The Newsreader | Series 3 Preview (BBC Two)

The BBC has acquired the third series of the award-winning hit Australian drama The Newsreader, starring Anna Torv (The Last of Us, Mindhunter, Fringe) and Sam Reid (Prime Suspect 1973, Lambs of God, Interview with the Vampire).

Created, written and produced by award-winning writer Michael Lucas (Offspring, Five Bedrooms), and directed by Emma Freeman (Interview with the Vampire, Stateless), the six-part series will air on BBC Two and iPlayer from September.

Episode 1: Helen and Dale are reaching new peaks of success in 1989. Helen has been given her very own current affairs programme, and Dale has become the biggest name in news with a Gold Logie nomination.

However, their situation is complicated at the TV Week Logie awards when it is revealed that Helen’s new show, Public Eye, will be in direct competition with the News at Six and all her former colleagues...

Episode 2: When news of a dramatic Alaskan oil spill breaks on the day of Public Eye’s launch, Helen is pressured to rethink the format of her show while also combatting a brutal act of sabotage from Lindsay.

Meanwhile, Dale fears News At Six won’t have enough to compete with Helen’s show, calling on a heavily pregnant Noelene to help him land a live interview with prime minister Bob Hawke, hoping to address rumours of Hawke’s infidelity.

Episode 3: Dale embraces his continued success by hosting a lavish birthday party whilst also resolving to get rid of Lindsay. Helen, meanwhile, is struggling. Personally, she’s working with a therapist to manage her emotional volatility.

Professionally, Public Eye’s ratings are dire and the show is facing the axe. But when they’re offered exclusive coverage of the escalating conflict in Tiananmen Square, Helen sees an opportunity to save her show...

Episode 4: As Public Eye climbs ever closer to News at Six’s deteriorating numbers, Dale teams up with Rob, pushing the CEO to replace Lindsay. Rob makes a controversial comment on air when discussing apartheid sports boycotts.

Soon after, Helen is approached by Aboriginal activist Lynus Preston with a story – Rob may claim there’s no racism in Australian sports, but Lynus knows Rob’s black teammates don’t necessarily see it that way.

Episode 5: As Public Eye reaches number one, Helen is blindsided by a front-page article revealing her history of mental health struggles and institutionalisation. As she considers how to respond, she focuses her energy on a special report about the closing of mental health institutions across the country, unsure whether her personal story has a place in the report.

Meanwhile, Dale spirals under the pressure of Lindsay’s blackmail, leading to a reckless confrontation at the backyard wedding of cameraman Brian and makeup artist Cheryl.

Episode 6: Dale is falling apart, leaning heavily on alcohol to get through his day, pushing ever closer to a breakdown. When Helen’s relationship with Bill deteriorates, her ability to produce her show is questioned.

Ultimately, as news breaks of the Berlin Wall falling, Dale and Helen turn to each other for support through their personal and professional challenges.

The Newsreader returns Thursday 11th September at 9pm on BBC Two.