Four Corners (1961)
Australia's most enduring investigative journalism program, holding power to account on ABC TV since 1961.
Four Corners - Series Information
- Original Title: Four Corners
- First Air Year: 1961
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: News, Documentary
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 22
- Number of Episodes: 748
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ABC TV
- Alternative Titles: 4 Corners (AU)
- Production Countries: Australia
Four Corners - Plot
Four Corners is Australia's longest-running investigative journalism/current affairs television program. Broadcast on ABC1 in Australia, it premiered on 19 August 1961 and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021. Founding producer Robert Raymond and his successor Allan Ashbolt did much to set the ongoing tone of the program. Based on the Panorama concept, the program addresses a single issue in depth each week, showing either a locally produced program or a relevant documentary from overseas. The program has won many awards for investigative journalism, and broken many high-profile stories. A notable early example of this was the show's epoch-making 1962 exposé on the appalling living conditions endured by many Aboriginal Australians living in rural New South Wales.
Four Corners - Trailer
See the program's investigative spirit in action with this official preview.
Australia's premiere current affairs programme, incisive investigative journalism.
Where to Watch Four Corners
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Four Corners - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kerry O'Brien
- Sarah Ferguson
- Jeff McMullen
Executive Producers
- Jonathan Holmes
- Jamie Doran
Four Corners - FAQs
How long has Four Corners been on air?
Four Corners premiered on 19 August 1961, making it Australia's longest-running investigative journalism program. It celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021 and continues to broadcast new episodes on ABC TV, with over 748 episodes aired across more than six decades of reporting.
What was Four Corners' most historically significant early investigation?
In 1962, just one year after its debut, Four Corners aired a landmark exposé documenting the appalling living conditions endured by Aboriginal Australians in rural New South Wales. The report was groundbreaking for its era and helped establish the program's reputation for fearless, socially consequential journalism.
What format does Four Corners use for its episodes?
Inspired by the BBC's Panorama, Four Corners dedicates each episode to a single issue explored in depth. Each week features either an original locally produced investigation or a relevant documentary from overseas, allowing thorough, uninterrupted coverage of complex stories without the constraints of a multi-story format.
Where can you watch Four Corners online?
Four Corners airs on ABC TV in Australia. For streaming availability and viewing options in your region, JustWatch provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of where the series can be accessed, including any on-demand or catch-up platforms currently carrying the program.
Who are the notable hosts and reporters of Four Corners?
Among the program's most recognised faces are Kerry O'Brien, a veteran host whose sharp interviewing style became synonymous with the show, Sarah Ferguson, who brought rigorous investigative depth to major stories, and Jeff McMullen, a long-serving reporter known for his international and social justice coverage.
Has Four Corners won awards for its journalism?
Four Corners has accumulated numerous awards throughout its history, widely recognised as one of Australia's most decorated journalism programs. It has received Walkley Awards — Australia's highest journalism honour — on multiple occasions, reflecting its consistent record of breaking high-profile stories and holding powerful institutions to account.
Is Four Corners still producing new episodes in 2025?
Four Corners remains an active, returning series. Season 65 (Series 2025) delivered 40 episodes, and Season 66 (Series 2026) is already underway with new episodes airing on ABC TV, confirming the program's continued production and its enduring place in Australian public broadcasting.
What shows are similar to Four Corners?
Viewers who appreciate Four Corners often enjoy Frontline (1983) and Dateline (1992) for comparable investigative depth, or 20/20 (1978) and 48 Hours (1988) for long-form American journalism. VICE (2013) offers a more contemporary, immersive approach to global current affairs reporting.
More About Four Corners
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