Australian Story
Award-winning documentary series Australian Story strips away narration and production gloss to let people tell their own accounts. Each episode centers on one or more Australians who recount a defining stretch of their life in their own words, supported by footage, interviews and documents. The... Read more
Where to Watch "Australian Story"
Not Currently Streaming
This title isn't available for streaming in the US right now.
Not Currently Available On (8 platforms)
Streaming availability last verified: January 16, 2026
About Australian Story
Award-winning documentary series Australian Story strips away narration and production gloss to let people tell their own accounts. Each episode centers on one or more Australians who recount a defining stretch of their life in their own words, supported by footage, interviews and documents. The approach produces intimate, often unvarnished portraits of ordinary citizens and public figures, showing moments of change without imposed angles. Episodes avoid heavy editorializing, depending on subjects and reporters to supply context, so viewers hear motivations, regrets and achievements directly. Across years the show has covered crime, family, health, success and loss, and it often revisits stories to show consequences and evolution. It aims to let complexity and humanity come through.
First broadcast in 1996 on ABC, Australian Story features reporters and presenters including Leigh Sales, and is produced by the network's documentary unit. Episodes are standalone, built from interviews, archival material and location filming for national broadcast.
The series is often described as award-winning and has received industry recognition in Australia for its storytelling and journalism. Specific honors have varied over its long run, with producers, reporters and editors collecting awards at national television and media ceremonies, reflecting the program's standing in Australian broadcasting over many seasons.
Across decades Australian Story influenced public conversation by giving extended airtime to personal narratives that might otherwise be overlooked. Episodes have prompted national discussion, informed reporting on social issues, and become touchstones in Australian media, often referenced by journalists, academics and community groups when discussing contemporary lives and often cited.
Critical and audience reaction has varied, and on some platforms ratings are modest, for example a 4.8/10 vote average from a small sample of viewers. The series emphasizes candid testimony, ethical reporting and themes of identity, resilience, public scrutiny and the consequences of personal choices, and viewers praise its restraint.
Details
- Release Date
- May 29, 1996
- User Ratings
- 5 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 30
- Episodes
- 1103
- Genres
- Documentary, News
Cast
Leigh Sales
Self - Presenter
Seasons (30 seasons, 1103 episodes)
Season 1
27 episodes - 1996
Season 2
38 episodes - 1997
Season 3
36 episodes - 1998
Season 4
37 episodes - 1999
Season 5
37 episodes - 2000
Season 6
42 episodes - 2001
Season 7
39 episodes - 2002
Season 8
37 episodes - 2003
Season 9
38 episodes - 2004
Season 10
40 episodes - 2005
Season 11
43 episodes - 2006
Season 12
39 episodes - 2007
Season 13
38 episodes - 2008
Season 14
4 episodes - 2009
Season 15
45 episodes - 2010
Season 16
41 episodes - 2011
Season 17
41 episodes - 2012
Season 18
43 episodes - 2013
Season 19
43 episodes - 2014
Series 2015
42 episodes - 2015
Series 2016
43 episodes - 2016
Series 2017
41 episodes - 2017
Series 2018
35 episodes - 2018
Series 2019
35 episodes - 2019
Series 2020
34 episodes - 2020
Series 2021
35 episodes - 2021
Series 2022
29 episodes - 2022
Series 2023
33 episodes - 2023
Series 2024
31 episodes - 2024
Series 2025
37 episodes - 2025
