Seven saves The Doctor Blake Mysteries from ABC axe
Six months after being axed by The ABC, Seven has rescued The Doctor Blake Mysteries, with the network due to announce the period drama’s rescue at its Allfronts presentation later today.
News Corp reports that Seven will announce a series of The Doctor Blake Mysteries telemovies.
Doctor Blake will return
During 2016, The Doctor Blake Mysteries was the ABC’s most popular Australian-made program, averaging 1.659m national viewers. The only regular ABC program to get a fractionally bigger audience was its rebroadcast of British TV show Doc Martin which averaged 1.67m nationally.
The show stars Craig McLachlan as Dr Lucien Blake and Nadine Gardner as his housekeeper Jean, and is set in Ballarat in the 1950s.
The ABC is currently airing its final season. Last week’s episode averaged 944,000 viewers. The finale airs on November 12.
News Corp reports that Seven will spread the telemovies across the year and market them as “event television”.
The move is by no means the first time a drama has shifted networks. In the most celebrated example, Ten rescued Neighbours after Seven dropped it 1985. More recently, Foxtel rescued A Place To Call Home after it was axed by Seven which still produces the program.
October 27 update: Seven has now confirmed details of the commission. The announcement:
DOCTOR BLAKE IS BACK!
The number one Australian drama finds a new home on Seven.(29 October 2017) Channel Seven is thrilled to confirm it becomes the new home of number one Australian drama, THE DOCTOR BLAKE MYSTERIES, in 2018.
The return of the hit series will see much-loved stars Craig McLachlan (Blake) and Nadine Garner (Jean) back on our screens, as well as other familiar faces and some new players.
Julie McGauran, Seven’s Head of Drama, said: “The Doctor Blake Mysteries is not only the number one Australian drama, it has one of the most adoring fan bases a show could wish for. With the passionate vision of Team Blake, the extraordinary cast led by Craig McLachlan and Nadine Garner, and the commitment from the Blake Army, we feel this series is a perfect fit for Channel Seven.”
George Adams, Series Co-Creator and Showrunner, said: “We are all beyond excited to call Channel Seven the home of Blake and we cannot wait to open this exciting new chapter in the extraordinary journey that has been and still is The Doctor Blake Mysteries. This is a sweet reward for our loyal Blake Army, and it will be a pleasure to continue the success of Blake with Seven who have already
encouraged us to new heights in our storytelling.”Tony Wright, Series Co-Creator and Creative Director December Media, said: “It is a testament to everyone who has been involved in making The Doctor Blake Mysteries the success it is that it has found a new home at Seven.”
Craig McLachlan said: “The people have spoken and the good folk at Seven were listening. Their enthusiasm for the show has been amazing. And the support we’ve received from the Blake Army has been genuinely overwhelming. Our ever-loyal audience continues to demonstrate their love for their favourite Aussie drama by tuning in each week in jaw-dropping numbers. To them, on behalf of the entire ‘Blake team’ I say thank you.”
In 2018, the series will pick up in 1963 as Australia sits on the cusp of a brave new world… a world awash with murder, mystery and mayhem. JFK has just been assassinated and the universe may never be the same again. Blake and Jean face greater challenges than they could ever have imagined. Haunted houses, flying saucers, deadly dentists, long lost daughters and much, much more. They’re challenges the two of them will face together. Buckle up – it’s going to be a hell of ride!
THE DOCTOR BLAKE MYSTERIES is a December Media production in association with Film Victoria for Channel Seven.
It’ll be interesting to see how Seven spices up Df Blake in telemovies to give it a new lease of life. Despite being ponderous at times, it drags me back each week. It will be interesting to see how it survives ad breaks.
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So the 7 Network is picking up the slack while the ABC can no longer afford to produce this Australian drama because they are spending most of their taxpayer funds on the bloated news department manufacturing “exclusives” with the Fairfax press in their quest to attack the “common foe” – Rupert. Sounds like the plot of a telemovie in itself!
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I am so grateful to have someone continue the Doctor Blake mysteries. I have enjoyed everyone of them. I am currently going back through all seasons since it is so difficult to find season four and five anywhere. I am crushed that Netflix would not continue bringing the other seasons on their network. I do hope sincerely that someone will continue bringing high-quality drama and intrigue with such fine acting skills. Bring them back …meaning the Doctor Blake mysteries… It will certainly add so much to the world of drama. It is a very intelligently written Drama With great costuming, plots, and characters who have wonderful acting skills that bring to life the actual stories. I can’t say enough great things about this series. Just keep them coming!
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The Dr Blake Mysteries are great!
I get them on public television in
South Carolina and Connecticut,
I don’t know how large the audience is for this terrific television show here in the states but when I mention the show quite
a few people say they have of heard of it
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I just love the Dr Blake Mysteries. Full of Australian values and such a great show – I for one can’t wait to watch it every Sunday. Thanks to Seven for taking this show on, I will surely be a true supporter. Typical ABC continuously wasting our tax payers money on vulgar, un Australian rubbish shoved down our throats.
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“Bravo and three cheers to Channel 7 for rescuing The Dr Blake Mysteries”. This is an absolute Gem of a Series. It’s just got that “something special” aspect about it. I dont think I’ve ever enjoyed a show quite as much as I do this one. To the Producers, Directors, Craig, Nadine and all others involved, well done guys! Such a fantastic achievement and very just reward for the millions of viewers you keep attracting each and every week. TDBM is so beautifully “Australian”. Every episode is totally engaging with intriguing story lines and an outstanding cast who give their absolute all to the characters they portray. Its just a joy to watch and Im thrilled that its been picked up by Ch 7 for 2018.
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Thank God it’s back! I’ve got all the DVDs of the series before this one, and can’t wait to get it to add to our Blake Nights! A great experience: nothing slick, nothing cheesy, just beautiful and human with wonderfully believable characters. Go Lucien & Jean!
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I loved watching Dr Blake on Netflix. I am hoping that channel Seven finds a way for the viewers in the USA to continue to watch the telemovies.https://mumbrella.com.au/wp/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?comment_status=moderated#comments-form
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Rack off mate that’s rubbish to fulfill it’s charter the ABC has to produce news and current affairs above everything else, If I know this why don’t you, I think we all know! The Ult Right hate the ABC because it produces objective news content that is properly researched, you anti-ABC agenda is so obvious that it’s a joke. Don’t like the truth you better watch Fox News you clown!
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I don’t know what was going through ABC tv’s decision to cancel this top class show but top marks to channel 7 for picking it up. I’ve not seen a show like this for some time that accurately portrays this moment in time. The production team and cast deserve a massive handshake. Top marks and long may it continue. The tax funded ABC is now so politically correct that it caters to the minority rather than the majority of viewers.
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A very big thankyou Channel 7 for picking up Dr Blake. I was, like so many other viewers, stunned by the ABC’s decision to close down the program, one of their top rating shows. This was one of the more decent shows on the ABC. Why ABC?
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Who is/ was Beautiful Liz?
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Well said, Cyndi. I too think it is very well written and extremely well acted. There isn’t a weak link in any of the characters. I am in the U.S. and I am also having trouble finding all of Season 5. I saw Season 4 on Vudu. There are some on Youtube, however Season 5 is only up to episode 6 at the present, I keep checking though. Love the chemistry between Craig and Nadine, it is palpable.
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I am totally confused, Have been watching Dr.Blake on our PBS station in Boston through season 4. When will season 5 begin ? Will we then have to switch to Channel 7 or will they continue to air on WBCH at a later time?
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I’m so glad the show was picked up by another channel. I live in Canada and get the show on PBS. I love it because of the setting and the quality.
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Dr Blake 10 minutes then adverts.
Dr Blake 10 minutes then adverts
Repeat 20 times then give up and turn off
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fantastic series. so happy to see it continue. your are not alone Martin in your observations. political correctness and catering to the minority has sucked my country into the pit and people who try to save us are destroyed any way possible. Paul Z.
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Thank goodness. This is one of my favorite relaxing shows and hated hearing it was axed.
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So pleased to hear that the Dr. Blake Mysteries will be returning – thank you Channel 7. We absolutely love the show and hope that the BBC will continue to broadcast them here in the UK.
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I am writing to you and hope The Doctor Blake Mysteries continues as it is the best show on tv. After the latest media comments about Craig McLachlan I was worried The Doctor Blake Mysteries will not continue as it has been halted. I cannot see the comments have anything to do with The Doctor Blake Mysteries and without Craig McLachlan it would not be any good, just another show. He and Nadine Gardiner are so good together. Cheers for now.
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I love this show, will we see it in the US?
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Excellent writers and acting performances. A great Australian testament of the quality of their Arts. Thank You for sharing.
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So glad to hear you are going to continue with The Dr Blake mysterie. The series has a large following in South Africa
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Thank god, it is a great show and I am one American who is grateful to Seven for keeping the broadcast coming. Very exciting !
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ME AND MY FAMILY WILL NEVER NEVER EVER WATCH ABC TV WHEN THIS [edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy] IS IN IT
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I live in America and we have fallen in love with Dr Blake. When will we be able to view new episodes?
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AWESOME!!!!
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I watch this show in the U.S., whenever it is shown. I like it very much, as it is superior to most of what passes for drama on tv in this country. Glad to see that quality prevailed and loyal viewers saved a good show. Well done!
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I am happy to hear Dr Blake is coming back
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Since we all subscribe to “innocent till proven guilty” and all charges so far have been found “without merit” shouldn’t series filming resume?
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Glad to hear Doctor Blake series will continue. Great that channel 7 took it up.
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I am so glad to hear that Dr. Blake Mysteries will be coming back.
It is one of the best programs on television and I look forward to the new episodes.
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I hope that Dr. Blake series has not been cancelled. All my friends and I watch and tape every episode! Here at Ch 21 in NYC we need Dr. Blake mysteries. We are a loyal audience and love each and every character! It is a quality show. Please. Keep the Show On! Thank you.
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I’m all the way over in the USA and simply adore this show! So glad to read this! ❤❤❤❤
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I am thrilled to hear, that Dr. Blake has been picked up on another network. My husband & i look forward to watching! We are currently on season 4. We love the characters, especially Lucien & Jean. Keep up the great writing. Please, if we can continue to get it on our public television network PBS, then you have made 2 faithful viewers very happy!!! Hats off to Dr. Blake !
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Fantastic serries please some Network pick it up .
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When will it be airing in the UK please? I wondered what had happened to it. All the family love it.
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Love the series watched them all and the new Tele movie I just hope there’s more to come and very soon can’t wait.
From UK
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What’s taking so long to start airing the new shows. I watch the reruns but I’m ready for the drama to continue. Best show on public television.
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I am absolutely delighted that Dr. Blake will be back for another season. That’s the only show I look forward to every week. Just love all the cast and crew who make this endearing show. I see it on PBS here in Canada. It’s always been hit and miss at times. I’m so very happy. ????
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Dr. Blake coming back.has made my day!!
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Another American thrilled to hear Dr Blake is returning. My heart broke when I heard it was being cancelled. My friends and I love the quality of the show. Morals of Lucien, Jean and others in the household are a breath of fresh air. Congratulations to all of you and thank you,thank you ,thank you ,for hearing the cries of your faithful audience.
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We are delighted that the excellent Dr Blake will continue, with its outstanding cast, writing, and production values. Fingers crossed that USA NETFLIX picks it up too- and without their usual overlong delays. Thank you Australia for such a charming show!
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I’m another American who loves Dr Blake. We got it on PBS. I watched the last episode made on YouTube which showed the wedding. Much of our tv has commercials, only PBS has it without them while remaining free to viewers. So we’re used to commercials. I’ll take Dr. Blake and Jean any way I can get them! Wonderful series. We also can buy dvd’s of most of the series on Amazon. Elizabeth, California
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I have loved binge watching of every season of Dr Blake. Amazon has Season 4 & 5. , Youtube has part of Season 6, but they dont follow in order so it stinks. & it only goes a few episodes. Sad that the number 1 drama show was dropped by ABC of Australia. We had the same happen after 8 Seasons of Castle.,
which was produced by ABC of America. They dropped the 2 main female characters , meaning the lead character. Many fans were up in arms, not watching ABC at all.
their ratings dropped by nearly 50% or if not more for the 10:00 PM (22:00 hrs) time slot.
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This has been one of my favorites! When something great comes along why isn’t it continued? I replay the show every time I see it scheduled, mostly on PBS.
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We watch Dr Blake on Public Television.
Watch all the reruns, but now need the new season. Please come to USA soon.
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I love this show! I would be willing to pay extra for all of the new seasons. Netflix is where I watch this show.
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My husband and I love , love , love this programme. The acting by all the cast is amazing, the stories are brilliant. Living here in England, we like to see all the lovely scenery. So very glad it’s been picked up again, it deserves it. Best thing on TV, loving this season. Please have a happy ending for Lucien and Jean ! Best wishes to all
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I was wondering the same…
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Glad Dr Blake is back!!!
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I’m so happy to hear there will be more Doctor Blake Mysteries. Thank you! IV, California
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I live in the USA and I love dr. Blake. I have all 4 series and am now ordering the 5th. Series. I watch them over and over. My favorite show……
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I am watching season 5 on Britbox I have had Britbox to watch Vera and accidentally found Season 5 Dr Blake and the I found that that was the end only to discover it isn’t . So happy I watch this show in America and am so glad another station picked it up. Now the long wait to see when it arrives here for viewing and on what Station. Something to look forward to.
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I guess I’m just an American member of the Blake Army. The series is absolutely wonderful…..a caliber above much of the bilge being offered on US TV. I’ve warned my family that I won’t answer text or phone during the show. Now I’ve converted them. Thank heavens there are some folks with brains enough to keep this superb show going.
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Thank you for saving the Dr. Blake Mystery series. I live in the United States. How and when will I be able to watch the new series 6 coming up?
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I love this show and all the cast cannot wait for it to come back. Personally I never believed the terrible stories about Craig Mc
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I absolutely love this program and am watching from Palm Desert Ca.
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I watch this excellent drama on Saturday nights on PBS in Houston, Texas, USA. I had no idea that it was an Australian production rather than British until I began reading up on it. The characters’ fine acting make this drama almost feel like one is living it all these miles across the ocean. I hope that its new production home will continue to be broadcast here. I certainly will miss it if it is no longer on our local channel.
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Just finished watching series 5 on bbc iplayer
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When might it be available in Britain ?
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There is NO Dr. Blake series without Craig McLaughlin.
Bring back Craig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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There is no Dr. Blake without
Craig McLaughlin.
Bring back
Craig !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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