Alone
People can't get enough of this extreme solitary competition. Ten hardcore survivalists alone in the wilderness – no camera crew, no teams, no producers – on a single mission to stay alive. At stake is half a million dollars for the person who can last the longest. However, unlike genre progenitor Survivor, these folks really are alone; each contestant is in their own patch of wilderness and self-recording their efforts to live in the wild (everyone has a satellite phone for emergency use). It's a tough gig; competitors regularly lose around 30 per cent of their body mass due to low caloric intake, and medical evacuations are common. We couldn't do it, but we sure love watching the contestants try.
If 8 seasons of the original American series isn't enough, dive into (5 seasons), (1 season), (1 season) and . And keep an eye out for Alone Australia coming in 2023.
Insight
Insight is Australia's leading forum for ideas, debate and powerful first-person stories, and 2022 was no exception. Host Kumi Taguchi each week uses her unique skills to guide a lively debate on a single topic which in 2022 ranged from growing older, the price of pets, conspiracy theories, catfishing and Indigenous identity.
Who Do You Think You Are?
In 2022 we welcomed the thirteenth season of this popular genealogy show. It delved into the family histories of well-known and much-loved Australians including chef Matt Moran, actor Paula Duncan, journalist Sandra Sully, vet Dr Chris Brown, netball champ Liz Ellis, footballer Justin Hodges, Eurovision's own Myf Warhurst and actor and director Simon Baker.
The Australian Wars
Most Australian towns feature a memorial to the war dead: there are 10,000 across the country. But what of the bloody battles fought on this land, in our longest running war that established the Australian nation? In this landmark three-part documentary series, filmmaker Rachel Perkins journeys across the country, to give voice to the story of The Australian Wars. Once given voice, it will change the narrative of our nation.
Life on the Outside
This ground-breaking SBS three-part series hosted by actor and Shine for Kids Ambassador, Danielle Cormack launched and started important conversations in March 2022. With half the 40,000 people incarcerated in Australia ending up back in jail within two years of release, Life on the Outside tries something to prevent that happening: prisoners are placed into ordinary households for the first 100 days of their release in a bid to turn their lives around.
Lost For Words
In 2022 the empowering and uplifting observational SBS series, Lost for Words, returned for season 2, to shine a light on adult literacy and numeracy challenges. A class of nine adult learners participate in an intensive program of tailored classes, and Lost For Words host, literacy advocate Jay Laga'aia, follows them every step of the way. Prepare to have all the feels as you watch this group of people change their lives.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Winner of 12 Emmys and a Peabody Award and with 12 seasons to enjoy, this is a perfect binge-watch or a great series to return to for a re-watch. Travel around the world with Anthony Bourdain as he immerses himself not only in the local food culture, but delves into each destination's history and politics, too. Nobody can mix food, travel and culture like Bourdain.
Forged In Fire
This is the show you never knew you needed. In Forged In Fire the best bladed weapon-makers in America go head-to-head building everything from Viking battle axes to Samurai swords to Indian claw daggers. The contestants have everything at their disposal at The Forge to make these weapons, including propane forges, coal forges, grinders, power hammers and hydraulic presses. Medical personnel are present to treat any injuries or other health problems and may, at their discretion, disqualify smiths who are unable to continue safely. The weapons created are tested against objects and environments similar to the historical scenarios in which they were typically used. The winner leaves with $10,000 cash and the coveted title of "Forged in Fire Champion".
