ABC TV - everything you need to know about what's on

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As the country’s national broadcaster, ABC is a major part of every Australian’s TV viewing. From its reputable current affairs programming to binge-worthy original dramas, ABC keeps up with the times and proficiently maintains its status as one of Australia’s primary free-to-air networks.

What is ABC?

ABC adopted its current name in 1980s after it was first established in the early 1930s as Australian Broadcasting Commission. Created and structured after BBC, programs not produced in Australia were mostly sourced from the British network during its early years and even up to now.

ABC’s programming is distributed across its sister free-to-air channels – ABC TV, ABC TV Plus, ABC Me, ABC Kids and ABC News. The catch-up service app for streaming ABC shows on the go, ABC iView, has been operating since 2008. The ABC provides TV, radio, mobile and online services in every location throughout metropolitan and regional Australia.

What shows are on ABC?

ABC TV and ABC iView are best known for its quality original dramas and thrillers that include Jack Irish and Total Control. New originals are also being regularly added. Last year alone saw the addition of dramas that include Savage River.

ABC’s programming also contains news, lifestyle shows, documentaries and a whole lot of British shows such as top favourites Killing Eve, Vera, Death in Paradise, Silent Witness, Midsomer Murders, and Doctor Who. Also a large part of ABC’s library are countless ABC iView movies from here and abroad.

What’s new on ABC

You can rest assured that there’s always something new to watch on ABC and its catch up streaming ABC iView. To find a program, you can check out this ABC TV guide to help you search and choose from the list of shows to watch.

Reality TV and lifestyle on ABC

There’s not a lot of reality programs on ABC. What it does offer are lifestyle and documentary-styled programs that are both entertaining and informative. Viewers can enjoy such shows as Back Roads, Restoration Australia and Gardening Australia. There’s plenty of fun lifestyle shows available too with the likes of Luke Warm Sex, Teenage Boss and How to Live Younger.

The best of drama and thriller on ABC

ABC has a solid footing when it comes to original dramas. Recently added dramas include Fires, Wakefield and The Newsreader while such titles as Mystery Road, Redfern Now and Operation Buffalo have gotten significant viewership. In the comedy genre, you’ll greatly enjoy shows like Starstruck, Fisk, Preppers and Frayed.

Feel-good comedy on ABC

More than dramas and thrillers, ABC also offers a bunch of hilarious programs for light viewing. Comedies include all episodes of Fisk, Frayed, Black Comedy, Staged, Ghosts, and so many more!

Documentaries and current affairs on ABC

ABC may be lacking relevant content in sports and guilty-pleasure type of reality TV, but what it does have is reliable news coverage. Its documentary program, for instance, Australian Story, which has been airing since 1996, is one of the country’s most prominent and long-running shows. Being a government-funded network, it only makes sense for ABC to deliver a wide range of news and current affairs programs that also include 7:30, Insiders, The Brief, and the interview show One Plus One.

Sport on ABC

ABC doesn’t offer anything substantial in the sports streaming department, so its streaming service, ABC iView, lags behind in that regard. What you can get is live streamed coverage and replays of W-League football, and replays of select A-League matches that the ABC has the rights to show. For watching sports news, you can always count on Offsiders to deliver the latest in sports, along with some clips from ABC News stories that relate to sports.

ABC – Live stream shows today with ABC iView

ABC launched ABC iView back when the idea of a catch-up TV was still unfamiliar. The BBC iPlayer service in the UK, which served as a model, was operating for only six months at the time. Hence, the whole thing was new in Australia. But the launch of iView also opened a demand that didn’t previously exist, giving people something they didn’t know they needed.

The success of iView has since paved the way for catch-up TV service in the country to further flourish. All of ABC’s free to air channels – ABC TV, ABC TV Plus, ABC Me, ABC Kids and ABC News – can be accessed on the go with ABC iView.

Channel	Shows
ABC TV	ABC TV is the home of ABC original dramas like Fires, Pine Gap, Jack Irish and many others.
ABC TV Plus	ABC TV Plus hosts general entertainment-type of programs. Recently, they’ve added Brassic and Schitt’s Creek, as well as complete episodes of lighthearted comedies Frayed and Bliss.
ABC Me	For children’s shows and other programs catered to young teens, ABC Me has a great selection of programs for free. Some of the popular titles kids and teenagers can watch are You’re Skitting Me, Pet Superstars, Space Nova, Class of the Titans and How to Do Stuff Good.
ABC Kids	ABC Kids are mostly content for kids six years old and younger. Kids shows – Bluey, Hey Duggee and Peppa Pig.
ABC News	ABC News provides an extensive range of current affairs programming that includes talk shows, news specials and documentaries, like Australian Story, Offsiders, Four Corners, and Landline.

Does it cost to watch ABC?

ABC generates its income via advertising so watching its content is free. Using its catch-up streaming TV app, ABC iView, doesn’t also require any subscription fees. As long as you have the basic requirements such as an antenna and a digital TV, accessing ABC is just a matter of switching your television on.

For streaming online, requirements include a compatible device (mobile, PC or set-top boxes) and, of course, a broadband service for every content on ABC iView delivered straight to your screen. Simply download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Playstore.

How does ABC compare with other services?

A large part of ABC’s programming that reels in audiences is the catalogue of ABC original dramas, comedies and documentaries. While the network doesn’t have a lot of competitions and talent shows like other major networks, ABC makes it up by offering a lot of adventure-filled lifestyle and documentary shows. The amount and quality of dramas available are also topnotch with certified favourites like Jack Irish and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Check out this our TV guide for a complete listing of every free to air program screening today.

How does ABC compare to Channel 7?

Channel 7 has reality shows like The Voice and The Chase, and while ABC has some similar shows, they’re not as popular as the aforementioned programs. ABC, however, is well-known for its current affairs programs and documentaries like Back Roads and Four Corners.

How does ABC compare to Channel 9?

Channel 9 is also a prominent figure in entertainment with lots of reality and lifestyle shows, local and international comedies and dramas, and most importantly, broadcasting rights to big sports like NRL. While Channel 9‘s programming is more varied with the addition of sports, ABC’s entertainment programming is made more appealing with lots of British dramas and comedies available.

How does ABC compare to Channel 10?

Channel 10 is also a popular option with flagship reality shows like MasterChef Australia and Australian Survivor, however, considering Australians are also a big fan of binge-worthy drama, ABC is an excellent option for watching local titles, as well as acclaimed UK dramas like Killing Eve and Doctor Who. The TV adaptation of The War of the Worlds also proves to be a top pick on ABC.

How does ABC compare to SBS?

Being Australia’s national broadcaster, ABC naturally produces a lot more local content than SBS. While ABC has international programs, they’re mostly sourced from BBC. On the other hand, SBS’ lineup of series and movies is more global with lots of content in foreign languages.

How does ABC compare with Netflix and Prime Video?

Streaming TV is a no-brainer entertainment option for those who want ad-free shows and movies. Popular ones like Netflix and Amazon Prime, for instance, offer thousands of hours of TV shows, docos, and movies, without the usual ads you see on free to air. Nonetheless, free to air networks in Australia have something that streaming services don’t have and that is free access.

How does ABC compare to Foxtel?

Foxtel is the leading pay TV service provider in Australia and one of the benefits of having a subscription is access to HBO’s programming. Foxtel also produces its own shows that aren’t available elsewhere, except associated services like Foxtel Now and BINGE. TV shows like The Twelve, Wentworth, Upright, and The End are just some of its original shows. Complete seasons of every huge HBO series like Succession, Game of Thrones, The Sopranos and The Wire, as well as comedies Sex and the City and Veep can only be streamed via Foxtel.

But when it comes to drama, ABC can hold its own with such original shows as Jack Irish and The Newsreader, both of which have proven to be very popular among viewers.

How to sign up to ABC?

You’ll need to create an account in order to access ABC iView drama shows. First, visit the website or download the app, create your account, adjust all necessary settings, and you’re all set. After setting up an ABC iView login, you can watch your favourite programs on ABC iView instantly even when you’re on the go. You can access ABC iView on the web on your computer or get the app on your mobile to start streaming anytime. If you’re no longer using it, simply close menu and resume watching when you’re free again.