Australian audiences are about to be drawn into the world of deception, emotional manipulation, and unsettling truths as Fake makes its free-to-air debut on Sunday 25 May, following MasterChef Australia on 10 and 10 Play.
Inspired by journalist Stephanie Wood’s best-selling memoir of the same name, the eight-part series dives deep into the murky waters of romance scams, a theme rarely given dramatic treatment in Australian television.
At its core is Birdie Bell, a respected magazine writer played by the ever-brilliant Asher Keddie, who becomes entangled in a seemingly perfect relationship with Joe Burt, portrayed by David Wenham, whose performance oscillates between charm and menace with spine-tingling precision.
As Birdie’s relationship unfolds, the cracks begin to show, not just in Joe’s stories but in Birdie’s sense of identity. Her romantic idealism is tested against a reality that becomes more warped by the episode.
What begins as a classic story of love takes a sharp turn into psychological thriller territory, peeling back the layers of trust, hope, and self-deception.
From streaming breakout to broadcast darling
Fake initially premiered on Paramount+ earlier this year to immediate success.
It quickly became the most-watched local drama in its first week on the platform since the streamer’s Australian launch, and it hasn’t stopped gaining traction since.
The buzz surrounding the show, from both viewers and critics, has cemented its place as a standout title in the Australian scripted content slate for 2024.
Its move to Network 10 is not just a second wind, it’s a strategic expansion. By airing the series after a prime-time ratings staple like MasterChef Australia, 10 is maximising reach and visibility for a drama that has already proven its audience appeal.