The US presidential campaign suggests America is a country culturally divided, but sitcoms reflect the opposite, says UK historian Timothy Stanley. In fact, shows like Modern Family, with its themes of gay parenting and inter-racial marriage, are watched by more Republicans than Democrats. So how do these shows draw audiences from across the political spectrum when they're tackling topics that usually divide voters?
Plus, the new TV drama Redfern Now has been lauded by critics and hailed as a turning point in indigenous story-telling. Produced by Blackfella films (Mabo, First Australians) with the input of British writer Jimmy McGovern as story producer, the six part ABC1 series certainly has a great pedigree. But does it have the power to change old prejudices about the the inner city Sydney suburb and its historic Aboriginal community?