Ted Lasso

Wednesday, streaming on Apple TV Plus

I tell you, it’s not a great time to NOT be into sports in this country — the thwacking of balls is everywhere right now.

First we had the World Cup, then we cruised straight into the Comm Games (more thwacking, but with added splashing and swinging of arms and legs), and in a few weeks finals fever will sweep the nation.

As if all this isn’t bad enough, we also have the return of perennial sporting fave Ted Lasso. It’s a show all about people playing soccer.

Weirdly, it’s something I can actually get behind because, despite the fact it’s about the thwacking of balls, it’s also about so much more than that.

This season sees the show taking a major pivot, focusing on coach Ted Lasso’s (Jason Sudeikis) return to AFC Richmond to coach its newly formed Lady Greyhounds women’s team.

It’s a genius move, not just from a storytelling point of view in that it introduces us to a whole new crop of characters (don’t worry, our faves, played by Juno Temple, Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein and Brendan Hunt, are returning), but also because it’s likely to attract a whole new audience to the series.

Let’s face it, women have been under-represented in professional sports for far too long — they have also been under-represented in sports series, and this addresses all that.

I can’t tell you much more (darn that pesky embargo!), but the fact this sports-hater is genuinely excited for you all to see this show should speak volumes.

I dared believe this would return, and my optimism was rewarded. Mark your diaries because this one’s going to be huge.

The Traitors Australia

Tuesday, 7.30pm, Ten

I was late to the party discovering the fantastic British celebrity version of this show — it remains one of the best things I’ve watched this year.

Now we have a local version and I’m genuinely excited.

This sees a crop of Aussie reality TV alumni (we’re talking Bachelor and Love Island contestants, Survivor players and Real Housewives) taking part, with ex-Big Brother host Gretel Killeen overseeing — worth a watch for her camp-as-heck performance alone (iconic!)

Not sure this will land with local audiences, but hoping it does as it’s heaps of fun.

Seek it out.

The Block

Sunday, 7pm, Nine

And we’re back — 22 seasons and counting! This time the show is heading to ritzy Mt Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula. It’s the first time the homes will have water views, and they’re shaping up to be spectacular. Twenty-two years covering this show and I never tire of it.

Monsters Of God

Friday, streaming on HBO Max

Love a wacky doco a la Tiger King and Chimp Crazy? This one’s from the same creators and is all about the strange world of reptile smuggling. Strap in, this is a wild ride.

Sterling Point

Wednesday, streaming on Prime Video

There have been so many young adult dramas released of late. Some have been terrific (Off Campus), some have missed the mark (Every Year After, we’re looking at you). This one is off to a promising start. Worth a look.