The Newsreader

2021-08-15 · Set in 1986, the show follows the unlikely bond between a young TV reporter and a 'difficult' female newsreader as they cover events such as the shock of the Challenger explosion, the hype of Halley's Comet and complexities of the AIDS crisis.

S01 E01 · 2021-08-15 · 54 min

Three, Two, One…

In 1986, the cutthroat world of commercial television news throws ambitious reporter Dale and newsreader Helen together.

S01 E02 · 2021-08-22 · 53 min

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.

S01 E03 · 2021-08-29 · 52 min

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".

S01 E04 · 2021-09-05 · 51 min

A Step Closer to the Madness

Helen is deeply apprehensive about meeting Dale's mother, while Dale gets lumbered with Royal Wedding puff pieces. But their everyday concerns are thrown aside when a bomb goes off on Russell Street.

S01 E05 · 2021-09-12 · 52 min

No More Lies

Dale's career and his relationship with Helen couldn't be going any better, until his prized interview with an HIV-positive mother goes horribly wrong. In the eye of a media storm, buried secrets come to light.

S01 E06 · 2021-09-19 · 52 min

Meltdown

While Helen is still reeling after Dale's revelation, reports emerge of a nuclear accident in Chernobyl. In the face of great fear and uncertainty, the pair must confront who they really are to each other, and to themselves.

2023-09-10 · A year on from the events of series one, we meet Helen and Dale, now established as ‘The Golden Couple of News’. To the outside world, they present a glowing image of success and romance... but the truth is more complex. As 1987 rolls along, global stocks will soar and crash, Australia will prepare to celebrate its Bicentennial year, and Helen and Dale grapple with who they really want to be in life - and whether that path can be together...

S02 E01 · 2023-09-10 · 52 min

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.

S02 E02 · 2023-09-17 · 54 min

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.

S02 E03 · 2023-09-24 · 51 min

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.

S02 E04 · 2023-10-01 · 51 min

The Hungry Truth

As Australia's 1988 Bicentennial approaches, Helen is determined to interview a fiery Aboriginal activist. Meanwhile, Dale quietly plans an elaborate marriage proposal.

S02 E05 · 2023-10-08 · 56 min

A Model Daughter

The News At Six is approached by Geoff and Evelyn's daughter Kay Walters, who offers her story of addiction for a price, plunging Helen and Dale into an ethical dilemma.

S02 E06 · 2023-10-15 · 60 min

Fireworks

It's the biggest television event of the decade - Australia Day 1988, featuring a full re-enactment of the first fleet sailing into Sydney Harbour, ceremonies with Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and one of the biggest protests ever seen in Australia.

2025-02-02 · After achieving their dreams, Dale reigns as 'King of News' and Helen's fearless reporting earns her acclaim. But when a cynical network move pits the former lovers against each other, their bond will be tested like never before.

S03 E01 · 2025-02-02 · 52 min

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.

S03 E02 · 2025-02-09 · 50 min

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.

S03 E03 · 2025-02-16 · 53 min

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.

S03 E04 · 2025-02-23 · 50 min

One Team, All Brothers

As Public Eye climbs ever closer to News At Six's deteriorating numbers, Dale teams up with Rob, pushing the CEO to replace Lindsay. Rob makes a controversial comment on air when discussing Apartheid sports boycotts.

S03 E05 · 2025-03-02 · 54 min

On the Brink

As Public Eye reaches number one, Helen is blindsided by a front-page article revealing her history of mental health struggles and institutionalisation. As she considers how to respond, she focusses her energy on a special report about the mental health system.

S03 E06 · 2025-03-09 · 57 min

The Fall

Dale is falling apart, leaning heavily on alcohol to get through his day. When Helen's relationship with Bill deteriorates, her ability to produce her show is questioned, as news breaks of the Berlin Wall falling.