Total Control (2019)
An electrifying Australian political drama about power, identity, and what it truly costs to survive in Canberra.
Total Control - Series Information
- Original Title: Total Control
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Darren Dale, Rachel Griffiths et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 18
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: German, English
- First Air Date: October 13, 2019 (Germany - 16), October 13, 2019 (France - 12), October 13, 2019 (Australia - M), October 13, 2019 (Brazil - 16), October 13, 2019 (Mexico - C), October 13, 2019 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: ABC TV
- Alternative Titles: Black Bitch (AU), Чёрная стерва (RU)
- Production Companies: Blackfella Films
- Production Countries: Australia
Total Control - Plot
A local Indigenous politician is recruited to the senate by the Australian Prime Minister after a contentious video goes viral.
Total Control - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Australian federal politics through Alex Irving's eyes:
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Total Control - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Darren Dale
- Rachel Griffiths
- Miranda Dear
Main Cast
- Deborah Mailman
- Rachel Griffiths
- Rob Collins
- Anthony Hayes
- Wesley Patten
- Huw Higginson
- Wayne Blair
- Steph Tisdell
- Fran Kelly
- William McInnes
Writers
- Stuart Page
- Pip Karmel
- Angela Betzien
- Rachel Perkins
- Kim Wilson
Executive Producers
- Kelrick Martin
- Sally Riley
- Rachel Griffiths
- Stuart Page
Total Control - FAQs
Is Total Control based on a true story?
Total Control is a fictional drama, but it draws heavily from the real landscape of Australian politics. The series was inspired by debates around Indigenous representation in parliament, and several storylines echo genuine political tensions and controversies that have played out in Canberra over the years.
What is Total Control about?
The series follows Alex Irving, an Indigenous woman from a remote Australian community who is thrust into federal politics after a confrontational video goes viral. Recruited to the senate by the Prime Minister, she must navigate a world of power, compromise, and identity she never expected to enter.
Where can you stream Total Control?
Total Control is available to stream on AMC+, Acorn TV, and Philo. It can also be found through AMC+ Apple TV Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, and Spectrum On Demand. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Who plays Alex Irving in Total Control?
Alex Irving is played by Deborah Mailman, one of Australia's most celebrated Indigenous actresses. Her portrayal of a fiercely principled woman caught between community loyalty and political survival earned widespread critical praise and is widely considered one of the standout performances in recent Australian television.
Is Total Control worth watching?
Absolutely. Total Control is sharp, timely, and anchored by a magnetic performance from Deborah Mailman. Critics praised its unflinching look at race, power, and political manipulation in Australia. If you enjoy prestige political drama with genuine emotional stakes and complex female leads, this series delivers on every front.
Did Total Control win any awards?
Total Control received strong recognition at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards. Deborah Mailman earned nominations for her lead performance, and the series was acknowledged for its writing and production. It stands as one of the most acclaimed Australian dramas of its era.
How many seasons and episodes does Total Control have?
Total Control ran for three seasons, each comprising six episodes, for a total of 18 episodes. The series aired on ABC TV in Australia between 2019 and 2024 before concluding. Each season maintains a tight, focused narrative that rewards viewers who follow Alex Irving's journey from start to finish.
What are similar shows to Total Control?
If Total Control hooked you, try The Clearing or Nemesis for similarly tense Australian drama. For political intrigue closer to the Canberra world, Queen of Oz and Yes We Canberra! offer entertaining takes on Australian governance. Offspring is another beloved Australian drama worth exploring for its character depth.
More About Total Control
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