Watch The Principal

The Principal is a gripping Australian drama series that aired on SBS in 2015 and 2016, featuring a talented cast of actors including Alex Dimitriades, Mirrah Foulkes, and Rahel Romahn. The show explores themes of violence, racism, and redemption through the eyes of a newly appointed high school principal, played by Dimitriades.

The story takes place in an inner-city suburb of Sydney, where street gangs and racial tensions run high. Dimitriades plays Matt Bashir, a charismatic and idealistic teacher who is promoted to principal of a public school in the area. Bashir's vision is to turn the school around and foster a positive learning environment for all students, regardless of their background.

However, Bashir soon discovers that the school is plagued by violence, drugs, and profound social inequality. The students are divided into rival factions based on their ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and violence erupts between them on a regular basis. Meanwhile, the staff is often at odds with Bashir's progressive policies, and he finds himself constantly navigating political minefields.

Throughout the series, Bashir works tirelessly to earn the trust and respect of the students, staff, and community, even as he faces threats to his own safety and struggles with his own personal demons. Along the way, he grapples with complex ethical and moral issues, including how far he is willing to go to make a difference in the lives of his students.

The show also features a strong supporting cast, including Foulkes as Bashir's deputy principal, who shares his vision for transforming the school but often clashes with him over the best way to achieve it. Romahn plays an enigmatic student named Tarek, who becomes a key player in the power struggles at the school and imparts valuable lessons to Bashir about the realities of life in the inner city.

One of the most striking aspects of The Principal is its unflinching portrayal of the challenges facing disadvantaged youth in a society rife with inequality and prejudice. The show tackles issues such as poverty, racism, and cultural clash with sensitivity and nuance, without resorting to simplistic moralizing or stereotyping.

At the same time, The Principal is a tense and suspenseful drama, full of unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The show's well-crafted writing, strong performances, and cinematic style make it a must-watch for anyone interested in socially conscious drama.

Overall, The Principal is a powerful and thought-provoking series that explores the complexities of modern-day Australia with intelligence and heart. Its themes are timeless and universal, and its message of hope and redemption is one that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.

The Principal is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between October 7, 2015 and on SBS (AU)