SBS's weekly programmer picks - 27/8

I can’t go past Go Back this week. Although everyone at SBS knew we had something pretty different and exciting the first time, no one could predict the impact it would have. A huge part of the appeal of the first series was the emotional journey – as the six ordinary Australians stared the persecution of asylum seekers in the face and were forced to reconsider their positions. The particular power of the show was the way in which it also required the audience to question their own assumptions, making it not always comfortable viewing. I found myself wondering if we could do more for refugees stuck in the world’s trouble spots – and also what else we could do to deter these desperate people from making such a dangerous boat journey. The success prompted a second series and there was a need to approach it in a different way. In selecting six prominent Australians, most with something at stake in the refugee debate, the series places a spotlight on the politics behind Australia’s response to the issue. It’s extraordinary work by the production team, not least due to the logistics required to actual pull-off the filming in some of the world’s most dangerous destinations.

Other highlights

Test Your Brain (Mondays 8:30pm SBS ONE): this is a fun one – a documentary series looking at the science of perception with magicians like David Copperfield talking about the tricks they play on the human brain – and there are puzzles that you can play along with at home!



Coast (Fridays 7:30pm SBS ONE): a brand new series of one of our most popular programs.

The Words of Captain Scott (Friday 9:30pm SBS ONE): a dramatic retelling of Scott’s race to the South Pole, with diary entries and letters read by well-known actors.

In the Shadow of the Moon (Sunday 9:30pm SBS ONE): a late change to the schedule as a tribute to the late Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon.