David Bowie’s favourite TV show was a surprising soap opera you’ve likely never seen

David Bowie loved the series A Country Practice, an opera based on the fictional residents of Wandin Valley

Even decades after his death in 2016, David Bowie’s tastes and influences continue to intrigue fans, and his personal pick for favorite television show might come as a surprise to many. While Bowie is best known for redefining music and performance art, he also quietly enjoyed television, including a long‑running Australian drama that few outside Down Under might recognise.

The singer, songwriter and cultural icon wasn’t just a casual viewer, according to friends and those who knew him, he genuinely loved the series A Country Practice, a rural Australian soap opera focused on the lives of residents, hospital staff and patients in the fictional Wandin Valley.

The show, which aired more than 1,000 episodes beginning in the early 1980s, wasn’t exactly the edgy or avant‑garde programming you might expect Bowie to choose, making his fascination all the more intriguing.

Bowie’s affection for A Country Practice was confirmed by fellow musician Iggy Pop, who said Bowie would “watch it all the time” during his time living in Switzerland. Despite the show’s gentle, small‑town tone and classic soap opera structure, it clearly resonated with Bowie, so much so that he had copies of the show taped and sent to him when he couldn’t watch it live.

The series centered on everyday dramas, community issues, health challenges and heartfelt storytelling, far removed from Bowie’s often surreal and boundary‑pushing art, yet he found something compelling in its simplicity and humanity.

Bowie’s appreciation even extended to personal connections with the cast. One of the series’ actors, Shane Porteous, was invited by Bowie to attend his Glass Spider Tour concert with his children. Porteous’ daughter later recalled the excitement of meeting Bowie backstage, describing how Bowie, known as much for his charisma as his creativity, chatted warmly about his love for the show.

Alongside this unlikely favorite, Bowie was also a known fan of other programs, including Peaky Blinders, showing that his tastes spanned both popular drama and more niche, character‑driven television.