I Was Actually There
| Company type | Television documentary series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | July 9, 2024 |
| Founder | Kirk Docker, Aaron Smith, Jon Casimir |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Key people | Kirk Docker (Director, Executive Producer), Loni Cooper (Producer), Josh Schmidt (Producer), Jess Skinner (Producer) |
| Products | Documentary television series, Podcast |
| Parent | Docker Media |
I Was Actually There is a documentary series from Australia, produced by ABC Television, with its debut on 9 July 2024.
Description
This series explores notable recent historical moments through the personal narratives of those who witnessed them directly.
Production
The program was developed by Kirk Docker, Aaron Smith, and Jon Casimir—the creative team responsible for You Can't Ask That. It is produced by Docker Media for ABC. Kirk Docker serves as director and executive producer, supported by producers Loni Cooper, Josh Schmidt, and Jess Skinner.
Podcast
Launching alongside the show on 9 July 2024, the companion podcast I Was Actually There is hosted by Kirk Docker and offers detailed conversations with participants featured in the television series.
Season overview
| Season | Episodes | Original broadcast dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premiere date | Finale date | ||
| 1 | 6 | 9 July 2024 | 13 August 2024 |
Season 1 (2024)
| No. in series | No. in season | Title | Original airdate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Port Arthur massacre: 28 April 1996" | 9 July 2024 |
| 2 | 2 | "Boxing Day tsunami: 26 December 2004" | 16 July 2024 |
| 3 | 3 | "AFL footballer Nicky Winmar’s stand against racism: 17 April 1993" | 23 July 2024 |
| 4 | 4 | "The Beatles’ world record-breaking Adelaide visit: 12 June 1964" | 30 July 2024 |
| 5 | 5 | "Woomera Detention Centre breakout: 29 March 2002" | 6 August 2024 |
| 6 | 6 | "Beaconsfield mine rescue: 9 May 2006" | 13 August 2024 |
Reception
Graeme Blundell from The Australian commended Kirk Docker’s innovative blend of journalistic and dramatic techniques, effectively bringing real-life stories and characters to the forefront.