10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Blue Heelers (1993)

Description: 'Stingers' mirrors 'Blue Heelers' in its exploration of police work, but with a focus on undercover operations. Both shows highlight the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by police officers, blending action with deep character studies.

Fact: 'Stingers' was praised for its realistic portrayal of undercover police work. The show's lead actor, Peter Phelps, won multiple awards for his role. It was one of the few Australian shows to focus exclusively on undercover policing.

Description: While 'Underbelly' delves into the criminal underworld, it shares with 'Blue Heelers' a gritty, realistic portrayal of law enforcement and crime in Australia. Both series are known for their strong character development and based-on-real-events storytelling.

Fact: 'Underbelly' is based on real-life Australian crime stories. The first season was banned in Victoria due to ongoing legal proceedings. The series has spawned multiple spin-offs, each focusing on different criminal eras in Australia.

Description: While 'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries' is set in the 1920s, it shares with 'Blue Heelers' a focus on solving crimes and maintaining justice. Both shows feature charismatic leads and a mix of episodic and serialized storytelling.

Fact: The show is based on the Phryne Fisher detective novels by Kerry Greenwood. It has a dedicated international fanbase, leading to a successful crowdfunding campaign for a movie. The series is known for its stylish depiction of 1920s Melbourne.

Description: 'Janet King' shares with 'Blue Heelers' a strong focus on the legal and moral complexities of law enforcement. Both shows feature strong, principled protagonists navigating the challenges of their professions while balancing personal lives.

Fact: 'Janet King' is a spin-off from the series 'Crownies'. The show addresses contemporary legal and social issues in Australia. It was praised for its strong female lead and complex storytelling.

Description: Similar to 'Blue Heelers' in its focus on law enforcement and community policing, 'Water Rats' is set in a maritime setting, offering a unique twist on the police procedural genre. Both shows emphasize teamwork, moral dilemmas, and the personal lives of the officers.

Fact: 'Water Rats' was one of the first Australian TV shows to be broadcast in high definition. The series was filmed on location in Sydney, showcasing the city's iconic harbor. It ran for six seasons, making it one of the longest-running Australian police dramas.

Description: Like 'Blue Heelers', 'All Saints' is a drama centered around a team of professionals dealing with high-pressure situations—in this case, nurses and doctors in a hospital. Both shows emphasize teamwork, personal sacrifice, and the impact of their work on their personal lives.

Fact: 'All Saints' was initially conceived as a medical drama but evolved to include more personal storylines. The show ran for 12 seasons, making it one of Australia's longest-running medical dramas. It won numerous awards, including Logies for Most Popular Drama.

Description: While 'The Secret Life of Us' is more of a personal drama, it shares with 'Blue Heelers' a focus on the lives of young Australians navigating work and relationships. Both shows are known for their realistic dialogue and relatable characters.

Fact: 'The Secret Life of Us' was groundbreaking for its portrayal of contemporary urban life in Australia. The show launched the careers of several now-famous Australian actors. It was praised for its authentic depiction of Gen X and Y experiences.

Description: 'Sea Patrol' and 'Blue Heelers' both revolve around teams of professionals dedicated to protecting their communities—one on land, the other at sea. Both shows mix action with character-driven stories, emphasizing duty and camaraderie.

Fact: 'Sea Patrol' was filmed on location in Queensland, showcasing Australia's beautiful coastline. The show faced challenges with real-life weather conditions during filming. It was one of the most expensive Australian TV productions at the time.

Description: 'East West 101' and 'Blue Heelers' both explore the complexities of policing in diverse communities. They tackle issues of race, ethics, and justice, with a strong emphasis on character-driven narratives.

Fact: 'East West 101' was praised for its multicultural cast and perspectives. The show won multiple awards, including AFI Awards for Best Television Drama. It was noted for its realistic portrayal of contemporary policing issues in Australia.

Description: Similar to 'Blue Heelers', 'Crownies' focuses on young professionals navigating the challenges of their careers in the justice system. Both shows blend workplace drama with personal storylines, highlighting the pressures of public service.

Fact: 'Crownies' was the precursor to 'Janet King'. The show provided a behind-the-scenes look at the Australian legal system. It featured a mix of established and up-and-coming Australian actors.