Showcase (Australian TV channel)

Showcase
	File:Showcase Australia 2023 logo.svg Logo since 2023 rebrand
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Pay television
Predecessor	Fox Showcase
Founded	December 1, 2007; 18 years ago in Australia
Founder	Peter Rose (PMP CEO)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Subscription television channel
Owner	Foxtel Networks
Parent	Foxtel Networks
Website	www.foxtel.com.au/channels/showcase.html

Showcase (previously known as Fox Showcase) is an Australian subscription-based drama channel available via cable and satellite. Originally launched under the umbrella of Showtime Australia and overseen by PMP CEO Peter Rose, the channel commenced broadcasting on 1 December 2007, premiering Australian audiences to shows such as Dexter alongside the local drama Satisfaction. Rose characterized Showcase as offering "a genuine destination for premium drama within Australia."

Currently owned and operated by Foxtel Networks, Showcase functions as Foxtel's premier entertainment outlet, delivering uninterrupted viewing without commercial interruptions during programs. It is accessible on channel 112 through both Foxtel and Optus TV services.

On 31 October 2012, Foxtel completed the acquisition of PMP's assets, including Showcase, streamlining control over content management and production. Subsequently, the Movie Network and Showtime channels (excluding Showcase) were phased out in favor of Foxtel-branded movie channels consolidated under the Foxtel Movies banner. Despite these changes, Showcase retained its position as the primary source for premium dramas sourced from HBO and other global networks, along with original productions, documentaries, and independent films. However, with Warner Bros announcing the rollout of Max in Australia from March 2025—set to become the new platform for HBO content—Showcase’s programming lineup may be subject to changes.

On 3 November 2014, Showcase shifted from the Premium Movies and Drama package to a newly established Drama package, moving its channel placement from 404 to 115; concurrently, its timeshift channel relocated from 414 to 158.

Following the closure of SoHo and the launch of Binge on 5 October 2016, Showcase was reassigned to channel 114.

Most recently, on 28 September 2023, aligning with the debut of the Real Life channel, Showcase reverted to its original name and introduced a refreshed logo.

Background

At its inception, Showcase premiered with Satisfaction, a drama focusing on high-end escorts in Australia and their clientele, which aired over three seasons.

The channel also broadcast all three seasons of Love My Way, a series that had previously been shown on FOX8 before moving to W and then Showtime; Showcase re-aired the entire series during 2007–2008.

In 2008, Foxtel and Showcase announced production of the Australian drama Tangle, created by the team behind Love My Way. Featuring a distinguished Australian cast including Matt Day, Kat Stewart, Justine Clarke, Ben Mendelsohn, and Catherine McClements, it premiered on 1 October 2009 and was praised for its realistic narrative.

In 2010, Showtime commissioned a six-hour mini-series adaptation of Tim Winton's novel titled Cloudstreet, which premiered on 22 May 2011. The cast included notable actors such as Essie Davis, Stephen Curry, Emma Booth, Kerry Fox, Geoff Morrell, Todd Lasance, and Hugo Johnstone-Burt.

Original programming

Love My Way (2007) - originally broadcast on FOX8 (2004–05) and later on W Channel (2006)
Satisfaction (2007–10)
Tangle (2009–12)
Cloudstreet (2011)
Devil's Playground (2014)
Deadline Gallipoli (2015)
Secret City (2016–19) - produced in collaboration with Netflix
The Kettering Incident (2016)
A Place to Call Home (2016–18) - previously aired on Seven and SoHo
Wentworth (2017–21) - formerly shown on SoHo
Picnic at Hanging Rock (2018)
Mr Inbetween (2018–21) - co-produced with FX
Fighting Season (2018)
Lambs of God (2019)
Upright (2019–22) - co-production with Sky Atlantic and Sky Comedy
The End (2020) - co-produced with Sky Atlantic
The Twelve (2022–present)
High Country (2024–present)

International programming

A significant portion of FOX Showcase's lineup consists of Australian debuts sourced from prominent US cable channels recognized for their adult-oriented and sophisticated content, including HBO, Showtime, and FX. By the year 2025, these series have transitioned to their respective parent companies' streaming services within Australia: FX titles are now accessible on Disney+, Showtime productions on Paramount+, and HBO offerings via Max.

During Foxtel's 2013 content showcase, a unique deal with HBO was revealed, granting Showcase exclusive broadcast rights to HBO programming in Australia for a minimum duration of five years, thereby limiting availability on free-to-air channels.

Ongoing series

Previously aired programs

References