Secrets & Lies (Australian TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | March 3, 2014 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
| Products | Drama television series |
Secrets & Lies is a drama series from Australia that debuted on Network Ten on 3 March 2014 and subsequently aired in various countries worldwide. The production took place in Brisbane, Queensland, and featured an interactive companion website providing extra "clues"—including photographs, video segments, and interview transcripts from the fictional narrative—which were also included as bonus content on the DVD edition.
Plot
The storyline follows a family man who uncovers the corpse of a young boy and soon becomes the main suspect in the homicide investigation. It is disclosed that the child is his son from an ongoing extramarital relationship. The murder weapon is a premium flashlight matching one he owns but cannot locate. His alibi lacks strength, his wife harbors doubts, his older daughter is emotionally withdrawn and involved with a questionable young man, while his younger daughter remains supportive yet rebellious toward her mother. Troubled by police questioning, he strives to clear his name but inadvertently complicates the situation, influenced by a well-intentioned yet inexperienced colleague.
Set against Brisbane’s unique tropical backdrop during the Christmas period, the series incorporates local architecture and scenery as its setting, although holiday references are limited mainly to decorations and festive gatherings.
Main
- Martin Henderson as Ben Gundelach
- Anthony Hayes as Detective Ian Cornielle
- Diana Glenn as Christy Gundelach
- Adrienne Pickering as Jess Murnane
- Philippa Coulthard as Tasha Gundelach
- Piper Morrissey as Eva Gundelach
- Damon Gameau as Dave Carroll
- Hunter Stratton Boland as Thom Murnane
Recurring and guest
- Mouche Phillips as Vanessa Turner
- Damien Garvey as Stuart Haire
- Steven Tandy as Kevin Gresham
- Barbara Lowing as Elaine Gresham
- Hugh Parker as Dr Tim Turner
- Ben Lawson as Paul Murnane
- Mirrah Foulkes as Nicole
Episodes
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Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Australian viewers |
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Release
The series made its debut on Network Ten on 3 March 2014. It later reached international audiences, premiering in the Republic of Ireland on RTÉ TWO HD beginning 30 March 2014, followed by a Canadian broadcast on the CBC in July 2014. In the Netherlands, it aired on RTL 4 starting 24 August 2014. The UK premiere occurred on Channel 5 from 23 September 2014, with France broadcasting the show on France2 between 26 January and 2 February 2015.
Other networks that aired the series included SVT in Sweden, TV2 in Norway, and Vitaya in Belgium. Additionally, the series was accessible via Netflix in both Canada and the United States.
Reception
Secrets and Lies garnered significant praise from both critics and viewers. Denette Wilford of The Huffington Post commended its "captivating" narrative, direction, and performances, emphasizing its genuine storytelling and believable family relationships. Lucy Mangan from The Guardian observed that although the show shared similarities with Broadchurch, it "stands strong" as an engaging drama. The series was widely applauded for its acting, scriptwriting, and directorial execution.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | AACTA Awards | Best Telefeature or Mini Series | Secrets & Lies | Template:Nom |
| Best Guest or Supporting Actress in a Television Drama | Piper Morrissey | Template:Nom | ||
| Logie Awards | Most Outstanding Actor | Martin Henderson | Template:Nom | |
| Golden Nymph Awards | Best Miniseries | Secrets & Lies | Template:Nom | |
| Best Actor in a Miniseries | Anthony Hayes | Template:Won |
U.S. version
On 4 February 2014, the production company revealed plans for an American adaptation of Secrets & Lies to air on ABC, produced in partnership with ABC Studios. The U.S. version premiered on 1 March 2015 featuring Ryan Phillippe in the lead role. The series was renewed for a second season on May 7, 2015, which later premiered on September 25, 2016.
In 2024, a loosely based Philippine adaptation will be launched on Sari Sari Channel, starring Meryll Soriano and Baron Geisler.