Quick note: I've left off Underground: The Julian Assange Story, as there's no possible way I can approach a show in which my brother played the lead without some sort of bias. So consider that a very honourable mention.
5. THE PEOPLE SPEAK
This is how history should be taught. Great actors delivering meaningful, witty and resonant speeches that work to form an overview of Australia's history. It was compelling, informative and colourful and if you missed it, you should try and find it somewhere. It's worth it.
4. TANGLE
Tangle is outstanding adult drama and exactly the kind of show Foxtel should be making. If they can keep up this sort of quality with their dramatic output, but deliver a slightly more commercial product, they could really have a shot at overtaking the networks.
3. HOWZAT (PART ONE)
Part two may have played more like an adaptation of one of those Chappelli books (all anecdotal stories with no heft) but part one was intriguing, effective drama the like of which we rarely see. If the best way for the networks to make good drama in Australia is to tell Australian stories (Beaconsfield, Paper Giants etc.), I'm all for it. Probably one less Packer drama wouldn't hurt though. (There are two next year).
2. REDFERN NOW
Speaking of telling Australian stories, I think there's probably no more important television series airing on Australian television then Redfern Now. There's a tendency when making stories about indigenous people to feel compelled to make them about indigenous issues and indigenous issues alone, which means they might and usually are inaccessible to the mainstream audience (especially the people that really need to see these sorts of stories). Redfern Now is the best example of a series that explores indigenous issues while appealing to a mainstream audience. The acting has been excellent, the writing superb and only a lack of serialisation or experimentation holds Redfern Now back from being a classic. There's always next year, though.
1. RAKE
The best show on Australian television remains Rake, starring Richard Roxburgh. It isn't without its flaws: a tendency to sermonise, most characters pushing the boundaries of reality and a monologue fetish among them. But the performances, writing, plotting and structure is mostly top-notch. If you haven't seen it yet, go back and check out Season One on DVD. It's well worth your time.
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