Holiday-season TV doldrums got you bored? It may be time to shift your viewing habits Down Under.
England may produce the buzzier TV imports (“Downton Abbey,” “Sherlock,” “Doctor Who”), but Australia actually boasts plenty of prestige options — also with no subtitles required. And thanks to the proliferation of streaming platforms, these international series are now easily accessible to American viewers.
Here’s a primer on five Aussie shows worth a look (based on what you’re already watching).
“The Code”
This fast-paced political thriller centers on a journalist and his hacker brother who stumble into a far-reaching government conspiracy while investigating a deadly car crash (Lucy Lawless also co-stars as a teacher who gets involved in the case). Its six-episode first season is available on Netflix — perfect for binge-watching while waiting for the new season of hacker drama “Mr. Robot.”
“Dreamland”
This faux-documentary workplace comedy (two seasons of which are available on Netflix) should appeal to fans of “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation.” Set at an Australian government organization called the Nation Building Authority, “Dreamland” (titled “Utopia” in Australia) focuses on how grand ambitions collide with bureaucracy. The Michael Scott/Leslie Knope boss character is played by Rob Sitch, who also co-writes and directs every episode.
“Home and Away”
If you like ABC Family’s “The Fosters,” check out this teen soap set in the fictional coastal town of Summer Bay. The drama first premiered in 1988 and originally focused on a family and their five foster children, but has since evolved to depict the romances, tragedies and scandals of the town’s residents. Hulu has a library of more than 200 episodes available, with new episodes premiering two weeks after they air in Australia.
“A Place to Call Home”
Already anticipating “Downton Abbey” withdrawal in advance of the final season in January? The Aussies’ answer to the period drama is this 1950s-set soap about a nurse who becomes involved in the affairs of the wealthy Bligh family and tackles themes of anti-Semitism, sexuality and social class. The first two seasons are available for binge-viewing on British-focused streaming site Acorn TV and it premieres Season 3 in the US on Dec. 21.
“Wentworth”
Bide your time until “Orange Is the New Black” Season 4 premieres with this Australian prison-set drama, which also focuses on a new inmate — she’s locked up while awaiting trial for the alleged attempted murder of her abusive husband. Darker and grittier than “Orange,” life at Wentworth Prison features power struggles, lesbian romances and a murder mystery involving the warden. Two seasons are currently available on Netflix in the US.