Despite their differences in format and focus, great documentaries are connected in their ability to transform how their audiences see the world, capturing their subject matter in inspiring and insightful ways that resonate long after the final credits roll. Whether it’s a raw story of survival or a lighter take on a must-visit destination, there’s something for every documentary lover in the Doctober Collection.
The People v Robodebt
The Federal Government’s 2016 Online Compliance Intervention scheme, the automated welfare system better known as ‘Robodebt’, became one of Australia’s most devastating political scandals, costing people their homes, their wellbeing and, in some cases, their lives. In the landmark three-part documentary series The People v Robodebt, those who fought against the system bravely share their stories in unflinching detail for the first time. As it combines their gripping retelling with high-end drama, the series brings us a gripping explanation and examination of the scandal. Whether you are already well aware of Robodebt and its controversy or are hearing about its impact for the first time, The People v Robodebt is essential viewing, giving the once faceless victims a platform through which we can come to know them as everyday people let down by a cruel system.
The People v Robodebt is streaming at SBS On Demand.
Stream free On Demand
The People vs Robodebt
series • documentary
M
series • documentary
M
The Idea of Australia
With Australian acting icon Rachel Griffiths at the helm, The Idea of Australia is a documentary that examines our country’s past and interrogates what it really means to be Australian in the 21st century. Each of the documentary’s four instalments aims to challenge prevailing ideas about the four pillars of our national identity: people, institutions, land and culture. In doing so, it brings to light the beliefs that have shaped who we are and how these beliefs are changing, for better and for worse.
The relationship between First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians is at the documentary’s core. Our inability to achieve a truly reconciled nation is unpacked, revealing how struggles with fairness, land ownership, migration, race-based fear, gender and economic inequality remain. Through in-depth interviews, archival footage and personal testimony against the backdrop of visually stunning landscapes, Griffiths presents a well-rounded and thought-provoking look at the country we call home.
Four-part series The Idea of Australia airs Wednesdays from 15 October at 7.30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.
James May: Our Man in Japan
Japan is fast becoming the world’s favourite travel destination, and for good reason, says English television presenter and journalist James May. His six-episode documentary series James May: Our Man in Japan showcases the best the country has to offer, but this is an adventure that goes beyond the typical tourist traps, finding a new angle from which to appreciate different aspect of this incredible place. Taking audiences on a journey that spans the length and breadth of Japan, May immerses himself in the cuisine and culture of this ancient and vibrant nation, with plenty of laughs along the way. Whether it’s joining a biker gang for a spin around Mount Fuji, participating in a robot duel or getting buried in hot sand, May is the ideal travel companion; there’s nothing he isn’t up for!
James May: Our Man in Japan is streaming at SBS On Demand.
Stream free On Demand
James May: Our Man in Japan
series • documentary
M
series • documentary
M
Couples Therapy US
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside a therapy session? Or what is involved in couples counselling? Documentary series Couples Therapy goes behind closed doors, pulling up a chair alongside psychoanalyst Dr. Orna Guralnik as she works with couples at their most vulnerable. There’s no holding back as grievances are aired, compassion is cultivated, and the ups and downs of human relationships are given a non-judgemental space in which to play out. Each episode follows the couples across their twenty-week program, but this is not about chasing drama; instead, it delves into the deep, emotional, and often challenging work required for meaningful therapy. The Australian iteration of the series, also on SBS On Demand, benefits from the expertise of psychotherapist Marryam Chehelnabi, who works alongside couples as they navigate romance, love, betrayal, and everything in between.
Couples Therapy US is streaming at SBS On Demand.
Stream free On Demand
Couples Therapy
series • documentary
MA15+
series • documentary
MA15+
Tell Me What You Really Think
Australian journalist Marc Fennell is hosting a dinner party and there’s only one thing he wants his guests to do: Tell Me What You Really Think. Those sitting alongside him are Australians facing some of the most pressing health issues in our society today, and as far as dinner conversation goes, nothing is off the table. With episodes covering everything from ADHD to obesity, ageing and menopause, a new group of diverse individuals gather, including doctors, drag queens, and artists, all appearing to have very little in common except their shared struggle with their condition. With honesty comes plenty of laughs, disagreements and personal reflection. Fennell even joins in, giving those present the chance to share openly and ask the questions that might otherwise bring fear and embarrassment. This is one dinner party you won’t want to miss!
Tell Me What You Really Think will be available to stream free as a four-episode box set on SBS On Demand on Tuesday 14 October. Episodes will air weekly on SBS, Tuesdays at 8.30pm, starting Tuesday 14 October.
Hoarders
It’s the refusal to part with possessions that threatens mental well-being relationships, and even physical health, but for the individuals of the documentary series Hoarders, something has got to give. In each episode, hoarding is explored in detail. Its development is shown to be a product of life circumstances that are as unique as the individuals attempting to overcome the disease. For some, the intensity of grief has led to an inability to part with memories. For others, a fondness for collections has rapidly gotten out of hand and, in some cases, a childhood defined by frugality has resulted in a fear of discarding items. Each episode introduces a person dealing with hoarding behaviour, with a team of professionals on hand to not only clean homes and transform spaces but also support the person behind the clutter in taking back control of their life.
Hoarders is streaming at SBS On Demand.
Stream free On Demand
Hoarders
series • reality
M
series • reality
M
Going Places with Ernie Dingo
Australian national treasure and icon of broadcasting Ernie Dingo is out on country in the six seasons of his documentary series Going Places with Ernie Dingo, and the beauty of Australia’s natural environment is around every corner. With each stop, Ernie seeks to understand its cultural and environmental significance, speaking with local Aboriginal elders, scientists and members of the local community to find out what makes each location so special and what is being done to preserve it. Having travelled Australia solo many times, Ernie enlists the help of friends and familiar faces to cover even more of the country, not only reminding audiences that there is unbelievable beauty to be found in our own backyard, but that countless stories are waiting to be shared… if you know where to look!
Going Places with Ernie Dingo is streaming at SBS On Demand.
Stream free On Demand
Going Places with Ernie Dingo
series • documentary
PG
series • documentary
PG
Treasures of the World with Bettany Hughes
There is perhaps no better guide to the treasures of great civilisations than historian and author Bettany Hughes. Over multiple seasons of her documentary series Treasures of the World with Bettany Hughes, audiences are taken on an incredible global treasure quest. From the crowning glory of Bronze Age Oman to the beauty of the Eastern Mediterranean, Hughes is a wealth of knowledge at every turn, reminding audiences that every object has a story and every story is part of a broader historical narrative. It is Hughes’ own passion and excitement, however, that sets her documentary apart. It’s impossible not to get swept up in the awe-inspiring worlds of the past that she transports her audiences to with every discovery. This is pure joy for history buffs and novices alike! And if you’re looking for more, don't miss her new series Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Treasures of the World with Bettany Hughes is streaming at SBS On Demand.
Stream free On Demand
Treasures Of The World with Bettany Hughes
series • travel
M
series • travel
M
Three-part series Seven Wonders of the Ancient World starts 7.30 pm 12 October on SBS and SBS On Demand, with new episodes weekly.
Stream free On Demand
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
series • history
PG
series • history
PG
HISTORY COMES TO LIFE
Bettany Hughes shines new light on the 'Seven Wonders of the Ancient World'
From SBS Originals telling Australian stories to thought-provoking documentaries from around the world, find more in SBS On Demand's DOCTOBER COLLECTION.
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