Australia’s most loved outback drama, RFDS, is set to return with its highly anticipated third season, premiering Wednesday, 1 October at 7:30pm on Channel 7 and 7plus. With its mix of breathtaking landscapes, gripping emergencies and heartfelt storytelling, RFDS continues to capture the imagination of audiences across the country. Season 3 promises more powerful stories inspired by the dedication of the real Royal Flying Doctor Service.
A Journey Years in the Making
In 2016, Endemol Shine Banks began exploring the idea of a new television drama centred on the Flying Doctor. To ensure the series remained authentic, writers and producers spent time at RFDS bases and clinics, interviewing doctors, nurses, pilots and patients to understand the scale of the Service’s operations.
That commitment paid off when RFDS first premiered in 2021. Since then, the drama has gone from strength to strength, with each season blending high-stakes action with deeply human stories.
Season 3 Takes Flight
This year, filming for the series was based in South Australia, including Adelaide and Port Augusta, allowing new backdrops to highlight the diversity of communities served by the Flying Doctor. The production once again drew on the expertise of RFDS staff, who provided insights into aviation procedures, medical detail and the realities of working across vast distances.
The creative team’s dedication to authenticity ensures that, while fictional, RFDS remains true to the values and spirit of the Service.
Cast and Characters
Returning to the screen are Stephen Peacocke, Rob Collins, Emma Hamilton, Justine Clarke and Ash Ricardo, a cast that has become synonymous with the series. Over the past three seasons, these actors have worked closely with RFDS staff to gain a deeper appreciation for the lives they portray.
Their performances bring to life not only the challenges of working in emergency retrievals and rural healthcare, but also the compassion, camaraderie and resilience that define the Flying Doctor.
Stories That Inspire
At its heart, RFDS is a fictional drama — but one that draws its inspiration from the work of RFDS staff who serve communities right across Australia. From emergency evacuations to primary healthcare, their efforts ensure people in rural and remote areas receive world-class care.
As RFDS enters its third season, it continues to shine a light on the importance of equitable healthcare, and the extraordinary people who make it possible.
