Foxtel Now Shows 2020: Why Crime, Kids, And Prestige Dominated
Explore the standout TV series that captivated Australian audiences on Foxtel Now in 2020, blending drama, crime, and family favorites.
In 2020, as the world navigated unprecedented challenges, Australian viewers turned to Foxtel Now for comfort, excitement, and escapism. Streaming platforms saw a massive surge in usage, with households spending more time binge-watching series that offered everything from heart-pounding mysteries to lighthearted family fun. This article delves into the standout titles that topped the charts on Foxtel Now that year, highlighting why they resonated so deeply with audiences Down Under. Drawing from streaming data and viewer trends, we’ll explore genres, key hits, and what made 2020’s lineup unforgettable.
The Rise of Streaming in a Locked-Down World
The year 2020 marked a pivotal shift in how Australians consumed television. With lockdowns and social distancing becoming the norm, traditional linear TV took a backseat to on-demand services like Foxtel Now. According to industry reports, streaming hours skyrocketed by over 50% in Australia during this period, fueled by a desire for flexible viewing schedules and expansive content libraries.
Foxtel Now stood out with its rich catalog of premium shows, including exclusive access to HBO, Showtime, and local favorites. Viewers flocked to series that provided emotional anchors—be it through intricate plots, relatable characters, or nostalgic reruns. Crime dramas dominated, reflecting a public appetite for justice and resolution in uncertain times, while comedies and kids’ programming offered much-needed levity.
- Key Trend: Procedural shows led with procedural formats allowing episodic closure amid ongoing global anxiety.
- Family Viewing Boom: Animated series for children saw renewed popularity as parents sought screen-time solutions.
- Binge-Worthy Epics: Multi-season fantasies encouraged marathon sessions.
Dominating Genres: Crime and Mystery Take the Crown
Crime and mystery series were the undisputed kings of Foxtel Now in 2020, capturing hours upon hours of viewer attention. These shows thrived on suspenseful narratives, complex investigations, and charismatic detectives, providing a perfect counterpoint to real-world unpredictability.
Long-running procedurals like those featuring special victims units or naval investigators drew massive audiences. Their formulaic yet addictive structure—crime, clues, culprit—offered reliability. Australian viewers particularly loved British imports and American staples, which Foxtel Now delivered in high definition with seamless streaming.
| Genre | Top Examples | Why They Excelled |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Procedural | SVU-inspired series, NCIS franchises | Quick resolutions, strong ensembles |
| Mystery Dramas | British whodunits, cozy sleuths | Quirky settings, intellectual puzzles |
| Legal Thrillers | Courtroom judges, family cop sagas | Moral dilemmas, family dynamics |
Beyond numbers, these genres fostered community discussions on social media, with fans theorizing twists and sharing episode reactions.
Family Favorites and Kids’ Hits That Kept Homes Entertained
Not all top shows were for adults; family-oriented content exploded in popularity. With schools shifting online and families cooped up together, animated adventures and sitcom reruns became staples.
Paw Patrol and similar pint-sized hero tales topped kids’ charts, teaching lessons in teamwork while delivering vibrant animation. Meanwhile, multi-camera sitcoms like those about quirky physicists or New York stand-up legends provided intergenerational laughs. These shows were accessible, replayable, and perfect for background viewing during homework or chores.
- Animated pups on rescue missions: Endless appeal for under-10s.
- Workplace comedies: Relatable humor for all ages.
- Reality home makeovers: Aspirational for parents.
Prestige Dramas and Blockbuster Sagas
Foxtel Now’s strength in premium cable content shone through with epic fantasies and gritty antiheroes. Series like sprawling medieval power struggles continued to mesmerize, even years after their finales, proving the enduring pull of rich world-building and shocking twists.
Prison dramas set in Aussie women’s facilities and zombie apocalypses also ranked high, blending local flavor with global appeal. Limited series such as psychological thrillers about unraveling families added fresh buzz, often sparking awards chatter.
These prestige picks weren’t just watched; they were dissected, memed, and debated, cementing Foxtel Now’s role as a hub for quality television.
Reality TV and Lifestyle Escapes
Reality programming offered a window into other lives, from celebrity excess to property hunts in idyllic countrysides. Shows following house flippers, yacht crews, and opinionated families viewing TV drew viewers craving unscripted drama.
In 2020, these titles provided vicarious thrills—dreaming of rural relocations or glamorous voyages—while staying safely at home. Lifestyle channels on Foxtel Now saw spikes, with makeover series inspiring post-lockdown renovations.
Why These Shows Resonated in 2020
Several factors propelled these series to the top. First, algorithmic recommendations on Foxtel Now surfaced familiar favorites amid new releases. Second, the platform’s multi-device support enabled viewing anywhere, from couches to tablets. Third, bundled channel access meant discovering hidden gems alongside blockbusters.
Demographically, urban millennials favored fantasies, while families in suburbs leaned into procedurals and kids’ shows. Women over 35 dominated lifestyle and crime viewership, per streaming analytics.
“2020 redefined TV as a lifeline, with Foxtel Now delivering the hits that united us.” – Industry Observer
Comparing 2020 to Later Years
Looking back, 2020’s list laid groundwork for future trends. While newer platforms rose, Foxtel Now retained loyalty through exclusive content. Crime dominance persisted, but originals like Aussie prison tales gained more ground post-2020.
Viewer habits evolved too—shorter attention spans favored limited series, yet classics endured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most streamed show on Foxtel Now in 2020?
Crime-heavy procedurals and fantasy epics like Game of Thrones led, with hours viewed in the millions.
Are these 2020 shows still available on Foxtel Now?
Many classics remain, alongside newer seasons. Check the app for current listings.
Why did crime shows dominate?
Their structured storytelling provided comfort and catharsis during turbulent times.
How does Foxtel Now compare to other streamers?
It excels in premium cable imports and live channels, ideal for binge-watchers.
Can I watch these with family?
Yes, from kid-friendly animations to all-ages sitcoms, there’s broad appeal.
Final Thoughts: Legacy of 2020 Viewing
The top Foxtel Now shows of 2020 weren’t just entertainment; they were companions through isolation. From pulse-racing investigations to heroic pups and royal intrigues, they mirrored our needs for suspense, joy, and fantasy. As streaming evolves, these titles remind us of television’s power to connect. Whether revisiting old favorites or discovering anew, Foxtel Now’s 2020 gems remain timeless treasures for Australian audiences.
References
- The top 20 most watched series on Foxtel in 2021 so far — Foxtel Media. 2021-07-01. https://www.foxtelmedia.com.au/news/the-top-20-most-watched-series-on-foxtel-in-2021-so-far/
- All Foxtel Now Shows to watch — JustWatch. 2023-05-12. https://www.justwatch.com/au/provider/foxtel-now/tv-shows
- The World’s Latest & Greatest TV Shows All On Foxtel — Foxtel. 2024-01-15. https://www.foxtel.com.au/watch/tv-shows.html
- Best TV Shows of 2020 — Rotten Tomatoes. 2020-12-31. https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-tv-shows-of-2020/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
