The Newsreader backdrop
Drama

The Best Episodes of The Newsreader

Every episode of The Newsreader ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Newsreader!

Binge this in 15h 54m•Peaking at 8.6/10

An unconventional relationship in a world on the cusp of change; a star newsreader and an ambitious bisexual reporter join forces in a ruthless 1986 newsroom, as events unfold that will change their lives.

Airs on
ABC TV
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons3

All123

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    The Newsreader Season 3 Episode 3 - Behind The Front Line
    8.6/10(117 votes)

    #1 - Behind The Front Line

    S3:E3

    Dale embraces his success, hosting a lavish birthday party. Meanwhile, Helen is struggling personally and professionally - Public Eye's ratings are dire but when offered an exclusive, she sees an opportunity to save her show.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Christine Bartlett

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The Newsreader Season 2 Episode 5 - A Model Daughter
    8.5/10(158 votes)

    #2 - A Model Daughter

    S2:E5

    The News At Six is approached by Geoff and Evelyn's daughter Kay Walters, who offers her story of addiction for a price, plunging Helen and Dale into an ethical dilemma.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Niki Aken

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The Newsreader Season 1 Episode 6 - Meltdown
    8.4/10(280 votes)

    #3 - Meltdown

    S1:E6

    While Helen is still reeling after Dale's revelation, reports emerge of a nuclear accident in Chernobyl. In the face of great fear and uncertainty, the pair must confront who they really are to each other, and to themselves.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Michael Lucas

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The Newsreader Season 3 Episode 6 - The Fall
    8.4/10(118 votes)

    #4 - The Fall

    S3:E6

    Dale is falling apart, leaning heavily on alcohol to get through his day. When Helen's relationship with Bill deteriorates, her ability to produce her show is questioned, as news breaks of the Berlin Wall falling.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Michael Lucas

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. The Newsreader Season 2 Episode 6 - Fireworks
    8.3/10(156 votes)

    #5 - Fireworks

    S2:E6

    It's the biggest television event of the decade - Australia Day 1988, featuring a full re-enactment of the first fleet sailing into Sydney Harbour, ceremonies with Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and one of the biggest protests ever seen in Australia.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Michael Lucas

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. The Newsreader Season 3 Episode 5 - On the Brink
    8.3/10(101 votes)

    #6 - On the Brink

    S3:E5

    As Public Eye reaches number one, Helen is blindsided by a front-page article revealing her history of mental health struggles and institutionalisation. As she considers how to respond, she focusses her energy on a special report about the mental health system.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writers:Michael Lucas, Niki Aken

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Newsreader

    READ
  7. The Newsreader Season 1 Episode 5 - No More Lies
    8.2/10(270 votes)

    #7 - No More Lies

    S1:E5

    Dale's career and his relationship with Helen couldn't be going any better, until his prized interview with an HIV-positive mother goes horribly wrong. In the eye of a media storm, buried secrets come to light.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writers:Michael Lucas, Kim Ho

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. The Newsreader Season 2 Episode 4 - The Hungry Truth
    8.2/10(160 votes)

    #8 - The Hungry Truth

    S2:E4

    As Australia's 1988 Bicentennial approaches, Helen is determined to interview a fiery Aboriginal activist. Meanwhile, Dale quietly plans an elaborate marriage proposal.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Adrian Russell Wills

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. The Newsreader Season 3 Episode 2 - A New Era
    8.2/10(107 votes)

    #9 - A New Era

    S3:E2

    When news of an Alaskan oil spill breaks on the day of Public Eye's launch, Helen is pressured to rethink her show format, whilst combatting a brutal act of sabotage from Lindsay. Dale tries to land an interview with the PM.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Michael Lucas

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. The Newsreader Season 1 Episode 4 - A Step Closer to the Madness
    8.1/10(270 votes)

    #10 - A Step Closer to the Madness

    S1:E4

    Helen is deeply apprehensive about meeting Dale's mother, while Dale gets lumbered with Royal Wedding puff pieces. But their everyday concerns are thrown aside when a bomb goes off on Russell Street.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writers:Michael Lucas, Niki Aken

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. The Newsreader Season 2 Episode 3 - Greed and Fear
    8.1/10(159 votes)

    #11 - Greed and Fear

    S2:E3

    With international stock markets in freefall, Helen is plunged into crisis when a gossip columnist threatens to expose her troubled past. Feeling hunted, she turns to embattled CEO Charlie Tate for help.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Michael Lucas

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. The Newsreader Season 1 Episode 1 - Three, Two, One…
    7.9/10(341 votes)

    #12 - Three, Two, One…

    S1:E1

    In 1986, the cutthroat world of commercial television news throws ambitious reporter Dale and newsreader Helen together.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Michael Lucas

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. The Newsreader Season 2 Episode 2 - People Like You and Me
    7.9/10(162 votes)

    #13 - People Like You and Me

    S2:E2

    The country is rocked by a shock mass shooting in the heart of Melbourne. When Helen races to air with confronting footage of the aftermath, she is seen as exploiting the tragedy, and public sentiment shifts against her.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Kim Ho

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. The Newsreader Season 3 Episode 1 - Night of Nights
    7.9/10(116 votes)

    #14 - Night of Nights

    S3:E1

    In 1989, and Helen and Dale are reaching new peaks of success. Helen has been given her very own current affairs program, and Dale has become the biggest name in news with a Gold Logie nomination.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Michael Lucas

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. The Newsreader Season 1 Episode 2 - Once in a Lifetime
    7.8/10(283 votes)

    #15 - Once in a Lifetime

    S1:E2

    Helen and Dale's new alliance has become the talk of the office as they cover the much-hyped return of Halley's Comet. The closer Dale draws to Helen, the more he finds himself thrust into the spotlight.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Michael Lucas

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. The Newsreader Season 1 Episode 3 - The White Marquis Matinee Jacket
    7.7/10(259 votes)

    #16 - The White Marquis Matinee Jacket

    S1:E3

    When news breaks of Lindy Chamberlain's imminent release from prison, Helen, Dale and cameraman Tim fly to Darwin. But they'll face fierce competition as they fight to land the "interview of the century".

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writers:Michael Lucas, Jonathan Gavin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. The Newsreader Season 2 Episode 1 - Decision 87
    7.7/10(179 votes)

    #17 - Decision 87

    S2:E1

    It's one year on and Helen and Dale are now established as 'The Golden Couple of News'. It's Election Night 1987 - Hawke vs Howard. Competitor Geoff Walters is also making a well-publicised comeback on a rival network.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writer:Michael Lucas

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. The Newsreader Season 3 Episode 4 - One Team, All Brothers
    7.6/10(96 votes)

    #18 - One Team, All Brothers

    S3:E4

    As Public Eye climbs ever closer to News At Six's deteriorating numbers, Dale teams up with Rob, pushing the CEO to replace Lindsay. Rob makes a controversial comment on air when discussing Apartheid sports boycotts.

    Director:Emma Freeman
    Writers:Michael Lucas, Adrian Russell Wills

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Behind The Front Line" is the best rated episode of "The Newsreader". It scored 8.6/10 based on 117 votes. Directed by Emma Freeman and written by Christine Bartlett, it aired on 2/16/2025. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "A Model Daughter".