One Born Every Minute Australia
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | October 22, 2019 |
| Founder | Endemol Shine Australia |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Documentary television series |
| Parent | Endemol Shine Australia |
| Website | 10play |
One Born Every Minute Australia is an Australian documentary series that observes the childbirth journeys of families preparing for delivery at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital. This adaptation of the UK original was developed by Endemol Shine Australia and broadcast on Network 10. The series debuted on 22 October 2019 and wrapped up its initial season on 10 December 2019. It consists of a single season containing eight episodes, each with an approximate duration of 49 minutes. Filming took place over an eight-week period within Westmead Hospital's Birthing Unit, a facility where more than 5,500 births occur annually. The program captures the labour and delivery experiences of multiple women. In 2020, the series earned a nomination for the ASE (Australian Screen Editors) Award in the category of Best Editing in Factual Entertainment.
Content and plot
Throughout each episode of One Born Every Minute, viewers follow three to four distinct women and their families as they arrive at Westmead Hospital to give birth. The narrative includes discussions between medical staff and families regarding birthing choices and possible complications during labour. Background information about the parents, their previous pregnancy histories, and details concerning the newborns after delivery are also provided.
The show addresses a spectrum of childbirth-related topics, featuring common challenges such as breech births and caesarean sections, alongside more serious conditions including congenital abnormalities, cardiac issues, and complications occurring before and after birth.
Production and production history
The Australian version of One Born Every Minute premiered on 22 October 2019, airing eight episodes in its sole season before concluding on 10 December 2019. Produced by Endemol Shine Australia and aired on Network 10, the series offers an intimate perspective on childbirth through the dedicated efforts of hospital personnel. Beverley McGarvey, Network 10's chief content officer, emphasized the program’s value in highlighting "the incredible and dedicated teams who help us through childbirth."
Narration was provided by Jane Hall, with Michael Bennett directing. Producers included Debbie Cuell and Sarah Thornton, while editing was managed by Karen Crespo. Utilizing over 60 fixed rig cameras installed in Westmead Hospital’s Birthing Unit, the series authentically portrays the realities faced by parents, nursing staff, hospital environment, and interpersonal dynamics. This Australian adaptation is derived from the original UK format One Born Every Minute, which has seen international distribution and inspired versions in both Australia and the United States.
Audience reception
The reception to One Born Every Minute Australia was overwhelmingly positive, with a 97% approval rating from Google users. It attracted favorable attention from Australian media outlets such as the Sydney Morning Herald and Hit Network. The premiere episode drew an audience of 325,000 viewers in metropolitan areas, while the series averaged 454,000 viewers nationally.
External links
- Articles with short description
- 2010s Australian reality television series
- 2019 Australian television series debuts
- Network 10 original programming
- 2010s Australian medical television series
- Australian factual television series
- Australian workplace television series
- Television series by Endemol Shine Australia
- Television shows set in Sydney
- Australian English-language television shows
- Television shows about human pregnancy
- Australian television series based on British television series