Screen Queen TV Reviews: Rivals, The Paper, Cunk On Cinema, the ARIAs and Austin

Rivals

Streaming now on Disney Plus

There’s a special kind of joy in watching ridiculous, over-the-top, bonkers television. I’m talking shows you KNOW you shouldn’t find enjoyment in, but can’t seem to turn away from.

I’m talking The Kardashians, or high-camp reality favourites like The Celebrity Traitors, Aussie soaps (but particularly Neighbours, which I was still dipping into right up until its dying days), or the c-bomb-infused surreality of Deadloch — they’re my balm in these troubled times.

Right at the top of this list is Rivals, the British series based on the “bonkbuster” bestsellers by Jilly Cooper. It’s returning this week for the second part of its bifurcated second season.

Everything about it is dialled up to 10, and it’s one-upped itself for part two.

The fashions (those shoulder pads!), the affairs (that bonk montage in ep one!), the high-camp melodrama (Tony watching Master Dog with a loaded shotgun before bumping off peacocks!) — it’s done so well, it’s Shakespearean.

Of course, it helps that some of the UK’s finest acting talent — names like David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer and Aidan Turner — have lent their considerable talents. Their very presence gives the show a sense of gravitas that’s at odds with the tomfoolery going on, their performances a foil to the outlandish plot developments that, in anyone else’s hands, would be rendered hammy or ridiculous.

This show isn’t for everyone. But if, like me, you enjoy a bit of escapist nonsense, this should be right at the top of your watch list.

Austin S3

Streaming now on ABC

I adore Austin — three seasons on, and this ABC favourite keeps getting better.

Introducing a love interest for Michael Theo’s character last season was a stroke of genius, and this season Austin and Hayley (Natalie Abbott) are taking their relationship to the next level.

But while it’s smooth sailing for them, things aren’t going quite so swimmingly for Julian (Ben Miller) and Ingrid (Sally Phillips), who are finding their amicable uncoupling a challenge.

The beauty of this series is its ensemble cast — they’re top-notch.

Don’t miss this one.

Cunk On Cinema

Sunday, streaming on Netflix

Philomena Cunk, aka comedian Diane Morgan, is back, taking on the history of cinema. Keep an eye out for some high-profile guests, including Benedict Cumberbatch. Will watch the heck out of this one.

40th Annual ARIA Awards

Wednesday, streaming on Paramount Plus

If you’re someone who thinks Australian music peaked with Silverchair’s Frogstomp, then I urge you to watch this year’s ARIAs — Aussie music has never been more exciting, and it’s about time you caught up. Worth celebrating.

The Paper S2

Thursday, streaming on Foxtel/Binge

This easy-to-watch second-screener is back, and picking up the day after the Toledo Truth Teller’s awards night success. What comes next for Ned (Domhnall Gleeson) and Mare (Chelsea Frei), who shared a snog, leaving us on that romantic cliffhanger? You’re about to find out!