Life and style reality TV shows have a unique vibe and a clear purpose. They’re usually bright, cheerful, and full of energy, all aimed at making someone’s life a little better. Whether it’s organizing spaces, enjoying delicious food, boosting someone’s well-being, or simply showcasing how well someone is doing, these shows share a common goal of spreading positivity and improvement.
If you’re a fan of the Lifestyle genre and love to watch DIY projects or just enjoy watching home makeovers, check out these must-watch ABC lifestyle shows in Australia for 2024.
1) Landline
- Genre: Reality TV
- Presenter: Pip Courtney
- No. of seasons: 23
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Release: 11 March 1991 – Present
Landline, hosted by award-winning journalist Pip Courtney, is Australia’s only national TV show focused on farming and rural life. It first aired on 11 March 1991, taking over from a show called Countrywide, which was hosted by Doug Murray. By October 1991, Doug had left and with a new format and host, Cathie Schnitzerling.
Advertisement When ABC2 launched on 7 March 2005, Landline was the first program to air on the channel. By 2018, the show had settled into a Sunday schedule, airing on ABC TV and on ABC News, with a repeat available on ABC iview.
2) Back Roads
- Genre: Life-Style, Documentary
- Presenter: Heather Ewart
- No. of seasons: 10
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Release: 30 November 2015 – 2024
Back Roads takes you to the small towns and communities that make Australia unique. Join Heather Ewart and guest presenters as they uncover unforgettable stories and meet inspiring people.
This Australian TV show started on ABC on 30 November 2015. It’s a documentary series that follows journalist Heather Ewart as she visits towns and regions across the country to explore local communities.
3) Grand Designs Transformations
- Genre: Documentary, Reality-TV
- Presenter: Anthony Burke, Yasmine Ghoniem
- No. of seasons: 1
- Release: 4 January 2024
Australia’s most daring home renovators put their skills, money, and relationships to the test as they try to create their perfect homes.
Grand Designs Transformations is a spin-off of Grand Designs Australia based on the British TV series Grand Designs. The show follows people working to renovate their dream homes and the challenges they face along the way. It first aired on ABC on 4 January 2024, with Anthony Burke and Yasmine Ghoniem as hosts. This is the first original series to air on ABC after they bought the rights from Foxtel in 2023.
4) Maggie Beer’s Big Mission
- Genre: Documentary
- Presenter: Maggie Beer
- No. of seasons: 1
- Release: July 9, 2024
Australian chef Maggie Beer leads a project to improve dining at an aged care home. She aims to improve mealtime for elderly residents through a creative social experiment.
5) Gardening Australia
- Genre: Lifestyle
- Presenter: Costa Georgiadis (2012–present)
- No. of seasons: 34
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Release: 16 February 1990 – present
Join Costa Georgiadis and the team for a fun and inspiring journey into the world of gardening. They share practical tips, meet passionate gardeners, and explore some of the most amazing gardens nationwide.
6) Restoration Australia
- Genre: Documentary, Adventure, History, Reality-TV
- Presenter: Anthony Burke
- No. of seasons: 6
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Release: September 1, 2015 – 2019
Anthony Burke follows dedicated homeowners across the country as they work hard to save and restore some of our most important heritage homes that are almost falling apart.
7) Grand Designs Australia
- Genre: Documentary, Reality TV
- Presenter: Peter Maddison
- No. of seasons: 10
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Release: 21 October 2010
Australian architect Peter Maddison dives into the stories, memories, and inspirations behind some of the most exciting and innovative homes ever built.
Grand Designs Australia is a spin-off of the British TV series Grand Designs. The show follows people as they take on the challenge of building their dream homes, often facing many obstacles along the way. Originally airing on Lifestyle, it is hosted by Peter Maddison, who guides viewers through each incredible journey.
8) Grand Designs Revisited
- Genre: LifeStyle, Architect
- Presenter: Kevin McCloud
- No. of seasons: 21
- Release: 8 November 2001
Kevin McCloud follows the journey of eight amazing new building projects and revisiting the past ones. Viewers see brave self-builders push the limits of what modern architecture can do.
9) Love Your Garden
- Genre: Gardening
- Presenter: Alan Titchmarsh
- No. of seasons: 11
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Release: 10 June 2011 – present
Alan Titchmarsh travels across the country, surprising some of Britain’s most deserving people by transforming their outdoor spaces. Along with co-presenters David Domoney, Katie Rushworth, and Frances Tophill, he helps turn ordinary gardens into beautiful, welcoming places for those in need.
10) Antiques Roadshow
- Genre: Reality-TV
- Presenter: Fiona Bruce
- No. of seasons: 46
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Release: 18 February 1979 – present
Fiona Bruce and the Roadshow team travel to some of Britain’s most stunning and unique locations, inviting the public to bring their antiques for a closer look and share the stories behind them.
The show has inspired many international versions across Europe, North America, and other countries, all using the same TV format. Hosted by Fiona Bruce, the series reached its 46th season in 2024.
11) Nigella Bites
- Genre: Documentary
- Presenter: Nigella Lawson
- No. of seasons: 2
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Release: 1999
Nigella Lawson shares the simple, tasty dishes she loves to cook for herself, her family, and friends. With a focus on real food for real people, Nigella shows how cooking can be a fun and enjoyable part of everyday life, all from her own kitchen.
12) The Secret History of the British Garden
- Genre: History, Documentary, Gardening
- Presenter: Monty Don
- No. of seasons: 1
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Release: 2015
Monty Don takes a deep dive into the history of four of Britain’s most important gardens, uncovering their hidden stories to show how British gardens have changed and evolved over the past 400 years.
13) George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces
- Genre: Documentary
- Presenter: George Clarke
- No. of seasons: 12
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Release: October 23, 2012
George Clarke returns to travel across the country, meeting people who have poured their energy—and often their life savings—into building, converting, or upgrading small spaces with incredible creativity and clever ideas.
14) The Art Of…
- Genre: Documentary
- Presenter: Namila Benson
- No. of seasons: 1
- Release: June 4, 2024
This show sets out to explore life’s big questions through art. Join the curious Namila Benson as she talks to artists from different fields to discover who we are and where we’re going.
15) Magda’s Big National Health Check
- Genre: Documentary
- Presenter: Magda Szubanski
- No. of seasons: 1
- Release: November 1, 2022
Magda Szubanski, a well-loved Australian figure, sets out to understand what being healthy means in Australia today. Across three episodes, she uncovers the big health issues facing our society and explores ways to work together to live healthier lives in this great country. In her unique way, Magda meets everyday people and experts who provide real hope and practical steps for everyone to take action and improve their health.
16) Lily’s Life Hacks
- Genre: TV – Program, Science, Lifestyle
- Presenter: Lily Serna
- Duration: 56 mins
- Release: September 12, 2023
Lily Serna is trying to find science-backed tips to boost health and happiness. Lily explores how to make each day amazing in this special show, from morning to night. She learns about using the magical light of dawn, clearing her brain while sleeping, and more. By trying these science hacks, Lily aims to feel happier and stronger by connecting with people, places, and even puppies!
17) Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds
- Genre: Factual, Documentary, Family
- Narrator: Annabel Crabb
- No. of seasons: 2
- IMDb Rating: 9.1
- Release: 27 August 2019 – present
Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds is a special show that started in Australia on August 27, 2019, and airs every Tuesday on ABC and ABC iview. It brings elderly people together with a group of 4-year-olds in a retirement home. This social experiment explores how spending time with young children might change the lives of older residents.
18) Australian Story
- Genre: News and Current Affairs/ Documentary
- Presenter: Leigh Sales (2023–)
- No. of seasons: 25
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Release: 29 May 1996 – present
Australian Story, presented by Leigh Sales, shares real people’s amazing and inspiring stories. The show explores themes like brave accomplishments, standing up for what’s right, and human struggles. Each episode presents people and situations in a kind and understanding way. This personal style has earned the show many awards, including several Walkley Awards for top-notch journalism and four Logie Awards from 2003 to 2006. In 2013, it was watched by over a million people each week, making it one of the most beloved programs on ABC Television.
19) Tony Armstrong’s Extra-Ordinary Things
- Genre: Adventure
- Presenter: Tony Armstrong
- No. of seasons: 1
- Release: May 21, 2024
Tony Armstrong unfolds his bike and sets out on a journey across Australia to uncover its hidden history. He travels all over the country, meeting Australians who have ordinary things with extraordinary stories.
20) Creative Types With Virginia Trioli
- Genre: Reality-TV
- Presenter: Virginia Trioli
- No. of seasons: 1
- Release: April 9, 2024
Virginia Trioli, an award-winning journalist who loves the arts, talks with some of Australia’s best artists to discover what makes creativity special.
21) Britain By The Book
- Genre: Arts, Travel
- Presenter: Martin Clunes, Mel Giedroyc
- Duration: 47 mins
- Release: September 6, 2023
Mel Giedroyc, who loves books, teams up with her friend Martin Clunes from Dorset. Together, they explore the beautiful scenery and famous spots seen in some of Britain’s favorite books and movies.
22) Fake Or Fortune?
- Genre: Documentary
- Presenter: Fiona Bruce, Philip Mould
- No. of seasons: 11
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Release: 19 June 2011 – present
Philip Mould and Fiona Bruce solve exciting art world mysteries in “Fake or Fortune?” They investigate works by artists like Ben Nicholson, Amedeo Modigliani, Albert Sisley, and a Flemish Old Master. Inspired by Mould’s book “Sleuth,” the show uses forensic tests and historical records to unravel these art puzzles. Most episodes aired on BBC One, except for series 3, which was mistakenly shown on Swedish TV first.
23) Matilda And The Ramsay Bunch
- Genre: Cooking, Entertainment, Children
- Presenter: Matilda Ramsay
- No. of seasons: 5
- IMDb Rating: 6.4
- Release: 14 April 2015 – 26 July 2019
Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch are having an awesome summer in Los Angeles and Cornwall. They take on exciting challenges, meet Hollywood stars, and enjoy Tilly’s yummy recipes—it’s the perfect holiday!
24) Gardening Australia Junior
- Genre: Lifestyle
- Presenter: Costa Georgiadis, Clarence Slockee
- No. of seasons: 1
- IMDb Rating: 9.4
- Release: 8 Sep, 2023
Have you ever wanted to make a compost bin, a bee hotel, or a colorful veggie garden? Then this show is perfect for you and your kids!
Hosted by gardening expert Costa Georgiadis, “Gardening Australia Junior” takes kids and their families on a fun adventure into gardening. Whether you have a big yard or just a small balcony, the show is full of tips, tricks, and activities that kids will love.
25) How To Do Stuff Good
- Genre: Comedy
- Presenter: Geneva Phan
- No. of seasons: 3
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Release: September 21, 2018
“How To Do Stuff Good” is back with a team of funny hosts who will show kids how to do all sorts of cool things. They guide you step-by-step on fun, creative projects, teaching you how to do stuff really well.
26) Youth Waste Warriors
- Genre: Nature
- Presenter: Craig Reucassel
- No. of seasons: 1
- Release: 2023
Meet the kids who are taking on the fight against waste. From tackling plastic in the ocean to finding creative ways to deal with fashion waste, these kids are making a big difference. Craig Reucassel cheers them on as they show us how to fight waste in amazing ways.
27) Ageless Friendships
- Genre: Lifestyle, Health
- Presenter: Mick Thorne
- No. of seasons: 2
This is an inspiring show about bringing young and old people together.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for fun and interesting shows to watch, ABC Lifestyle Shows have you covered! They have something for everyone, from gardening and cooking to exploring Australia’s hidden stories. These shows make learning fun and show you how to make the most of life.
If you want to watch more shows on ABC iView, you can check out our guides on Play School Science Time, Tom Gleeson: Joy, Vera Season 12, I Was Actually There, 100% Wolf Book Of Hath, and many more.