The BEST episodes of The Newsreader
Every episode of The Newsreader ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Newsreader!
The Newsreader is set in the maelstrom of a commercial television newsroom in 1986. Dale Jennings is a diligent young reporter who is desperate to become a newsreader and Helen Norville is a notoriously 'difficult' star newsreader determined to build credibility. Over three months, the pair cover an extraordinary chain of news events from the shock of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion, to the hype of Halley's Comet and the complexities of the AIDS crisis. A deep bond is formed that will upend their lives and transform the very fabric of the nightly news bulletin.
#2 - Meltdown
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 9/19/2021
While Helen is still reeling after Dale's revelation, reports emerge of a nuclear accident in Chernobyl. In the face of great fear and uncertainty, the pair must confront who they really are to each other, and to themselves.
#4 - Fireworks
Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/15/2023
It's the biggest television event of the decade - Australia Day 1988, featuring a full re-enactment of the first fleet sailing into Sydney Harbour, ceremonies with Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and one of the biggest protests ever seen in Australia.
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#5 - A Step Closer to the Madness
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/5/2021
Helen is deeply apprehensive about meeting Dale’s mother, while Dale gets lumbered with Royal Wedding puff pieces. But their everyday concerns are thrown aside when a bomb goes off on Russell Street.
#6 - Three, Two, One…
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 8/15/2021
In 1986, ambitious reporter Dale dreams of landing the most prized role on commercial TV: newsreader. But Helen, the network’s first female newsreader, struggles against her reputation as ‘difficult’. When their personal and professional lives collide, Dale and Helen embark on a fragile new alliance. Their first job together seems simple enough—cover the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger.
#7 - A White Marquis Matinee Jacket
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 8/29/2021
When news breaks of Lindy Chamberlain’s imminent release from prison, Helen, Dale and cameraman Tim fly to Darwin. But they’ll face fierce competition as they fight to land the “interview of the century”.
#8 - Decision 87
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/10/2023
It's one year on and Helen and Dale are now established as 'The Golden Couple of News'. It's Election Night 1987 - Hawke vs Howard. Competitor Geoff Walters is also making a well-publicised comeback on a rival network.
#9 - No More Lies
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 9/12/2021
Dale's career and his relationship with Helen couldn't be any better, until his prized interview with an HIV-positive mother goes horribly wrong. In the eye of a media storm, buried secrets comes to light.
#10 - People Like You And Me
Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/17/2023
The country is rocked by a shock mass shooting in the heart of Melbourne. When Helen races to air with confronting footage of the aftermath, she is seen as exploiting the tragedy, and public sentiment shifts against her.
#12 - Once in a Lifetime
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 8/22/2021
Helen and Dale's new alliance has become the talk of the office as they cover the much-hyped return of Halley's Comet. The closer Dale draws to Helen, the more he finds himself thrust into the spotlight.