Australian Television to look forward to in 2009

The ever reliable Herald Sun has compiled a list of new trashy TV shows to look forward to in 2009, complete with some golden oldies that will be returning this year. Shows set to return will include Australian Idol, Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and Sea Patrol among others. Freeview also kicks off this year with 15new digital TV channels, one of which will also be ch:10's 24hour sport channel. Bring on 2009 and trash TV galore!


Packed To The Rafters series 2, Seven Network
All cast members have signed up again including veterans Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thompson and Michael Caton. The series follows a married couple, Gibney and Thompson, who find themselves entwined in the lives of their three adult children.

Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities, Nine Network
One of the most anticipated shows of the year. The second season is a prequel to the first hit series which told the stories of Melbourne's infamous gangland wars. The new series will follow the booming illegal heroin and marijuana trade of the 1970s and 1980s in Sydney and Melbourne.
It'll be based around the lives of two infamous drug lords, including Aussie Bob Trimbole, a marijuana and heroin dealer, played by Roy Billing. Trimbole was one of the country's most notorious gangsters and is believed to have organised the murder of Liberal politician and anti-drugs campaigner Donald Mackay in Griffith in 1977.

The other main character, to be played by Matthew Newton, will be Terry "Mr Asia" Clark, the head of a New Zealand drug syndicate, who was responsible for many deaths.


Masterchef Australia, Network Ten
Ten has high hopes for this reality TV series which will replace the long running axed Big Brother from May. Based on a British format, it will see amateur cooks compete to be crowned the country's 'masterchef'. The program will air six nights a week.


10 Years Younger in 10 Days, Seven Network
Hosted by Sonia Kruger, this show will aim to transform the appearance of couples. It'll look to update their grooming, fashion and beauty habits.

Project NEXT, ABC
Produced by respected talk show host Andrew Denton, the 10-part series will try to find the next bunch of original thinkers, movers, mischief makers and cage-rattlers. The program will then get them together to create an irreverent program about "serious things".

Australia's Hidden Genius, Network Ten
The program will give smart Australians the chance to turn around their lives.

Australian Ladette To Lady, Nine Network
The Australian version of this British makeover show will see a bunch of rough young Aussie women put through their paces at the UK's finest finishing school Eggleston Hall. The British version has been a ratings winner for Nine.

Recruits, Network Ten
This program will go behind the scenes as young men and women train to become cops at the NSW Police College in Goulburn. Ten has gained rare access into the college for this show to document the recruits' travels. It'll also follow fresh graduates on their first days on the beat.

Bondi Vet, Network Ten
Going behind the scenes of celebrity vet Dr Chris Brown's practice in Australia's famous beachside suburb of Bondi. It'll show him saving animals and blend in human interest stories.

Guerrilla Gardeners, Network Ten
Six young upbeat gardeners "with attitude'' will make over barren and concrete-filled spaces in Australian cities. Being touted as more entertaining than your average gardening show.

Undercover Boss, Network Ten
Bosses will go undercover working at the bottom levels of their companies. It will see them cleaning toilets, waiting and doing late shifts. During their undercover time they will seek to find a hard worker, a hidden talent.

Triple Zero Heroes, Seven Network
It will use original 000 emergency calls along with reconstructions and interviews to retell stories.

Local Heroes, Nine Network
This show will reunite and tell the stories of heroic Australians and the survivors they rescued.

Random Acts of Kindness, Nine Network
Karl Stefanovic, Scott Cam and Simmone Jade Mackinnon will host this feel-good show which will try to make dreams come true for "deserving'' Australians.

Missing Pieces, Nine Network
In much the same vein as rival Seven's Find My Family. this show will feature a team of experts tracking down missing family members.

Talkin' 'bout my Generation, Network Ten
This half-hour comedy panel show will pit generation against generation as they talk about a range of issues.


The Chaser's War On Everything, ABC
After a year off the screens, the Chaser boys - Andrew Hansen, Chas Licciardello, Julian Morrow, Craig Reucassel and Chris Taylor - will return for more laughs.

They'll have a new prime minister to poke fun at this time in the form of Kevin Rudd. Last time the boys were on the screens they created a storm for getting past security checks in a fake motorcade during APEC in Sydney.

Thank God You're Here, Seven Network
The comedy improvisation show is leaving Network Ten to air on its new home at Channel Seven. Shane Bourne will remain as host of the show, which features celebrities walking into an unknown situation and having to improvise. Seven has said they'll tweak the show, but no word yet on what that will entail.

John Safran's Race Relations, ABC
Controversial comedian Safran returns to the ABC for his globe trotting adventure. The eight part series will see Safran addressing controversial topics in his no-holds barred approach.


Toasted & Roasted, Nine Network
Australian celebrities toasting and roasting some big Australian names.

When I Grow Up, Nine Network
Hosted by Bert Newtown, the show will feature kids having fun.

Sunday Night, Seven Network
Seven's new current affairs program will go head to head with the popular 60 Minutes on Nine. Rumoured to be hosted by Natalie Barr. Reporters are yet to be announced.

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