEMBER 1: UPRIGHT
Written by and starring critically acclaimed musician, comedian, actor, writer and director Tim Minchin, Upright is a new Foxtel Original series. When family outcast Lucky Flynn (Minchin) learns that his mother is dying, he decides to drive to the other side of Australia to see her, packing nothing but an upright piano for the journey. But his plans are soon turned upside down when he meets the rogue teenager Meg (Milly Alcock). Together they forge an unlikely friendship, as they embark on a road- trip adventure across the Nullarbor Plain in a race against time.
Stream on Foxtel or watch on FOX SHOWCASE
DECEMBER 5: SHARK WEEK
This 24/7 takeover is loaded with compelling documentaries that explore these magnificent, mysterious and misunderstood creatures; sounding the alarm on the threats our ocean’s greatest predators face by humans and the environment and highlighting recent developments in shark science. This week of megalodon proportions features shark stories from around the world and Australia including Shark of the Badlands, Legend of Deep Blue, Laws of Jaws: Dangerous, Water & Sharkwrecked: Crash Landing (both featuring Australian Paul de Gelder), Isle of Jaws: Blood Brothers, The Sharks of Headstone Hell, Great White Kill Zone: Guadalupe and more.
Stream on Foxtel or watch on Discovery
NOVEMBER: THE VERONICAS – BLOOD IS FOR LIFE
The Veronicas: Blood Is For Life will give audiences an all access pass to the raw and honest reality of Jess and Lisa Origliasso living life in the spotlight as one of Australia’s biggest music exports. Australian pop-royalty ‘The Veronicas’ didn’t talk for an entire year. The normally superclose sister’s relationship fell apart across tabloids and social media with rumour and speculation rife. Now they’ve left their lives in LA to come back to Australia and rekindle the band that made them famous and more importantly to heal their relationship as sisters. Stream on Foxtel or watch on MTV
DECEMBER 8: REBEL WOMEN’S BIG BASH LEAGUE FINAL
With packed out crowds and thrilling on-field action, the finals of the Rebel Women’s Big Bash League will deliver drama like no other in December with players from the World No.1 Australian women’s team featuring in the biggest games of the season.
DECEMBER: A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Guy Pearce stars in the spine-tingling new adaptation of A Christmas Carol from Peaky Blinders scribe Steven Knight. Pearce stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in the star-studded mini-series that also includes Andy Serkis as the Ghost of Christmas Past. This radical retelling of the holiday classic starts with a Victorian performance of the Charles Dickens tale before diving into the imagination of one of the children in the audience, taking the story to a darker fantasy realm. Stream on Foxtel or watch on FOX SHOWCASE
DECEMBER 12-16: DOMAIN TEST SERIES: FIRST TEST: AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND
The scene of the most dramatic Test match last Summer, Optus Stadium, will play host to our most dramatic rivals, New Zealand, in a three-test series starting December 12. Playing host of the most lethal wicket in Australian cricket, batsmen will be on their toes throughout with variable bounce causing headaches over the five-day match. The Black Caps got one over us making the World Cup Final in England and now it is time to return the favour on home soil. Legendary New Zealand cricket commentator Ian Smith joins the FOX CRICKET commentary team alongside Adam Gilchrist, Isa Guha and Shane Warne. Every ball is LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX CRICKET.
DECEMBER 16: SIMPSONS 30th ANNIVERSARY STUNT
From December 16th, FOX8 will celebrate 30 years of The Simpsons, the longest-running primetime scripted show in television history, with a 24 hour – 21 day marathon. The marathon will kick off with the series’ first episode ‘Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire’, first aired on December 17 1989, and will include all episodes up to the S29 finale.
Watch on FOX8
DECEMBER 17: KFC BIG BASH LEAGUE
The Big Bash is back with a bang from December 17 with a wild weather forecast of on-field action at the Gabba when the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder bring the competition to life. A flurry of fixtures will take place following opening night in Brisbane with a game every day leading up to Christmas Day, then a Boxing Day like no other when coverage of the Test Match v New Zealand is followed by Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers in Perth. Rounding out the year with a cricket celebration like no other with the traditional New Year’s Eve fixture between Adelaide Strikers and the Sydney Thunder bringing fireworks on and off the field as we welcome the New Year.
DECEMBER 26-30: DOMAIN TEST SERIES: SECOND TEST: AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND
One of the hallmark days in Australian sport, Boxing Day, from the home of Australian cricket – the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A true Aussie tradition, the Boxing Day Test in 2019 will have round the clock pre and post-match coverage including BBL games following Days 1 and 2 with the best cricket commentary team there is with Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Mike Hussey, Isa Guha, Mark Waugh, Ian Smith, Mark Howard, Kerry O’Keeffe and Michael Vaughan. Whether you’re watching on the lounge, in the pool, around the barbie or at the beach, the only place to watch every ball LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX CRICKET.
DECEMBER: MARVEL’S RUNAWAYS S3 – Express from the US
In an action-packed Season 3, the Runaways frantically search for their captured friends Chase Stein, Gert Yorkes, and Karolina Dean. The kids go head to head with an unstoppable enemy who has targeted Leslie — or more accurately, the child she’s carrying. Nico Minoru draws them all into a dark realm where its ruler Morgan le Fay, played by Elizabeth Hurley, is much more nefarious than anyone the kids have yet to face. Based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name, the new season stars Elizabeth Hurley, Rhenzy Felix and Lyrica Okano. Stream on Foxtel or watch on FOX8