RFDS (TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | August 11, 2021 |
| Founder | Endemol Shine Australia |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Ian Meadows (writer), Imogen Banks (producer), Mark Fennessy (executive producer), Carl Fennessy (executive producer), Julie McGauran (executive producer) |
| Products | Television drama series |
| Parent | Endemol Shine Australia, Seven Network |
RFDS: Royal Flying Doctor Service is an Australian drama series that explores the professional experiences of personnel working within the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Produced by Endemol Shine Australia for the Seven Network, the show debuted on 11 August 2021. The series' second season premiered on 15 August 2023, and a third season has been confirmed, with filming commencing in South Australia in August 2024.
Synopsis
RFDS depicts the day-to-day operations and obstacles encountered by the Royal Flying Doctor Service across Australia.
Cast
- Emma Hamilton portrays Dr. Eliza Harrod
- Stephen Peacocke plays Nurse Pete Emerson
- Rob Collins appears as Dr. Wayne Yates
- Ash Ricardo acts as Mira Ortez
- Jack Scott features as Nurse Matty Harris
- Rodney Afif takes on the role of Graham Morley
- Sofia Nolan plays Taylor Emerson
- Thomas Weatherall is Darren Yates
- Justine Clarke portrays Leonie Smith
- Emma Harvie joins as Chaya Batra (season 2)
- Mike Bishop appears as Evelyn Whaley
Production
The production process began in 2020, with Ian Meadows serving as writer and Imogen Banks as producer under Endemol Shine. Executive producers include Mark and Carl Fennessy from Endemol Shine Australia alongside Julie McGauran representing Seven Network. Originally planned to start filming in Broken Hill in March 2020, the schedule was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming in August 2020 with an expanded ensemble.
The first official trailer was unveiled in July 2021. Following positive audience response, a second season was commissioned and aired in 2023. In October 2023, a third installment was approved, with production beginning in August 2024 within South Australia. Filming locations span Adelaide Studios, Quorn in the Flinders Ranges, Port Augusta RFDS Base, and nearby areas standing in for Broken Hill during renovations of its airport and RFDS facilities.
Broadcast
The inaugural season of RFDS premiered on 11 August 2021. The series was renewed for a second season in June 2022, which started broadcasting on 15 August 2023.
Season 1 (2021)
{{Episode table |background=#2D5A88 |overall=5 |season=5 |title=22 |director=15 |writer=18 |viewersT=Australian viewers |airdate=10 |viewers=9 |country = Australian |episodes=
Season 2 (2023)
{{Episode table |background=#80B490 |overall=5 |season=5 |title=22 |director=15 |writer=18 |viewersT=Australian viewers |airdate=10 |viewers=9 |country = Australian |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|RFDS | EpisodeNumber = 16 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | Title = Episode 8 | DirectedBy = Jeremy Sims | WrittenBy = Ian Meadows | OriginalAirDate = | Viewers = 279,000 |} }
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award Body | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Logie Awards | Most Popular Actor | Steve Peacocke | Template:Nom |
| Most Popular Drama Program | RFDS | Template:Nom | ||
| Most Outstanding Drama Series | Template:Nom | |||
| 2024 | Best Drama Program | Template:Won |
Home media
In June 2024, Via Vision Entertainment revealed plans to launch a combined DVD set featuring both Seasons One and Two of RFDS.
| Title | Format | Episodes | Discs | Region 1 (USA) | Region 2 (UK) | Region 4 (Australia) | Special Features | Distributors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RFDS (Season One) | DVD | 8 | 2 | 21 December 2021 | None | PBS | ||
| RFDS (Season Two) | DVD | 8 | 2 | 9 April 2024 | None | PBS | ||
| RFDS (Seasons One & Two) | DVD | 16 | 4 | 4 September 2024 | None | Via Vision Entertainment |