Six of the Best: Sara Richardson

Six of the Best: Sara Richardson


By DQ
February 3, 2025

SIX OF THE BEST

The head of scripted at NCIS: Sydney producer EndemolShine Australia selects a classic British period drama and a comedy sensation from down under among her half-dozen top picks.

Pride & Prejudice
The BBC series version with Colin Firth is, in my personal opinion, still the most successful adaptation of this work. It stands the test of time and is still referred to. Obviously, Jane Austen’s dialogue still sings but this series is, in its essence, a fun romcom that celebrates and rewards a female protagonist who dares to stand apart from the social norms of the time.

The Diplomat
I keep talking about this show! Intelligent, with commercial appeal, it’s very clever in its approach to covering two very different markets and territories and embracing the audience in both. It is also a really great example of a strong female-led character piece, something that is very important to me. I love how it explores complex human relationships both at home and in the workplace.

Pachinko
This is a beautiful example of a local story made for an international audience. I loved the original novel, but this incredible series demonstrates that an adaptation can add to the existing material, expanding the world and giving us even more time with beloved characters. Absolutely stunning television.

 

Colin From Accounts
It’s so satisfying to see a great and funny show get the recognition it deserves. Colin From Accounts does not try to be anything but what it is, a local Australian half-hour comedy, but its themes are universal and its characters are complex and endearing. You cannot help but fall in love with them and root for them. It speaks to the array of talent you can find in Australia, both above and below the line.

Grey’s Anatomy
Universally beloved, and the perfect example of a procedural done right. Despite being a long-running series, it is still frequently referenced and feels contemporary and fresh. Grey’s never talks down to its audience, while still tackling difficult topics and procedures. Its strength lies in its ability to bring the audience on the journey of the characters’ self-discovery.

Bad Sisters
In recent years I’ve found I’m continually drawn to Irish television. Like Australia, it’s still an emerging television market. Ireland has a rich culture of storytelling and, also like Australia, it punches well above its weight. This is, at its core, a classic whodunnit, but the uniquely Irish dark humour and strong, relatable characters make it feel fresh and a standout in a crowded marketplace. The women at the heart of the drama are deeply nuanced, beautifully flawed and powerful characters, and inspired my continuing desire to champion complex female-led stories.

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