TV Highlights: House of the Dragon, Gogglebox, Sherwood, Fearless and 6 Festivals

House of the Dragon

Monday, 9am, Fox Showcase

Following in the footsteps of one of the most popular shows of all time is no small task, but anticipation is high for this Game of Thrones prequel series which is about to be released.

Set 200 years before the events of its predecessor, House of the Dragon is based on parts of George R.R. Martin’s 2018 novel Fire & Blood and chronicles the beginning of the end of House Targaryen; the events leading up to and covering the Targaryen war of succession, known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Starring Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen, his reign on the Iron Throne is threatened by figures including his brother Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), his daughter Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), Hand of the King Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) and his daughter Lady Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke).

Expect to see lots of battles, blood, sex and of, course dragons in this 10-part series, which reportedly cost a whopping $300 million to make.

Factual

Gogglebox

Wednesday, 5.30pm, LifeStyle Channel on Foxtel

Our favourite couch critics are back to dish out their opinions on what’s been hitting our screens recently, including the always hilarious couple Keith and Lee.

Now in its 16th season, the enjoyment of watching other people watch TV hasn’t got old at all, and for those who don’t have pay TV, episodes will continue to air the day after at 8.30pm on Ten/WIN.

There will be a big hole left though after the passing of Di Kershaw last month, with her husband Mick confirming he is not returning this season.

Drama

Sherwood

Wednesday, 6.30pm, BBC First on Foxtel

Inspired by two shocking murders that took place in a Nottinghamshire mining village in 2004, this compelling series investigates the fallout in an already fractured community.

It follows Detective Ian St Clair (David Morrissey) who is tasked with unravelling just what has unfolded just as the cases threaten to inflame historic divisions that were sparked by a miners strike decades earlier.

A gripping retelling of two complex investigations, this series has already been released to rave reviews in the UK.

Documentary

Fearless: The Inside Story of the AFLW

Wednesday, Streaming on Disney Plus

Since starting in 2017, the AFLW has proved that women’s footy, too can be popular with fans, and its players have paved the way for others who want to pursue a professional career in the sport.

Now, this six-part series shares the story of the pioneers who were told that they would never be able to play AFL at the highest level, but proved their doubters wrong. It features four of the clubs — Adelaide Crows, Collingwood Magpies, GWS Giants and Western Bulldogs — during the most recent season as they fought to secure a premiership.

Inspiring stuff.

MOVIE

6 Festivals

Thursday, Streaming on Paramount Plus

This coming-of-age film is not only a love letter to live music, but to young friendship.

Following mates Maxie (Rasmus King), Summer (Yasmin Honeychurch) and James (Rory Potter), the trio have a deep bond and a passion for Aussie music, which sees the teens sneak into a music festival to be part of the fun.

But when they get caught by security, it’s revealed that James is fighting a brain tumour.

So, in an attempt to escape reality they spring into action and set themselves the task of seeing as many of their favourite bands as possible to try and distract themselves from their respective burdens.

Set and filmed at real-life festivals, Bra Boys director Macario De Souza has managed to rope in plenty of cameos from Aussie favourites — G Flip, Dune Rats, Bliss n Eso, Peking Duck and Ruby Fields, as well as plenty of live performances.

A totally wild ride that will have you singing and dancing along, prepare for your heartstrings to be pulled as it hurtles towards the final performance that might spark some waterworks.