The new year brings a fresh wave of Australian storytelling to streaming platforms, with two distinct local dramas premiering for audiences. Stan has released the emotionally charged series Dear Life, while Binge is showcasing the crime drama Run, based on true events.
Dear Life: A Powerful Concept Let Down by Execution
Premiering on January 8, 2026, Stan's new original series Dear Life centres on Lillian, portrayed by Brooke Satchwell. The narrative begins in the devastating aftermath of her fiancé's sudden death. Struggling with profound grief, Lillian turns to alcohol to numb her pain.
Her life is abruptly shaken when she receives a letter from a man named Andrew (Ben Lawson), who received her late partner's donated heart. This contact sparks a new mission for Lillian, who becomes determined to meet the recipients of her fiancé's donated organs, hoping to find meaning and connection in her loss.
While the premise is universally acknowledged as strong and worthy of exploration, the series faces significant criticism. Reviews point to a script and dialogue that lack subtlety, with character decisions often feeling unrealistic. This unpolished writing affects the supporting performances, which have been described as uneven.
However, Brooke Satchwell's lead performance is highlighted as a moving and raw portrayal that anchors the show. For viewers less concerned with nuanced execution, the emotional core of the story and Satchwell's work may provide enough satisfaction.
Run: A Charismatic Take on an Australian Outlaw
Over on Binge, the six-part drama Run dives into the notorious true story of Brenden Abbott, the infamous Postcard Bandit. The series stars George Mason (The Survivors) in the lead role, bringing a noted charisma to the part of the bank robber.
The production excels in its top-notch costume and set design, effectively recreating Western Australia during the 1980s and 1990s. The story begins with Abbott in Fremantle Prison, before flashing back to the events that led him there, including a bank robbery executed for quick cash and his subsequent daring escape and life on the run.
The series boasts a talented supporting cast including Keiynan Lonsdale, Robyn Malcolm, Ashleigh Cummings, and David Howell. For those interested in the factual account, Binge has also released a complementary two-part documentary titled The Postcard Bandit.
More Streaming Options to Explore
Beyond these Australian offerings, other new titles have landed on streaming services. Netflix continues its streak of adapting Harlan Coben novels with Run Away, a mystery-thriller featuring a star-studded cast including James Nesbitt, Minnie Driver, and Ruth Jones. The plot follows a father's desperate search for his missing daughter, which spirals into a murder investigation.
For nature documentary fans, Disney+ has released Cheetahs Up Close with Bertie Gregory, a 45-minute National Geographic film exploring the lives of cheetahs on the Serengeti. Meanwhile, Stan has launched the second season of the thriller Red Eye, and Prime Video has a new season of Beast Games for fans of creator MrBeast.
These releases provide a diverse mix of local and international content for viewers to stream as 2026 gets underway, highlighting a continued investment in Australian narrative drama by major streaming platforms.
