FIRST DAY

New series ★★★

Monday, 4.30pm, ABCME

As did Georgie Stone’s Neighbours character as the first transgender teenager on an Australian series, Evie Macdonald’s 12-year-old trans girl, Hannah Bradford, in this four-part Adelaide high school drama, must deal with the ridiculously contentious issue of which toilet to use. Directed by Julie Kalceff (2014 SBS lesbian drama, Starting from Now), featuring a cast of mostly newcomers, First Day is raw and fresh. Adolescent female friendship is optimistically presented, but the end justifies the means.

BONDI RESCUE

Double episode stars ★★★

7.30pm, Ten

The perils of a day at the beach, even in pandemic-free times, may offer bittersweet comfort to those forced to cancel a seaside getaway. The sun-kissed lifesavers who stalk Bondi evidently had their hands full at Christmas, when a series of avoidable mishaps culminates in the inevitable intoxicated swimmer in trouble. Next, it’s a New Year’s Day with drugs and Dutch revellers. This entertaining series serves both warnings and an inescapable patriotic pride.

SELLING HOUSES AUSTRALIA

★‏★★½

Wednesday 8.30pm, Lifestyle

On the downside, losing landscape designer Charlie Albone to Better Homes & Gardens is a blow. He’s been an integral part of the chemistry of this beloved show. The upside is the producers have been smart in using Albone himself to help recruit his own replacement. It creates a sense of both continuity and goodwill that will help everyone – most importantly, the viewers – ride out the disruption. And in the meantime? Enjoy the original crew while you can. MH