Our local PBS station started showing A Place to Call Home a few weeks ago, but since they were only running two eps a week, we signed up for Acorn so we could binge. We’re almost through the fourth season. S5 is in production now, for broadcast in Oz next fall. I haven’t found out when it will be available for streaming in the US.
It’s set in a small Australian town in the early 1950s. A woman with a mysterious past arrives and is soon embroiled in controversies with the local gentry. (I’ll avoid revealing more detail pending others joining in and providing a consensus on whether spoilers should be open or closed.)
It’s very nicely shot, in a time and place that is relatively unfamiliar for this average American viewer. The characters are very well drawn and interesting and the acting is pretty universally excellent. The lead character is played by Marta Dusseldorp, and her primary nemesis is played by Noni Hazlehurst. AFAIK, I’ve never seen them in anything else, but I gather they are fairly well known in Australia. Both are superb.
I’ve seen every episode to date. I was blown away by the tension and drama in the first couple of seasons, but think it’s gone downhill since then. I now feel like I’m watching the reboot of Dallas, what with all the shifting alliances that really don’t make much sense.
Noni was a regular presenter on Play School, a show for young kids, and she’s a bit of a national institution because of that. Marta D seems to be in every second Australian drama at the moment. You may get Janet King (a legal drama - MD in title role) or Jack Irish (PI drama also starring Guy Pearce), both well worth a look.
Me, too. Watched 'em all. Could never understand what the heroine (can’t remember her name) saw in George-- he was such a wimp! His conniving wife was a great villainess. Liked all the subplots. Loved the development/evolution of Noni’s character.
ETA. I’ve also watched all the Janet King eps to date. They’re okay. All available on AcornTV.