Here’s everything you need to know about Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 (2025) — the ABC TV Original art competition series. This guide covers its premiere date, where to stream it, the full episode list, hosts, judges, and celebrity sitters. You’ll also find a step-by-step guide on how to watch it online from the US so you don’t miss a single masterpiece.
If you have questions, leave them in the comments, and I’ll help you start streaming Portrait Artist of the Year Australia easily and without any issues.
How to watch Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 in the US on ABC iview
To watch Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 in the US, you’ll need to use ABC iview, for that follow these steps below:
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to an Australian server.
- Go to the ABC iview website, log in or sign up.
- Watch Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 in the US.
About Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1
Over eight episodes, nine artists each week compete to paint a portrait of a well-known Australian personality. Their works are judged by Bree Pickering, Abdul Abdullah, and Robert Wellington, experts in art, culture, and history. The show celebrates creativity and emotion, showing how every portrait tells a deeper story.
Hosted by Miranda Tapsell and Luke McGregor, the series follows the artists’ struggles, breakthroughs, and heartfelt moments. In the grand finale, the winner earns a commission for the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. The show honors portraiture as a timeless art form that connects people through empathy and imagination.
Premiere Date
Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 premiered on November 2, 2025, on ABC TV.
Hosts, Judges, and Sitters
- Miranda Tapsell – Host. Known from The Sapphires and Top End Wedding, she brings warmth and insight.
- Luke McGregor – Host. The Rosehaven comedian adds humor and curiosity.
- Bree Pickering – Judge. Director of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia.
- Abdul Abdullah – Judge. Acclaimed artist with a focus on identity and culture.
- Robert Wellington – Judge. Art History professor at the Australian National University.
- Featured Sitters – Ken Done, Maggie Beer, Tsehay Hawkins, Courtney Act, Margaret Pomeranz, Mark Coles Smith, Costa Georgiadis, Celia Pacquola, Talijah Blackman-Corowa, Rhys Nicholson, Adam Liaw, Myf Warhurst, Madison de Rozario, Amanda Keller, Matt Okine, Frank Finger, Chloe Hayden, Alex Lee, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, and Denise Scott.
Number of Episodes
Season 1 has eight episodes, each lasting around 45–49 minutes, filled with creativity and emotion.
| Episode | Description |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Artists paint Ken Done, Maggie Beer, and Tsehay Hawkins, showing their personalities through unique styles. |
| Episode 2 | Contestants create portraits of Courtney Act, Mark Coles Smith, and Margaret Pomeranz, exploring individuality. |
| Episode 3 | The youngest and oldest artists paint Costa Georgiadis, Celia Pacquola, and Talijah Blackman-Corowa. |
| Episode 4 | Artists portray Rhys Nicholson, Adam Liaw, and Myf Warhurst, mixing humor and warmth. |
| Episode 5 | Madison de Rozario, Amanda Keller, and Matt Okine inspire emotional and powerful portraits. |
| Episode 6 | The final heat features Frank Finger and his dog Annie, plus Chloe Hayden and Alex Lee, testing empathy and skill. |
| Episode 7 | In the semi-final, winners from earlier rounds paint Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, merging intellect and creativity. |
| Episode 8 | In the grand final, Jenny Croom, Dean Rankine, and Jenna Pickering paint Denise Scott, ending the season with heart and color. |
Is it free to watch?
Yes, ABC iview is free. You can watch all episodes without paying — just create an account and connect through an Australian VPN server if you’re in the US.
How to Sign Up for ABC iview
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Website or App | Go to account.abc.net.au/signup or open the ABC iview app and select “Create Account.” |
| 2 | Enter Your Details | Add your email, name, year of birth, and location. Create a secure password. |
| 3 | Accept Terms & Policies | Read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. |
| 4 | Verify Your Email | Check your inbox and click the verification link. |
| 5 | Log In | Return to iview.abc.net.au or open the app to start watching. |
Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 Trailer
ABC iview has released the official trailer for Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1.
FAQs
Miranda Tapsell and Luke McGregor host the show.
Bree Pickering, Abdul Abdullah, and Robert Wellington form the judging panel.
The winner gets a commission to create a portrait that will hang in the National Portrait Gallery of Australia in Canberra.
Each episode features nine artists who have four hours to paint a celebrity sitter. One artist from each episode advances toward the grand final.
Yes. The winner’s final commissioned portrait will be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery from December 2025.