Karen McFarlane

Just finished watching series 1. It was an excellent production with an intriguing storyline and great acting. Anna Torv is wonderful in the lead role. Once again she is so very real and convincing. Will definitely be watching series 2.

Another outstanding Australian drama series from the ABC. Sensitive, evocative and haunting...Watching each episode is an inherently intense experience. The acting of the entire cast is impressive, with special mention of Richard Roxburgh's and Miranda Otto's powerful and moving performances in episode 2. In episode 3, Anna Torv is, as always, captivating and so very real. Such a wonderful Australian talent! The appearance of the two young firefighters in every episode is a skilful touch and cleverly weaves the episodes together. I'm looking forward to the rest of this insightful series and, for that matter, more series of this calibre, showcasing our first-class Australian actors and creative talent.

The Newsreader is totally compelling and exhilarating television. It quickly became the highlight of my weekly viewing. The storyline, script and acting by all of the cast, set against the bonus backdrop of a 1980s newsroom, complete with music and nostalgia, are first-class. For me though, it was mostly about the characters. In their central roles, Anna Torv & Sam Reid as Helen & Dale are outstanding and totally convincing. They masterfully adapt to the changing complexities of their characters and, despite their characters' imperfections, their sympathetic portrayals make them exceedingly likeable. You can't help but get caught up in their lives and developing relationship as a result and to hope that they succeed. In a word (that of another reviewer) their characters are "mesmerising". Anna Torv as Helen was amazing at switching from composed newsreader to emotional meltdown in the blink of an eye. The final episode, in which they confront the truth about themselves and their relationship, is sensitively handled in profoundly moving performances. Following the intensity of these scenes it was a relief and satisfying for the series end on a high. Michelle Lim Davidson, Stephen Peacocke and William McInnes as Lindsay, the bullying and belligerent newsroom boss, were excellent, as were all of the cast. This vibrant and energetic series is best enjoyed if you sit back and just enjoy the spectacle, without seeking out trivial anachronisms and faults. It left me buzzing (& with insomnia!) and hoping for more. This is Australian television at its best and it will be a travesty if there's not a second season! Now, whenever I watch the nightly news, I can't help but wonder what dramas and misadventures might be unfolding behind the scenes...