# Scrublands (TV series)

Scrublands is an Australian drama series for Stan, released on 16 November 2023, produced by Easy Tiger and based on the novel written by Chris Hammer. The series follows journalist Martin Scarsden, who is following what he believed to be a simple story on the town on the anniversary of a town tragedy, with nothing as it seems, Martin digs deep to reveal the truth behind what happened. A second season of Scrublands was announced in March 2024. Stan announced the second series would air on 17 April 2025.

## Plot

A small isolated town is rocked by tragedy after a local priest shoots dead five parishioners. As the community continues to grieve, journalist Martin Scardsen finds himself in town, in what he thinks will be a simple story about the tragedy. However, what unfolds after finding out the truth will push Martin to his limits.
In season two, Martin returns home with his new partner, but when he finds his best friend dead with his partner Mandy as the main suspect, he pushes to find the truth of what really happened.

## Cast
### Main

* Luke Arnold as Martin Scarsden (season 1 & 2)
* Bella Heathcote as Mandy Bond (season 1 & 2)

### Season 1 (Scrublands)

* Sarah Roberts as Beth Ramachandaran
* Toby Truslove as Doug Monkton
* Jay Ryan as Byron Swift
* Robert Taylor as Harley Regean
* Martin Copping as Craig Landers
* Adam Zwar as Robbie Haws-Jones

### Season 2 (Scrublands: Silver)

Season two cast were named when the series was renewed on 5 June 2024, with Arnold and Heathcote both reprising their roles from the first series.
* Debra Lawrance
* Luke Caroll
* David Roberts
* Luke Pegler
* Joel Jackson
* Hamish Michael as Jasper
* Caroline Brazier
* Damian de Montemas
* Megan Hollier as Keira
* Caroline Brazier as Jay Jay

## Episodes
### Season 1 (2023)

| No. in Series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Air date |
| 1 | Episode 1 | Greg McLean | Felicity Packard | 16 November 2023 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | Greg McLean | Kelsey Munro | 16 November 2023 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | Greg McLean | Jock Serong | 16 November 2023 |
| 4 | Episode 4 | Greg McLean | Felicity Packard | 16 November 2023 |

### Season 2 (Silver) (2025)

| No. in series | Title | Directed by | Air date |
| 5 | Episode 1 | Ben Young | 17 April 2025 |
| 6 | Episode 2 | Ben Young | 17 April 2025 |
| 7 | Episode 3 | Ben Young | 17 April 2025 |
| 8 | Episode 4 | Ben Young | 17 April 2025 |

## Production

The series is based on the novel written by Chris Hammer. Production of the series was announced on 27 February 2023 as a joint filming commission between Stan and the Nine Network, with filming taking place in Victoria. Luke Arnold, Bella Heathcote, and Jay Ryan were cast in the lead roles. Greg McLean directed the series, with Felicity Packard, Kelsey Munro, and Jock Serong as writers. Season 1 was produced by Easy Tiger.
BBC acquired the rights to air the show in the UK. US broadcaster AMC announced in April 2024 that it had acquired the rights for the series.
In March 2024 a second season was announced. In June 2024, it was announced that filming would be moving from Victoria to Western Australia.

## Release

Season 1 of the series was released on Stan on 16 November 2023, and was aired on BBC Four in the UK in the same month, it also aired on AMC from 2 May 2024. On 17 March 2025, Stan announced that series 2 will air on 17 April 2025.

## Reception

Luke Buckmaster of The Guardian rated the series 4 stars, saying the story can be a "bit pulpy", but that it was a rock solid addition to "rural noir".
David Knox of TV Tonight also rated the series 4 stars. Knox said that while the four episodes make for a slow burn, it remained engaging with the cast and story.