After a red-carpeted fanfare the Emmy Awards were announced last week in LA.  There is no hope for me; my suburban tastes confirmed by the fact that I watch none of the smart programs.  Having tried unsuccessfully  to watch winner Breaking Bad, my failure was abject with my further neglect of Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Mad Men et al.

Confession: my current favourite programs are not on the ABC nor  free-to-air, but Foxtel.  Nor are they on Foxtel’s new super smart BBC First (a serious loss to the ABC).  No, they are on the Lifestyle channel and they are three wonderful Australian series: Village Vets, River Cottage Australia and Paddock to Plate.  All three lovingly filmed in ravishing landscapes and superbly “cast” in real life.

Although based on a British series, River Cottage Australia seems utterly Australian in content and tone.  Chef Paul West, in the idyllic setting of Tilba Tilba,  is appealing but unglamorous; he and his dog are great even if the “self-supporting” farm is a specially bought location.

Village Vets Bennett and Carroll operate a real practice in picture-perfect Berry; performing surgery, sometimes confrontingly, on domestic and farm animals, that I’m assured by my veterinary adviser are the real deal.

Paddock to Plate has Matt Moran in beautiful locations sourcing quality produce from appealing suppliers.

All charming shows, but with convincing depictions of rural life.