Benjamin Norris chats with best-selling author Sally Hepworth about the brand new ABC TV adaptation of her hit novel The Family Next Door.

In this episode, Sally shares what it was like seeing her characters brought to life, the casting choices that shaped the series, and the creative process of translating her page-turning twists into gripping television.

You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories from production and Sally’s thoughts on the performances that bring her story to a whole new audience. Whether you’ve read the book, love Aussie drama, or are fascinated by book-to-screen adaptations, this conversation is full of insight and charm.

The Family Next Door premieres 8pm AEST on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview immediately after broadcast.

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They're Back! Meet the Rebellious Midford Sisters in Outrageous
The creators of the new period drama Outrageous join me in New York to discuss bringing the chaotic lives of the real-life Mitford sisters to the screen. Get the inside scoop on these aristocratic rule-breakers who lived life on their own terms.

2:30 - How Little Women and Pride and Prejudice inspired the story
5:15 - Why the Midford sisters feel so modern and relatable
9:00 - The importance of showing the diversity of women's lives
12:30 - Why the show is titled Outrageous
15:45 - The possibility of future seasons
18:30 - Behind the scenes secret from filming

From their political passions to their tumultuous love lives, the Midford sisters refused to be boxed in by society's expectations. Their rebellious spirit leaps off the screen. Whether you love historical dramas or just a great story about sisterhood and self-discovery, don't miss this exclusive chat with the creative minds behind Outrageous.

Watch now on BritBox to meet the Midford sisters and experience all the laughter, tears and antics that made them the talk of 1930s high society.

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This episode on TV RELOAD, I’m joined once again by the man behind Australia’s biggest renovation juggernaut. The Block’s executive producer Julian Cress!

Now, this is not just another season of The Block… it’s series 21 and they are about to  officially clock over 1000 episodes. 

But rather than rest on their laurels, Julian and the team have shaken things up in a huge way.

From strict tools-down rules that were implemented for mental health reasons , to a whole new breed of Blockheads you’re going to be obsessed with. 

Julian spills the behind-the-scenes tea on how Daylesford turned on the charm. With “better-than-advertised” weather and support from the local MP-slash-Infrastructure-Minister! 

And trust me, there are fireplace vibes and classic block drama in equal measure.

He also opens up about:

• Why this season deliberately dialled back the nastiness and how that’s changed the kind of drama we’re seeing on-screen

• Whether he’s ever talked to Scotty Cam about his exit plan. 

• The show’s evolution and whether The Block was ever in danger of “becoming Married at First Sight.”

• And yes… in relations to the clear message.. that this is a ‘nice’ ‘nice’ season Julian does confirm that someone this season will say “they’re dead to me” before the hammer drops on final auction — it’s tradition!

So settle in, whether you’re keen to see what changes this year has install or just tuning in for the Sunday room reveals — this is The Block like you’ve never heard it before.

 Timestamps:
2:55 - The decision behind a "lighter" season of The Block
6:20 - How the new tools down rules added pressure
10:40 - Improvements for Blockhead mental health
15:30 - Ben's favorite contestant this season
20:10 - Has Scotty Cam discussed an exit plan?
22:30 - Was The Block in danger of becoming MAFS?
25:15 - Return of past Block favorites this season
27:40 - Is this really the end for Adrian Portelli?
29:00 - A momentous 1000th episode

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Welcome back to TV Reload. My name is Benjamin Norris and on today’s episode I’m joined by three incredibly talented actors: Ben Lawson, Teresa Palmer, and Jim Sturgess. The stars of the moving new series Mixtape. Now available on Binge and Foxtel.

• Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably seen these three in stacks of different films and tv shows..
• Jim Sturgess, of course, stole hearts in One Day and has gone on to make a name for himself with roles full of depth and charm.
• Teresa Palmer, one of Australia’s brightest exports, has starred in Warm Bodies, A Discovery of Witches and, oh and I just found out she’s also a mum of six! (Where do you have the time?)
• And Ben Lawson – who we first met on Neighbours – has carved out a solid Hollywood career in Firefly Lane, 13 Reasons Why, and more.

Today, we’re talking about the deeply emotional series Mixtape. From the lost art of making mixtapes to the emotional depth of playing flawed, complex characters. In this chat these three don’t hold back. You’ll hear what it was like bringing young and older versions of their characters to life, how music became a central heartbeat of the story, and why Mixtape hits so hard emotionally.

Oh and yes we do get into a few hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, including Ben’s surprising first crash pad in LA, and a surprising link to Tori Spelling.

So whether you’re here for the music chat, the acting masterclass, or just some behind the scenes chat? This is an episode you’ll want to listen to from start to finish.

Let’s dive in.

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Welcome back to TV Reload, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of your favourite TV shows. I’m your host, Benjamin Norris, and on today’s episode, we’re diving into the sun-soaked, crime-solving world of Beyond Paradise.

You’ll know Beyond Paradise as the charming spin-off from Death in Paradise, and it’s back with a fresh season that’s got fans buzzing. It’s a series that balances small-town charm with gripping mysteries and at the heart of it all is fan-favourite DI Humphrey Goodman.

Joining me is the delightful Kris Marshall, who reprises his role as the bumbling but brilliant detective. We’ll chat about what it’s like stepping back into the role, how the show has evolved, and what fans can expect this season. From on-set antics to behind-the-scenes twists, Kris gives us a peek at the magic that makes this show such a hit.

So sit back and enjoy my chat with the ever-entertaining Kris Marshall, right here on TV Reload.

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This week on TV Reload, I’m joined by beloved actor and activist Samuel Johnson, whose incredible life story is being featured on Australian Story (ABC, 8pm Monday 19th May)

From his breakout role in The Secret Life of Us to winning a Gold Logie and raising over $20 million through his charity Love Your Sister, Sam has become one of Australia’s most inspiring public figures. But behind the accolades is a man who has faced immense personal grief and hardship and come through it with unshakable vulnerability and admirable strength.

In this special episode, we chat about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the decision to finally share his full story on Australian Story. Sam opens up about what he expected from the experience, what scared him, and what he hopes audiences will take away.

It’s a raw, honest, and moving conversation with one of the country’s true heroes.

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Hi, it’s Benjamin Norris and welcome back to TV Reload. Thank you for clicking play on my podcast, where I go behind the scenes with the biggest players in Australian television.

This week, I’m joined by the one and only Rodger Corser — a name you’ll definitely recognise from Doctor Doctor, Underbelly, and pretty much every major Aussie drama of the last two decades. He’s a powerhouse in scripted television, but more recently, we’ve seen him take a leap into the world of TV hosting.

You might remember his turn as the mysterious frontman of The Traitors — where, let’s be honest, he was playing more of a character than just being Rodger Corser. But in Channel Nine’s new prime-time game show The Floor, we’re finally seeing the real Rodger — and it turns out that was a bit of a challenge for him.

Now, if you’re wondering how The Floor works, here’s the gist: 81 contestants stand on a massive LED grid, each occupying a square representing their area of trivia expertise. In each round, a contestant is randomly selected to challenge a neighbouring player in that neighbour's specialty. They face off in a rapid-fire, 45-second duel, answering visual-based questions. The winner claims the loser's square and category, expanding their territory. The ultimate goal? To conquer the entire floor and take home the grand prize of $200,000.

In our chat, Rodger opens up about the shift from actor to presenter, and the very different way audiences perceive you in each role. We’ll also get the scoop on filming The Floor in Amsterdam — why they took 100 Aussie contestants across the globe and how the hell that even worked logistically.

Plus, we’ll hear Rodger’s thoughts on Rob Lowe — who hosted the U.S. version — and whether he felt the pressure of stepping into those very polished shoes.

So sit back and enjoy as we dive into the wild, wonderful and slightly chaotic world of The Floor — with Rodger Corser.

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Hi guys, and welcome back to TV Reload! Thanks for clicking or downloading today’s episode with Alana McLean. Who has been our ride-or-die all season long, serving up hot takes and wild speculation on Season 14 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

We’ve been teasing the idea of bringing in our partners and for this final reunion recap… one of them actually signed on. Let’s just say, we have one partner, one dog and a whole lot of opinions. As we wrap up the season.

We’re diving into Part 3 of the reunion—although, full disclosure, this wasn’t exactly the grand finale we were hoping for. We’ll explain what left us underwhelmed, what we wanted to see and even offer up a few tips for Bravo on how to freshen things up for next year.

• There’s still a lot to unpack. While the ladies are still dancing to the same old tune? We are bringing our boldest takes yet.
• We’ll break down the fallout from Dorit baiting Sutton with that “Here she comes…” moment. 
• I get Alana’s thoughts on Garcelle’s dramatic goodbye, and speculate on what really might have been left on the cutting room floor.
• We’ll also touch on Kyle’s emotional revelations, Kathy Hilton’s surprise laughs, and our thoughts on a potential Jennifer Tilly return. Plus—Lisa Vanderpump rumours, Morgan Wade theories, and more than a few side-eyes.

So grab a drink, get comfy, and join us as we say goodbye to RHOBH Season 14—there’s a lot to cover and plenty of tea to spill!

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Hey guys, welcome back to TV Reload! Thanks for clicking play or downloading today’s episode with the fabulous Alana McLean—fresh from whitening her teeth and filling in on breakfast radio over in Perth.

Now, Alana and I’s longest-running joke is all about those ‘90s McLean’s toothpaste commercials—I think it was Colgate? Which is related to her phenomenal and unmissable smile. Funny story: we once did a photoshoot together for a breakfast show that legit looked like a Colgate commercial because our teeth were that good. Maybe I’ve just found our next sponsor?

Today, we’re diving into Part 2 of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 14 Reunion. Alana texted me saying it was “all killer, no filler”… and weirdly, I kinda disagreed. As I had a major issue with this part of the reunion, which we’ll get into.

• There’s a lot to unpack—and for once, we’ve shelved the booze. After sounding like two bingo-playing grandmas in the last two episodes, we decided to keep it sober and sharp for this one. And honestly? It was a novelty.
• We’ll cover Kathy Hilton and Jennifer Tilly’s guest appearances, and spoiler alert—my negative reaction to this episode is very much connected to their involvement. 
• I’ll get Alana’s take on Andy Cohen’s surprisingly bold line of questioning for Kyle Richards, and why holding her feet to the fire really made this episode sing.
• We’ll also touch on PK and Kyle’s unexpected friendship, and the silence in the room when Andy asked if the ladies supported “text gate.”
• You’ll hear all about Garcelle and Sutton’s return from the green room, and how Dorit baited Sutton into dropping yet another iconic line. And yes—feel free to take a shot every time Alana says “here she comes.”
• Finally, we’ll each rate this weeks episode and throw in some predictions for what’s coming next week.

So, sit back and relax as we unpack the drama, the glam, and the chaos of RHOBH Season 14!

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Hey guys, welcome back to TV Reload! Thanks so much for clicking play or downloading today’s episode—especially because it’s a special one. I’m joined by none other than the winner of Australian Idol 2025… Marshall Hamburger.

This season was stacked with talent, and it showed—the show grew its ratings by 14% compared to last year. That’s huge, especially considering the stiff competition from MAFS and Australian Survivor.

I was lucky enough to grab Marshall for a quick debrief just days after his big win. Now, I’ll be honest—I had a soft spot for Iilysh, and my partner was backing Gisella—but I’ve got to say, Marshall is a worthy winner. I’m already hanging out for his debut album.

• In our chat, Marshall opens up about the moment Gisella was eliminated, what it felt like to actually win, and how much his parents influenced his journey into music.
•  We’ll also get into his love for all things ’80s—was that authentic or something shaped by producers to build a narrative?
• Plus, we dive behind the scenes: what was the vibe really like among the Top 12?
• Did he get the judges’ mobile numbers? How can we support his music now, and what’s coming up for him in the next few months?

There’s loads to unpack with plenty of insider revelations, so sit back and relax as we dive into the wonderful world of Australian Idol, ahead of its big grand finale this Sunday night.

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