{"id":715,"date":"2025-06-14T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-14T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/?p=715"},"modified":"2025-06-16T10:16:18","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T10:16:18","slug":"the-7-best-explosive-australian-thrillers-free-to-watch-in-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/2025\/06\/14\/the-7-best-explosive-australian-thrillers-free-to-watch-in-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"The 7 best \u2018explosive\u2019 Australian thrillers free to watch in UK"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t\t\"Scrublands,\t<\/div>
Here are the next Aussie shows to sink your teeth into! (Pictures: Shutterstock\/ ITV\/ BBC)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It seems like Australian TV<\/a> is finally having its moment in the spotlight<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For decades the biggest exports from Down Under has been soaps like Home and Away and Neighbours, with Brits drawn to the sun and sea that was on offer through screens.<\/p>\n

However, in the past few years interest in other shows has grown, with many now flocking to see completely different versions of the country.<\/p>\n

Instead of the shores of Summer Bay or the community centred around Ramsay Street<\/a>, interest is now sky high in thrillers and crime<\/a> dramas that might not have you dreaming of hopping on a plane there anytime soon.<\/p>\n

You may have heard of the exceptional The Kettering Incident, Mystery Road and Underbelly.<\/p>\n

But if you\u2019re looking for other hidden gems to discover <\/a>here are our picks \u2013 just in time for a weekend binge too<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Scrublands (Streaming on BBC iPlayer)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Scrublands\t<\/div>
Scrublands is based on a book of the same name (Picture: BBC\/ Nine Nine Network Australia Pty Led\/ Sarah Enticknap)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Based on the debut novel of the same name by journalist Chris Hammer, Scrublands first hit screens in 2023.<\/p>\n

It follows journalist Martin Scarsden (Luke Arnold) as he investigates what he initially thinks is a straightforward story about a small town a year on from a tragedy.<\/p>\n

As he digs deeper to discover the details of what actually happened after a priest shot dead five parishioners, Martin comes up against local residents who want to keep the past buried.<\/p>\n

The four-parter was a hit with critics and audiences alike, with The Guardian writing: \u2018It\u2019s a rock-solid addition to the rural noir genre, engaging from the start, all the way to a satisfyingly explosive finale.\u2019<\/p>\n

A second season recently aired in Australia, so here\u2019s hoping the BBC will drop the follow-up episodes soon too.<\/p>\n

Wake in Fright (Streaming on Channel 4)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Sean\t<\/div>
Sean Keenan starred in the reimagining of Wake in Fright (Picture: John Platt\/ Lingo Pictures)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another book-to-screen adaptation that\u2019s well worth a watch is Wake in Fight.<\/p>\n

Based on Kenneth Cook’s 1961 novel of the same name, the 2017 miniseries starred Sean Keenan as John Grant, a schoolteacher who becomes trapped in an isolated outback town.<\/p>\n

The TV show had big shoes to fill after the 1971 film adaptation was nominated for the Grand Prix du Festival at the 24th Cannes Film Festival.<\/p>\n

When watching the reimagining, many viewers said they\u2019d been left \u2018on the edge of their seat\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2018The cinematography is splendid, certainly rivalling the original movie. The sun-bright, yet dark, landscape and decaying town paints a delicious background for Grant\u2019s seemingly endless nightmare. The spirit of the original remains very well intact despite most of the modernisation,\u2019 user dnj-96166 posted on IMDB.<\/p>\n

Black Snow (Streaming on BBC iPlayer)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Black\t<\/div>
Both seasons of Black Snow are streaming in the UK (Picture: BBC\/ Goalpost Television and All3Media International\/ Brian Flexmore)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Vikings star Travis Fimmel stars in Black Snow<\/a>, which follows Detective James Cormack (Fimmel) as he investigates cold cases while also battling his own personal demons.<\/p>\n

Released in 2023, the first season was set in 2019 and saw him investigating the inquiry into the cold case murder of 17-year-old Isabel Baker in 1994, in the fictional Australian town of Ashford.<\/p>\n

In its review, Flicks called it a \u2018moody, well-made crime drama that forefronts a little-explored area of Australian culture and history\u2019.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile viewers called it \u2018suspenseful\u2019, \u2018superb\u2019 and a \u2018edge of your seat\u2019 watch.<\/p>\n

The second season, which follows the investigation of another crime, was also recently released in the UK.<\/p>\n

The Tourist (Streaming on BBC iPlayer)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"The\t<\/div>
Danielle MacDonald and Jamie Dornan starred in The Tourist (Picture: BBC\/ Two Brothers\/ Steffan Hill)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Waking up with amnesia in an Australian hospital, a man played by Jamie Dornan, is assisted by a local woman who remembers him and offers to help rediscover his identity.<\/p>\n

However, it quickly emerges that he has a dark past and must do what he can to escape it before it finally catches up with him.<\/p>\n

After premiering in 2022, The Tourist was followed by a second season last year, with those episodes set in Ireland.<\/p>\n

With a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics said it was \u2018gripping\u2019, \u2018suspenseful\u2019 and even \u2018merrily unhinged\u2019.<\/p>\n

Speaking to Forbes about the challenge to keep his character likeable enough to the audience to throw their support behind him, Jamie previously said: \u2018It\u2019s tough because we want to be on his side. The whole idea of the show hinges on the audience rooting for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Jack Irish (Streaming on Channel 4)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Jack\t<\/div>
The three Jack Irish movies and subsequent three seasons are ready to binge (Picture: Lachlan Moore)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beginning with three feature-length TV movies in 2012, Jack Irish was based on Peter Temple\u2019s novel series of the same name.<\/p>\n

Set in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy, it starred Guy Pearce as the titular character, a former criminal lawyer turned investigator and debt collector.<\/p>\n

After the murder of his wife by a client, Jack then pursues detective work and chasing people down for money.<\/p>\n

Following the success of the movies, Jack Irish was turned into a TV show, with the three seasons airing between 2016 until 2021.<\/p>\n

In its review of the first season, the New York Times wrote: \u2018It\u2019s straightforward, noirish mystery starring a laconic, mostly noble, unapologetically genre-friendly gumshoe.\u2019 All three movies and the three seasons are streaming on Channel 4.<\/p>\n

High Country (Streaming on BBC iPlayer)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"High\t<\/div>
High Country was called Australia’s verdict of ‘Nordic noir’ (Picture: BBC\/ Curio\/Sony Pictures Television\/ Narelle Portanier)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A fictional story that was inspired by true events, High Country stars Leah Purcell as detective Andrea \u2018Andie\u2019 Whitford who is transferred to the town of Brokenridge in the Victorian High Country and assigned to investigate the mysterious case of five missing people who have disappeared into the wilderness.<\/p>\n

But as she gets deeper into the investigation, she begins to uncover a complex web of murder, deceit and revenge.<\/p>\n

The eight-part series also stars Game of Thrones\u2019 and Derry Girls\u2019 Ian McElhinney, Sara Wiseman (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road) and Shannon Berry (The Survivors).<\/p>\n

TV Tonight\u2019s review read: \u2018It\u2019s fair to say the themes of High Country, being missing persons and associated crimes, have been explored in a range of other series, including Scandi-noir drama. Here it gets the First Nations treatment thanks to the fine talents of Leah Purcell.\u2019<\/p>\n

Both seasons are currently available to stream in the UK.<\/p>\n

Critical Incident (Streaming on ITVX)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"From\t<\/div>
Critical Incident was called ‘riveting’ by viewers (Picture: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Red, White and Royal Blue star Akshay Khanna plays Senior Constable Zil Ahmed in Critical Incident<\/a>.<\/p>\n

After he pursues a suspect at a train station while off duty, a shocking incident unfolds that sees an innocent bystander injured.<\/p>\n

As the investigation unfolds, Zil discovers the person he suspected of being the suspect was not the perpetrator of a crime he was chasing her for.<\/p>\n

Despite this he becomes obsessed with pinning something on her.<\/p>\n

Viewers called it \u2018riveting\u2019, \u2018nuanced\u2019 and \u2018layered\u2019.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tOther Australian shows to watch\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Territory <\/a>(Netflix)<\/p>\n

Fake<\/a> (ITV)<\/p>\n

Apple Cider Vinegar <\/a>(Netflix)<\/p>\n

The Secrets She Keeps<\/a> (Channel 4)<\/p>\n

The Last Anniversary<\/a> (BBC)<\/p>\n

Bump <\/a>(BBC)<\/p>\n

North Shore<\/a> (ITV)<\/p>\n

Austin<\/a> (BBC)<\/p>\n

Rake<\/a> (Channel 4)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Got a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page – we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Here are the next Aussie shows to sink your teeth into! (Pictures: Shutterstock\/ ITV\/ BBC) It seems like Australian TV is finally having its moment in the spotlight. For decades the biggest exports from Down Under has been soaps like Home and Away and Neighbours, with Brits drawn to the...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":717,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=715"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":726,"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions\/726"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.satecsite.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}