Everything worth watching this week, including Mr Bates, the AACTA Awards, The Matchmakers and The New Look

Mr Bates Vs The Post Office

Wednesday, 8.30pm, Seven

It’s hard to overstate just how impactful this four-part drama has been in the UK.

Since it went to air in early January, and as a direct result of the show, laws have changed, compensation has been announced — even the Prime Minister has stepped in.

Pretty remarkable when you consider it’s all from a drama about the post office — hardly scintillating fodder for a four-parter.

But oh, what a story!

Over 20 years, hundreds of innocent subpostmasters (they’re the people who run post outlets across Britain) were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting after their IT system failed.

Between 2000 and 2015, 736 people were prosecuted and the Post Office held them financially responsible, even though the faults were not their own.

Many lost their life savings or their businesses, some were falsely imprisoned, some even took their lives.

This drama tells the story of a man named Alan Bates (played by Toby Jones, though the real-life version is still very alive, very well, and very active in campaigning to get compensation for those wronged), who led a group of subpostmasters in a fight for justice that took close to 20 years, and is ongoing.

The performances in this are excellent, writer Gwyneth Hughes’ scripts managing to make personal a story that so many had dismissed or thought “too dry”.

A series rarely has this kind of real-world impact, and it’s a testament to the considerable skills of all involved that it has reverberated in the way that it has.

Do not miss this one.

2024 AACTA Awards

Today, 7pm, Ten & Binge

It’s always fascinating to see which shows make the cut for nominations in this other local awards show. This year there are some great contenders, though the audience choice award nominations are interesting, to say the least. The awards will air from 7pm on Ten, with a “director’s cut” version available from 7.30pm on Binge and Foxtel On Demand.

The Matchmakers

Wednesday, 8.40pm, SBS

This delightful dating series ain’t no MAFS — this is a good thing. It takes a look at several established “cultural matchmakers” from the Hindu, Muslim and Jewish faiths as they attempt to find happily-ever-afters for a host of singles. This is more documentary than reality and a wholly satisfying deep dive. Seek it out.

The New Look

Wednesday, streaming on Apple TV Plus

Wait, is that Ben Mendelsohn playing French fashion designer Christian Dior? It is! The Aussie actor stars in this 10-part historical drama inspired by true events, which takes a look at how Dior, Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche) and a host of their fashion contemporaries navigated the horrors of WWII. Maisie Williams, John Malkovich and Bad Sisters’ Claes Bang also star.

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies

Friday, 7.30pm, NITV

Sure, it’s technically a kids show. But since when has that ever stopped us with Bluey, right? This is based on AFL star Eddie Betts’ popular book series, and follows eight-year-old Eddie and his mates as they navigate life. Watching children’s television with or without small people is great for your mental health. You have our permission to dive in.