Top new series in February 2022

February brings us acclaimed international crime drama, a courtroom battle, true crime, a New Zealand comedy and the glitter of Eurovision. Yes, please.

(L–R) ‘Wisting’ season 2, ‘The Long Call’, ‘Hidden Assets’, ‘Ana. All In.’ Source: SBS

Alone Norway

‘Alone Norway’. Source: SBS

Adding to the stable of Alone docos – there’s the original US version, Alone Sweden and Alone Denmark ­– a group of intrepid Norwegians try their luck at surviving all alone in harsh climes, specifically, in the county of Troms og Finnmark in northern Norway. Alone Norway is a worthy addition, with the participants’ responses to their surroundings making it magnetic viewing.

Ten-part series Alone Norway premieres exclusively in Australia and is now streaming at SBS On Demand.

Hidden Assets

‘Hidden Assets’. Source: Guillaume Van Laethem/AcornTV

Unusually, this is an Irish–Belgian cross-border drama in English and Flemish languages. A routine raid in Limerick turns up a stash of diamonds linked to a series of bombings in Antwerp that have left one person dead. The events bring together DS Emer Berry and Belgian anti-terrorism cop Christian De Jong to work out how all the pieces fit together. This is a thrilling ride, with chemistry between the leads a sizzling bonus.

Hidden Assets premieres exclusively in Australia at 9.30pm on SBS, Wednesday 2 February. Episodes stream at SBS On Demand weekly from midnight on the same day they go to air.

The Long Call

‘The Long Call’. Source: SBS

Inspired by Ann Cleeves’ best-selling novel, this four-part UK series is the “first primetime detective drama to feature [a] gay male lead in a relationship”. DI Matthew Venn (Fleabag’s Ben Aldridge) returns to North Devon with his husband Jonathan (Declan Bennett) after the death of his father. He ends up investigating the murder of a villager with DS Jen Rafferty (Pearl Mackie). Before you draw comparisons with Broadchurch, know that the complicated childhood of Venn involves a deeply religious upbringing and the rejection of his family and community as a young man as a result of his homosexuality (Juliet Stevenson plays his mother who doesn’t exactly welcome him home). This series deserves to stand alone.

The Long Call premieres exclusively in Australia at 8.30pm, Thursday 3 February on SBS. Episodes stream at SBS On Demand weekly the same day they go to air.

Shadow Lines

‘Shadow Lines’. Source: SBS

This is the continuing story of fine Finnish spy thriller, Shadow Lines, from mother and daughter writing team, Kirsti and Katri Manninen. Set during the Cold War, there are forces from East and West tussling over control of the nation. We follow the special intelligence team fighting to maintain Finland’s independence post WWII, regardless of the cost. A riveting period drama.

Season 2 of Shadow Lines premieres exclusively in Australia at SBS On Demand on Thursday 3 February. (Season 1 is also streaming.)

Ana. All In.

‘Ana. All In.’ Source: Mikel Larrea

From Spain and inspired by real events, this legal drama sets Ana Tramel and her small but trusted team against a corrupt gambling house, Gran Castilla Casino. When Ana’s estranged brother Alejandro is accused of murdering the casino’s manager, Ana heeds his call for help. A brilliant criminal lawyer, she’s been languishing in life, but now, she is determined to clear Alejandro’s name. It won’t be easy: turns out, he’s drowning in debt and has been carousing with some dubious bedfellows. Sounds juicy, and we love a David and Goliath battle.

Ana. All In. premieres exclusively in Australia and is now streaming at SBS On Demand.

Educators

‘Educators’. Source: SBS On Demand

New Zealand, you’re such a giver. Here, we have an unscripted improvised comedy about a bunch of inept high school teachers. They have no grasp of the curriculum nor how to follow a timetable, and maturity is yet to dawn on them. Boasting an ensemble cast of well-known comedians, including The Breaker Upperers’ Jackie van Beek, these dysfunctional educators will teach us a thing or two about how to bide time till the bell rings.

Seasons 1 and 2 of Educators premiere exclusively in Australia and are now streaming at SBS On Demand.

Devilsdorp

‘Devilsdorp’. Source: SBS

An exposé of the 11 killings that took place in Krugersdorp, West Rand, South Africa between 2012 and 2016 by the group Electus per Deus (Chosen by God), this four-part true-crime documentary unpacks the whole series of incredibly disturbing events. It’s understood the group were motivated by “[g]reed, revenge, religious extremism and manipulation”. The doco features exclusive interviews with the lead detective, prosecutor, parents of ringleaders, and a woman who was at the centre of the first spate of murders. There is also exclusive footage of the nights of devilry and crime scene images. True crime devotees, pop this one on your to-watch list.

Devilsdorp premieres exclusively in Australia and is now streaming at SBS On Demand.

Gloria

‘Gloria’. Source: Photo numerique

When Gloria’s husband doesn’t come home from work one day, suspicion falls on her, including from the police captain, Marianne Volton, who holds an old grudge against her. As Gloria (Cécile Bois) searches for the truth, she runs up against some shadowy figures, and finds unexpected allies. She is really put to the test when her daughter is kidnapped for ransom – there was more to her husband’s life than she ever knew. This is top French crime drama, and we love a woman in the lead.

Gloria premieres exclusively in Australia and is now streaming at SBS On Demand.   

Wisting

‘Wisting’. Source: SBS

Wisting returns for season 2, taking us to wintry Norway as summer’s heat belts down here at home. In the first season, homicide detective William Wisting (Sven Nordin) was tasked with hunting down a wanted American serial killer while his journalist daughter Line was charging headlong towards him in her chase for the story. Overcoming immense obstacles is something Wisting has plenty of experience with, and he’ll need his resilience for the case he’s investigating in season 2. Based on best-selling books The Caveman and The Hunting Dogs by Jørn Lier Horst.

Season 2 Part 1 of Wisting premieres exclusively in Australia and is now streaming at SBS On Demand. (Season 1 is still streaming for catch-up.)

Hope

‘Hope’. Source: SBS

Another brilliant crime drama from Russia, this one is centred on Hope, a loving wife and mother, but also a hired assassin. When her parents were murdered, she tracked down and killed the man responsible, landing the then teenager with an 18-year prison sentence. As media coverage made her infamous, she attracted the attention of an organised crime syndicate who offered to get her out of gaol in exchange for killing services rendered. Now, she wants out of the whole dark world. We can’t wait to see how she will manage it.

Hope premieres exclusively in Australia and is now streaming at SBS On Demand.

Eurovision - Australia Decides – Live Event

Eurovision - Australia Decides 2022 Source: SBS

The most exciting TV event on many a calendar around the world is the night you get to vote for who will represent your country at the beloved Eurovision Song Contest. February 26 is Australia’s turn. We are Gold Coast-bound to hear 10 of our best acts plus a TikTok Wildcard entrant vie for the top coveted spot. Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst will once again be at the helm of the joyful proceedings.

Eurovision - Australia Decides live event airs on SBS Saturday 26 February and will be streaming at SBS On Demand.