Top new series in February 2023

With these new and returning programs, you will be glad all over again for free access to the best international drama. February is looking criminally, gastronomically, politically and dramatically wonderful.

(L–R) ‘The Head’ season 2, ‘Bloodlands’ season 2, ‘Django’, ‘The Walk-In’. Source: SBS On Demand

Bloodlands – season 2

‘Bloodlands’ season 2 sees the return of Charlene McKenna, James Nesbitt and Lorcan Cranitch. Source: HTM Televison/Peter Marley

If you watched the gripping four-part season 1 of Bloodlands, you’ll be eager for the next instalment. James Nesbitt, born to play a cop with a traumatic past, is back as DCI Tom Brannick. Also returning are DCS Jackie Twomey (Lorcan Cranitch), DS Niamh McGovern (Charlene McKenna, Holding, now streaming at SBS On Demand), DC ‘Birdy’ Bird (Chris Walley) and Tom’s daughter Izzy (Lola Petticrew).

In season 2, the murder of a dodgy accountant exposes Tom to the accusation that he himself is the assassin Goliath from season 1, throwing him into close contact with Olivia Foyle, the accountant’s widow. The pair of them set to unravelling the mystery left behind. Once Upon A Time’s Victoria Smurfit joins the cast as Olivia. It’s just as gripping as you would expect.

Season 2 of Bloodlands premieres exclusively in Australia on SBS and SBS On Demand at 9.30pm, Wednesday 1 February. Episodes continue weekly. (Season 1 is streaming till 30 April.) Dive into season 2 here:

A Criminal Affair

“I know one day, the truth will come out.” Céline Bonnier shines as Catherine Godin, singularly focused on clearing her son’s name. He’s in jail for murder, but she is adamant he did not do it, and has been at her own investigation for 15 torturous years. Major crime investigator Benoît “Bing” Inglis (Louis-Philipe Dandeneault) has always suspected that someone close to him was involved, but has kept silent. Now, things are coming to a head as more and more light spills over who really did it. Accomplished screenwriter Joanne Arseneau is behind this French-language Canadian eight-parter.

A Criminal Affair is now streaming at SBS On Demand.

The American Presidency with Bill Clinton

President Bill Clinton has held the often agonising responsibility of being chief decider at critical moments in history, involving not only America, but those countries she involves herself with. Guided by his experience and beliefs, Clinton himself hosts this exploration of the history of the American presidency and the struggle for a more perfect union. Six episodes cover themes including race, extremism, the struggle for rights, presidential vision and global power.

Six-part series The American Presidency with Bill Clinton premieres exclusively in Australia on SBS and SBS On Demand at 8.30pm, Thursday 2 February. Episodes continue weekly.

The Walk-In

‘The Walk-In’ stars Stephen Graham as Matthew Collins. Source: SBS

Based on a true story, The Guardian called Philomena writer Jeff Pope’s drama about “reformed neo-Nazi Matthew Collins’ efforts to infiltrate and derail one of the UK’s most threatening far-right groups… one of the best investments you can make”. As the Brexit vote looms, tensions are running high across Britain’s political landscape. Stephen Graham plays Collins – “with his customary unshowy commitment and aplomb” – who now heads advocacy group, Hope Not Hate. When a right-wing fanatic murders MP Jo Cox (Bryony Corrigan) in the street (which happened in 2016), Collins springs into action to thwart extremist group National Action’s plan – to escalate a terrifying situation into a full-blown race war.

Five-part series The Walk-In premieres exclusively in Australia at 9.20pm on SBS and SBS On Demand, Thursday 2 February. Episodes continue weekly.

The Head – season 2

Named one of Variety’s best international TV shows of 2022, season 2 of The Head sees John Lynch return as biologist Arthur Wilde. This time, he and his team are in a secret state-of-the-art lab on board the Alexandria, stationed in the Pacific Ocean – the furthest from land anywhere on Earth. Seeking a micro-organism that will stop climate change, the team includes Arthur’s daughter Rachel (Olivia Morris), who Arthur is hoping will detest him less the more they work together. As per the show’s title, a headless body shows up, followed by others. Delving into the characters’ personal traumas and the complexities of being human, The Head will grip you to the screen once again. Featuring English, Danish and Swedish languages.

Season 2 of The Head premieres exclusively in Australia and is now streaming at SBS On Demand. Dive in here:

Or catch up with season 1, also streaming:

 

Carmen Curlers

Morten Hee Andersen and Rosalinde Mynster as Axel and Tove in ‘Carmen Curlers’. Source: Dr. Drama

In 1963 Denmark, the appetite for US electronics is huge, and growing fast. Entrepreneur Axel (Morten Hee Andersen) and his wife Birthe (Maria Rossing) make hair curlers, and move from their basement to a factory, growing to being a 3,500-strong workforce to keep up with worldwide demand. Many of the women they employ are in their first jobs outside the home or farm, and the shift impacts family life as women redefine who they are, not just in relation to the men in their lives, and create new friendships outside their existing community circles. 

Based on the story of the real Carmen Curlers and from the producer of When The Dust Settles this engrossing drama also features such acclaimed actors as Lars Ranthe (Another Round), Signe Egholm (Borgen) and Rosalinde Mynster (Darkness: Those Who Kill).

Carmen Curlers premieres exclusively in Australia and is now streaming at SBS On Demand.

Devils

International drama Devils drops us in the world of global finance. Charismatic and nerveless trader Massimo Ruggero (Alessandro Borghi) looks set for promotion only for his CEO and mentor Dominic Morgan (Patrick Dempsey) to elect a fierce rival in his place. Things descend even further for Massimo when he’s named prime suspect in a colleague’s sudden death. He enlists the help of Sofia Flores (Laia Costa, Foodie Love), a hacker and journalist who brings her own personal motivation to trouble Dominic. The pair uncover a political game underwritten by a covert financial war playing out across continents. Massimo must either choose to join or take down the devils who rule from the shadows. This thrilling series is based on the novel by Guido Maria Brera, who also co-created the show.

Devils premieres exclusively in Australia and is now streaming at SBS On Demand.

 

The Swiping Game – season 3

‘The Swiping Game’. Source: SBS

With a swipe preceding so many Australians’ relationships, we talk to a range of people who share their experiences of online dating with startling honesty and humour, from the intimacy of their bedrooms. Season 3 of this popular short-form series covers the challenges of: maintaining a sex life when you still live with your parents, being regularly propositioned for threesomes if you are bisexual, being overlooked as a person with a disability and being a man looking for love when you don’t have a six-pack or model height. Plus, find out exactly what it means to be a ‘unicorn’.

Season 3 of The Swiping Game is now streaming at SBS On Demand. (Season 1 and season 2 are also streaming.) Dive into season 3 here:

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

Anthony Bourdain. Source: SBS

The late great Anthony Bourdain – cook, writer, traveller, raconteur, independent thinker, brutally honest muser – visits places all around the world sampling various foods. We’re thrilled to bring you the full seasons of this beloved series once again.

Seasons 1–5 of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations are now streaming at SBS On Demand. The adventure begins, appropriately, in Paris:

The Cook Up with Adam Liaw – season 4

Season 4 of ‘The Cook Up with Adam Liaw’. Source: SBS

Ever the genial host, Adam Liaw is joined by two special guests each episode. Together they cook up a variety of dishes, sharing their knowledge, tips and tricks of the trade, and providing everyday inspiration for foodies and non-foodies alike. Incorporating cultures and cuisines from around the world, The Cook Up is always enjoyable.

Season 4 of The Cook Up with Adam Liaw premieres exclusively in Australia on SBS Food and SBS On Demand, airing weeknights at 7pm from Monday 20 February. Stream past episodes anytime. Dive into season 4 here: 

 

Django

‘Django’. Source: SBS

Matthias Schoenaerts (Amsterdam, Rust and Bone) is Django in this tribute to the 1966 Italian film of the same name, and Westerns in general.

We’re in 1800s Texas, and years ago when he was at war, Django’s whole family was massacred. But the haunted man believes his daughter Sarah (Lisa Vicari, Dark) is still alive. He finds her in New Babylon – where all misfits and newcomers to the Wild West are welcome and equal – about to marry the town’s founder, John Ellis (Nicholas Pinnock, For Life). While Sarah wants Django to leave, blaming him for the fate of their family, his arrival is timely as John’s enemy (Noomi Rapace) is closing in on them all.

With a creative team boasting credits such as SBS On Demand favourites Gomorrah, ZeroZeroZero and Romulus, this English-language French-Italian production shot in Romania is one to add to your watch-list.

Django premieres exclusively in Australia at SBS On Demand with double episodes landing weekly from Thursday 23 February.

The Chosen Ones

In this truly creepy Swedish six-parter, twelve girls wake up to find themselves in a secluded mansion, without knowing how or why they got there. They come to realise they are locked in, causing tensions to rise. The secret they have yet to discover is that they’re part of a medical experiment and if they don’t manage to escape, they will die, one by one. The strong ensemble cast of this thriller/sci-fi combo includes former model Frida Gustavsson, singer and actor Amy Deasismont and Felice Jankell. Tune in, if you dare. The six episodes are each around 15 minutes long.

The Chosen Ones premieres exclusively in Australia and is now streaming at SBS On Demand.

Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois

‘Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois’. Source: SBS

From TikTok fame to his own digital series, train enthusiast Francis Bourgeois is joined rail-side by a different personality each week in this surprisingly heart-warming, eye-opening adventure. He shares his unique perspective on the misunderstood British pastime with comedian Aisling Bea, footballer Jesse Lingard, Eurovision singer Sam Ryder, Love Island contestant Chloe Burrows and rapper AJ Tracey. A Christmas special wraps up the season, where he’s joined by Olympic diver Tom Daley.

Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois premieres at 8.30pm, Tuesday 28 February on SBS VICELAND, showing all six episodes back to back. You can also stream the show in full at SBS On Demand or view the six episodes separately, at 11–15 minutes each.