Words by Andy Ryan, Co-Head of Drama

Australian audiences love Australian stories. Whether it’s the thrill of an Underbelly, the hijinks of House Husbands or the triumph of Love Child, Australian dramas have always been a vital part of our TV landscape.​

Now more than ever, Australian dramas are also a vital part of Nine’s programming mix. And while the drama landscape has undergone radical change over the past decade, Australian stories continue to win hearts – and eyeballs – for Nine and 9Now.​

​It’s often said we are experiencing a golden age of television. Dramas like Game of Thrones and The Crown have redefined what’s possible for television series, with budgets previously reserved for blockbuster movies. ​

​And while it’s true that audiences are spoilt for choice with more options on more platforms than ever before, Nine’s dramas will always have a point of difference. We tell 100 per cent Australian stories, made for our local audiences by the finest casts and crews in the country. We tell stories that resonate with Australian audiences, that are tightly focused on our core 25-54 demographic, and are designed to capture audiences on linear TV as well as catch-up.​

​But most of all, we want to tell stories that entertain. No drama will succeed unless it has a ripping yarn which can, as the old showbiz adage says, make ‘em laugh, make ‘em cry, and make ‘em gasp.​

​It’s the reason why Doctor Doctor is returning for a fourth season. Why we are diving back into the mean streets of Melbourne’s gangland wars with Informer 3838, the story of Lawyer X. And why Rebecca Gibney is bringing her groundbreaking character Jane Halifax back to Nine in Halifax: Retribution.​

​We’re especially excited to showcase some of Australia’s most outstanding actors on Nine dramas in 2020. Stay tuned for a roll call of industry icons including Rebecca Gibney, Rodger Corser, Tina Bursill, Anthony LaPaglia, John Waters, Claudia Karvan, Jacqueline Mackenzie and Robyn Nevin. They’ll be joined by some of the most exciting and popular faces on television, including Stephen Peacocke, Ella Scott Lynch, Rick Donald, Nicole da Silva and Olympia Valance. ​

​And watch out for the new and emerging stars to burst through in 2020. Like the stories themselves, we’ll bring actors and performances that are guaranteed to surprise, delight, and shock. ​