The Newsreader Season Two Commences Filming

ABC Australia’s The Newsreader has begun filming its six-part second season, with Daniel Gillies (The Originals, Virgin River) and Philippa Northeast (Home & Away) joining the cast.

The upcoming season takes place a year on from the events of season one, with Helen Norville and Dale Jennings established as the golden couple of news, presenting a glowing image of success and romance. The truth, however, is more complex.

Anna Torv and Sam Reid will return as Norville and Jennings, respectively. William McInnes, Robert Taylor, Michelle Lim Davidson, Stephen Peacocke, Chai Hansen, Chum Ehelepola and Marg Downey are also set to reprise their roles.

The Newsreader is produced by Werner Film Productions. Season one is available on ABC iview, and season two will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2023. Major production investment comes from ABC Australia and VicScreen. Entertainment One distributes the series internationally.

“I am so delighted production has started on The Newsreader season two,” Torv said. “The scripts that Michael and the writers have put together are fantastic, and I couldn’t be happier with where the show is going to lead the characters in this new season.”

“It’s such a thrill to have the full ‘News at Six’ team back in action,” series creator and producer Michael Lucas said. “1987 and 1988 have provided us with an incredible canvas in terms of drama, music, fashion and, critically, hair-styling, and we’re delighted that our entire ensemble cast has returned for season two, with some fantastic new additions.”

Sally Riley, head of scripted production at ABC Australia, added, “We are delighted to be underway on the second season of The Newsreader from the incredibly talented team at Werner Film Productions. The combination of real-life news events of the period and the extraordinary ensemble of characters within ‘News at Six’ resonated so strongly with our ABC audiences—we can’t wait to share another season with them in 2023.”

“Our $191.5 million VicScreen strategy is supercharging our local screen industry by investing in our outstanding local productions like The Newsreader,” said Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Creative Industries. “This is uniquely Australian, gripping entertainment that showcases some of our best talent—and the people behind the scenes that make them shine.”