Watch Miriam Margolyes: Almost Australian

Miriam Margolyes: Almost Australian is a delightful travelogue and cultural investigation by the acclaimed British-Australian actress Miriam Margolyes. The show shines the spotlight on Margolyes's journey to find her identity as an Australian, while exploring the customs, traditions, history, and people of her adopted country in a refreshingly unvarnished, humorous, and endearing way.

The show is filmed across Australia, from the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Sydney to rugged outback towns, tropical paradises like the Great Barrier Reef, and the arid landscapes of the Red Centre. Each of the five episodes covers a different aspect of Australian life, from politics to Indigenous culture, sport, food, and history.

In the first episode, Margolyes dives into Australian politics and its famous democracy sausage. She interviews politicians, activists, and ordinary citizens to learn about the priorities of the nation, its political system, and the role of the sausage sizzle (barbecue) in the electoral process. Margolyes also touches on the controversial issues of immigration, climate change, and same-sex marriage, revealing her own views on these topics while also showcasing the diversity of opinions in the country.

The second episode delves into the complex and rich culture of Indigenous Australians, with Margolyes visiting remote Aboriginal communities and learning about their history, art, spirituality, and challenges. She shares touching moments with the locals, such as singing and dancing together, listening to their stories of survival and resilience, and reflecting on the impact of colonization and the need for reconciliation.

In the third episode, Margolyes indulges in her favorite sport, Australian Rules Football, and explores its culture, superstitions, and fanatical followers. She attends a game in Melbourne, chats with current and former players, and even tries her hand at commentating. Margolyes also investigates the social significance of footy, its role in shaping Australian identity, and the controversies around gender, race, and violence in the sport.

The fourth episode sees Margolyes becoming a foodie, trying out some of Australia's most iconic dishes and meeting the chefs, farmers, and locals behind them. She samples seafood in Fremantle, meat pies in Adelaide, cheese in the Dandenong Ranges, and wine in the Barossa Valley. Along the way, she learns about the history and diversity of Australian cuisine, its multicultural influences, and the challenges of sustainability and quality.

The final episode takes Margolyes to the heart of Australia, the Red Centre, where she explores the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the complex relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians over this sacred site. She also visits Alice Springs, Darwin, and Kakadu National Park, encountering the harsh beauty and biodiversity of the desert, as well as the cultural clashes and accommodations that shape the region.

Throughout the show, Margolyes's wit, honesty, and curiosity make her an engaging and relatable host, as she shares her doubts, fears, joys, and surprises with the audience. Her love for Australia and its people is infectious, as she celebrates its uniqueness and embraces its flaws. She also confronts some of the harsh realities of modern Australia, such as racism, inequality, and environmental degradation, without losing her optimism and affection.

Overall, Miriam Margolyes: Almost Australian is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate one of the most fascinating and diverse nations on earth, through the eyes of a charming and talented actress who embodies its spirit.

Miriam Margolyes: Almost Australian is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between May 19, 2020 and on Netflix