The Newsreader

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.

The Newsreader Season 1 release dates →

1. E6

   6. Meltdown

   Finale 5 years ago

   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.

2. E5

   5. No More Lies

   5 years ago

   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.

3. E4

   4. A Step Closer to the Madness

   5 years ago

   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.

4. E3

   3. The White Marquis Matinee Jacket

   5 years ago

   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".

5. E2

   2. Once in a Lifetime

   5 years ago

   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.

6. E1

   1. Three, Two, One…

   5 years ago

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

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...

The Newsreader Season 2 release dates →

1. E6

   6. Fireworks

   Finale 3 years ago

   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.

2. E5

   5. A Model Daughter

   3 years ago

   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.

3. E4

   4. The Hungry Truth

   3 years ago

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

4. E3

   3. Greed and Fear

   3 years ago

   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.

5. E2

   2. People Like You and Me

   3 years ago

   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.

6. E1

   1. Decision 87

   3 years ago

   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.

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.

The Newsreader Season 3 release dates →

1. E6

   6. The Fall

   Finale 1 year ago

   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.

2. E5

   5. On the Brink

   1 year ago

   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.

3. E4

   4. One Team, All Brothers

   1 year ago

   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.

4. E3

   3. Behind The Front Line

   1 year ago

   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.

5. E2

   2. A New Era

   1 year ago

   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.

6. E1

   1. Night of Nights

   1 year ago

   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.