Underbelly (TV series)

{{short description|Australian television true crime-drama series}} {{Use Australian English|date=October 2011}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} {{Infobox television | image = Underbelly Logo.png | caption = | genre = Crime drama | starring = | narrator = Caroline Craig | theme_music_composer = Burkhard Dallwitz | open_theme = "It's a Jungle Out There" by Burkhard Dallwitz | end_theme = "It's a Jungle Out There" | composer = Burkhard Dallwitz | country = Australia | language = English | num_series = 7 | num_episodes = 70 | list_episodes = List of Underbelly episodes | executive_producer = Des Monaghan | producer = Greg Haddrick Brenda Pam | runtime = 42 minutes | company = Art Company Screentime | network = Nine Network | first_aired = {{start date|2008|2|13|df=yes}} | last_aired = {{End date|2022|4|4|df=y}} }}

'''''Underbelly''''' is an Australian television true crime-drama series which first aired on the Nine Network between 13 February 2008 and 1 September 2013, before being revived on 3 April 2022. Each series is based on real-life events. There have been six full series, with season 7 being a miniseries. A 2014 series titled ''Fat Tony & Co'' is a sequel to the first series but is not branded under the ''Underbelly'' title.

== Synopsis == The first series is based on the book ''Leadbelly: Inside Australia's Underworld'', by journalists John Silvester and Andrew Rule. The series also borrows the title 'Underbelly' from a previously successful series of 12 true crime compilations by the same authors. Three direct tie-in novels, based on the first three seasons, were also later published by the same authors as part of this series, and a separate 16th book (''Underbelly: The Golden Casket'') was published in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/counting-the-cash-from-love-of-underbelly-style-true-crime-books/story-e6frewz0-1225690694702|title=Counting the cash from love of Underbelly-style true crime books|work=Daily Telegraph|date=23 May 2009|access-date=8 June 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115095842/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/counting-the-cash-from-love-of-underbelly-style-true-crime-books/story-e6frewz0-1225690694702|archive-date=15 November 2013}}</ref> The fourth series is based on the book ''Razor'' by crime author Larry Writer, which was subsequently republished as a tie-in.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/theres-life-in-the-old-gangsters-yet/2008/05/05/1209839531122.html|location=Melbourne|work=The Age|title=Underbelly not dead yet|date=5 May 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617232100/http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/theres-life-in-the-old-gangsters-yet/2008/05/05/1209839531122.html|archive-date=17 June 2008}}</ref> A fifth tie-in novel, by Andy Muir, was published for the final series. Despite being part of the ''Underbelly'' series, the first 12 books have never been republished with the famous ''Underbelly'' logo, and the logo was only used from books 13 to 18 (including ''Golden Casket'' and the republishing of ''Razor'').

The fifth series, ''Underbelly: Badness'', is based on Sydney underworld figure Anthony "Rooster" Perish, his brother Andrew and their associates. It is set between 2001 and 2012, and broadcast from 13 August 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2012/08/underbelly-badness.html|title=Underbelly: Badness|first=David|last=Knox|date=8 August 2012|work=TV Tonight|access-date=12 August 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809212934/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2012/08/underbelly-badness.html|archive-date=9 August 2012}}</ref> This is the only season that did not receive a 'tie-in' novel.

A sixth series titled ''Underbelly: Squizzy'', based on the events surrounding Joseph "Squizzy" Taylor and set between 1915 and 1927, began airing on 28 July 2013.

Three telemovies called ''The Underbelly Files'' aired in 2011. ''Tell Them Lucifer was Here'' is about the 1998 murders of Victorian police officers Gary Silk and Rod Miller and the subsequent manhunt for their killers. ''Infiltration'' is about the story of Australian police detective Colin McLaren's infiltration of the Calabrian Mafia in Griffith, New South Wales which saw dozens of underworld figures imprisoned ''The Man Who Got Away'' tells the story of David McMillian, a drug smuggler and the only Western man to ever escape from Bangkok's Klong Prem Central Prison. All three aired on the Nine Network in February 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2010/04/underbelly-telemovies-for-nine.html|title=Underbelly telemovies for Nine|publisher=TV Tonight|date=30 April 2010|access-date=21 June 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603051330/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2010/04/underbelly-telemovies-for-nine.html|archive-date=3 June 2010}}</ref>

In September 2011, a New Zealand version of the series premiered on TV3, titled ''Underbelly NZ: Land of the Long Green Cloud''. The six-part mini-series was the first Underbelly production to be produced and financed outside of Australia. The series detailed events beginning in the late 1960s to and throughout the 1970s and told the origin of the Mr Asia drug syndicate and its original leader Marty Johnstone. The series is somewhat a prequel to the series ''A Tale of Two Cities''. An American version has also been announced on the network channel Starz though nothing else has been confirmed.

==Seasons== {{main|List of Underbelly episodes}} {{:List of Underbelly episodes}}

===''Underbelly'' (2008)=== {{main|Underbelly (series 1)}} Season 1 focuses on events in Melbourne which occurred between 1995 and 2004, referred to in the press as the Melbourne gangland killings, in which 36 criminal figures and others were killed, and the transformation of Carl Williams from harmless driver into one of Australia's most notorious drug kingpins.

===''Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities'' (2009)=== {{main|Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities}} Season 2 is a prequel to the first series and focuses on events that occurred in Sydney and Melbourne between the years 1976 to 1987. It was about Griffith, NSW, the cannabis capital of Australia.

===''Underbelly: The Golden Mile'' (2010)=== {{main|Underbelly: The Golden Mile}} Season 3 is the sequel to ''A Tale of Two Cities'' - and hence the prequel to the first series - and focuses on events that stemmed from the Kings Cross nightclub scene in Sydney between the years 1988 to 1996

===''Underbelly: Razor'' (2011)=== {{main|Underbelly: Razor}} Season 4 is set in Sydney during the roaring 1920s, when organised crime in Australia began. It's the story of the bloody battle between the era's most feared vice queens, Tilly Devine and her rival Kate Leigh.<ref>{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|title=Channel Nine: 2011 slate|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2010/12/channel-nine-2011-slate.html|work=TV Tonight|access-date=5 August 2013|date=2 December 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019174412/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2010/12/channel-nine-2011-slate.html|archive-date=19 October 2012}}</ref> The series is based on the Ned Kelly Award-winning book ''Razor'', by Larry Writer. The series includes an ensemble cast including actresses Chelsie Preston Crayford and Danielle Cormack portraying Devine and Leigh respectively.

===''Underbelly: Badness'' (2012)=== {{main|Underbelly: Badness}} Season 5 is set in modern-day Sydney between 2001–2012 and tells the story of underworld figure Anthony "Rooster" Perish and the efforts of the NSW Police Force's Strike Force Tuno to bring him to justice. The cast includes Jonathan LaPaglia as Anthony Perish, Matt Nable, Ella Scott Lynch, Josh Quong Tart, Aaron Jeffrey, Jason Montgomery, Hollie Andrew, Jodi Gordon, and Leeanna Walsman.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/bad-is-so-good-for-jodi-gordon-as-she-signs-up-for-the-next-underbelly-series/story-e6frfmyi-1226326753176|work=The Sunday Telegraph|title=Bad is so good for Jodi Gordon as she signs up for the next Underbelly series|date=15 April 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414225655/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/bad-is-so-good-for-jodi-gordon-as-she-signs-up-for-the-next-underbelly-series/story-e6frfmyi-1226326753176|archive-date=14 April 2012}}</ref>

===''Underbelly: Squizzy'' (2013)=== {{main|Underbelly: Squizzy}} Season 6 occurs between 1915 and 1927 in Melbourne and tells the story of one of the city's most notorious criminals, Squizzy Taylor, who made an appearance in ''Underbelly: Razor'', which was set in 1920s Sydney. Justin Rosniak did not reprise his role as Squizzy as Jared Daperis took over the role.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bub|first=Adam|url=http://www.yourtv.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=1018296&showcomments=true|title=New Underbelly will be set in 1920s Melbourne|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927131346/http://www.yourtv.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=1018296&showcomments=true|archive-date=27 September 2013}}</ref>

===''Underbelly: Vanishing Act'' (2022)=== {{main|Underbelly: Vanishing Act}} Season 7 tells the story of the bizarre disappearance of Melissa Caddick, the high-roller who allegedly embezzled over $40 million before disappearing while under investigation. It is a mini-series which is part factual and part fictional.<ref>{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/09/upfronts-2022-nine.html|title=Upfronts 2022: Nine|date=15 September 2021|website=TV Tonight|publisher=TV Tonight|access-date=15 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Molk|first=Steve|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/09/upfronts-2022-nine.html|title=UPFRONTS: NINE in 2022 #NineUpfront|date=15 September 2021|website=TV Black Box|publisher=TV Tonight|access-date=15 September 2021}}</ref>

==''Underbelly: Files'' telemovies== In early 2010 the Nine Network announced that three separate stand-alone crime telemovies would continue the ''Underbelly'' franchise. Known by the collective title ''Underbelly: Files'', the first was ''Tell Them Lucifer was Here'', the second ''Infiltration'' and the third ''The Man Who Got Away''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2010/06/underbelly-movie-cast.html |title=Underbelly movie cast |publisher=TV Tonight |date=21 June 2010 |access-date=21 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726144713/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2010/06/underbelly-movie-cast.html |archive-date=26 July 2010}}</ref> They premiered on Australia's Nine Network early in the 2011 ratings season. A fourth telemovie ''Chopper'' followed in 2018.

===''Underbelly Files: Tell Them Lucifer Was Here''=== {{main|Underbelly Files: Tell Them Lucifer was Here}}

''Tell Them Lucifer Was Here'' depicts the 1998 murders of Victorian police officers Gary Silk and Rod Miller. It shows the enormous efforts of the Lorimer Task Force in leading the manhunt for their killer or killers.

It stars Brett Climo, Jeremy Kewley, Todd Lasance, Greg Stone, Dimitri Baveas, Ditch Davey, Jane Allsop, Annie Jones, Paul O'Brien, Daniel Whyte, Chris Bunworth, James Taylor, Craig Blumeris, Jasmine Dare, Marshall Napier, Robert Taylor, Shanti Pezet and Lee Cormie, with a return guest appearance by Don Hany as Nik ‘The Russian’ Radev – the same character he played in the original ''Underbelly'' series (which was set a few years after the events that take place in this movie).

The movie had its premiere screening across Australia on the Nine and WIN networks on Monday 7 February 2011, followed by an encore screening on GEM on Sunday 13 February 2011.

Late in 2010, this telemovie hit a legal snag as part of a pending court case in the NSW law courts, which resulted in a slightly altered version of ''Lucifer'' being broadcast in Sydney and NSW on Monday 7 February.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|title=Airdate: Underbelly Files: Lucifer / Infiltration / Man Who Got Away|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2011/01/airdate-underbelly-files-lucifer-infiltration-man-who-got-away.html|work=TV Tonight|access-date=5 August 2013|date=28 January 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112233053/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2011/01/airdate-underbelly-files-lucifer-infiltration-man-who-got-away.html|archive-date=12 November 2013}}</ref> The version screened in NSW omitted one particular scene and changed the names of a number of individuals in the case (for example 'Bandali Debs' changed to 'Patrici Fabro'); however, in an oversight, the subtitles were not edited and showed the original names. When the DVD of the ''Underbelly Files'' telemovies were released, ''Tell Them Lucifer Was Here'' was omitted from the release in NSW only. Like the first series of ''Underbelly'' in Victoria, releases of the DVD that contained ''Tell Them Lucifer Was Here'' had a warning sticker banning the exhibition of the telemovie in NSW.

===''Underbelly Files: Infiltration''=== {{main|Underbelly Files: Infiltration}} ''Infiltration'' is an adaptation for screen from an autobiographical novel written by ex-cop Colin McLaren. He and his police partner lived undercover in Griffith, New South Wales for a number of years, in order to infiltrate the very closed and deadly Mafia community there. For days, weeks, then months and years, Colin eats with them, sits in their homes and cuddles their kids, all the while climbing the 'Ndrangheta, finally befriending the Griffith Godfather, Antonio Romeo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mup.com.au/books/9780522857467-infiltration|title=Infiltration, Colin McLaren|website=Melbourne University Publishing|date=February 2011|access-date=2018-02-01|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202012551/https://www.mup.com.au/books/9780522857467-infiltration|archive-date=2 February 2018}}</ref>

The two-hour telemovie aired on 14 February 2011 and stars Sullivan Stapleton as Colin McLaren, Jessica Napier as Jude, Tottie Goldsmith as Sara, Kassandra Clementi as Chelsea McLaren, and co-stars Valentino del Toro, Buddy Dannoun, Glenda Linscott and Henry Nixon.<ref>{{cite web|title=Underbelly Files: Infiltration|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1741678/|work=IMDb|date=14 February 2011|access-date=16 February 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218085314/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1741678/|archive-date=18 February 2011}}</ref>

===''Underbelly Files: The Man Who Got Away''=== {{main|Underbelly Files: The Man Who Got Away}} ''The Man Who Got Away'' tells the story of David McMillan who was a British born Australian drug smuggler and the only westerner in history to escape from Klong Prem prison in Bangkok.

It stars Toby Schmitz, David McMillan and Claire van der Boom as McMillan's partner Clelia Vigano. The cast also features Jeremy Sims, Aaron Jeffery, Nicholas Eadie, Brendan Cowell, Freya Stafford, Josh Lawson, John Orcsik, William Zappa, Heather Mitchell and Deidre Rubenstein. It also features Anthony Tsingas as David's father.

''The Man Who Got Away'' premiered on the Nine Network on Monday 21 February 2011.<ref name="ReferenceA" />

===''Underbelly Files: Chopper'' (2018)=== {{main|Underbelly Files: Chopper}}

''Chopper'' is based on Australia's most notorious gangster, Mark "Chopper" Read, in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/11/upfronts-2017-nine-highlights.html|title=Nine Upfronts 2017|date=8 November 2016|publisher=TV Tonight|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109021306/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/11/upfronts-2017-nine-highlights.html|archive-date=9 November 2016|url-status=live|access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref>

''Chopper'' premiered on the Nine Network on Monday February 12, 2018, and concluded on Tuesday February 13, 2018.

== Cast and characters == {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} ; ''Underbelly'' * Rodger Corser as Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Owen * Caroline Craig as Senior Detective Jacqui James * Gyton Grantley as Carl Williams * Kat Stewart as Roberta Williams * Vince Colosimo as Alphonse Gangitano * Robert Rabiah as P.K * Les Hill as Jason Moran * Martin Sacks as Mario Condello * Simon Westaway as Mick Gatto

; ''Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities'' * Roy Billing as Robert Trimbole * Anna Hutchison as Allison Dine * Matthew Newton as Terry Clark * Asher Keddie as Detective Senior Constable Liz Cruickshank * Peter Phelps as Detective Inspector Joe Messina

; ''Underbelly: The Golden Mile'' * Emma Booth as Kim Hollingsworth * Firass Dirani as John Ibrahim * Wil Traval as Joe Dooley * Cheree Cassidy as Debbie Webb * Dieter Brummer as Trevor Haken * Paul Tassone as Dennis Kelly * Daniel Roberts as Jim Egan * Damien Garvey as Graham "Chook" Fowler

; ''Underbelly: Razor'' * Danielle Cormack as Kate Leigh * Chelsie Preston Crayford as Tilly Devine * Anna McGahan as Nellie Cameron * Jack Campbell as "Big Jim" Devine * John Batchelor as Wally Tomlinson * Khan Chittenden as Frank "The Little Gunman" Green * Richard Brancatisano as Guido Calletti * Craig Hall as Detective Inspector Bill Mackay * Lucy Wigmore as Lillian May Armfield * Steve Le Marquand as Sergeant Tom Wickham

{{col-2}} ; ''Underbelly: Badness'' * Matt Nable as Detective Sergeant Gary Jubelin * Jonathan LaPaglia as Anthony "Rooster" Perish * Ben Winspear as Detective Sergeant Tim Browne * Josh Quong Tart as Andrew "Undies" Perish * Jason Montgomery as Brett "Decker" Simpson * Ella Scott Lynch as Senior Constable Camille Alavoine * Justin Smith as Matthew "Muzz" Lawton * Aaron Jeffery as Frank "Tink" O'Rourke

; ''Underbelly: Squizzy'' *Jacob Francis Worrall as 'Lil Nicky' Smith * Jared Daperis as Squizzy Taylor * Camille Keenan as Dolly Grey * Susie Porter as Rosie Taylor * Ashley Zukerman as Detective James Bruce * Luke Ford as Albert "Tankbuster" McDonald * Dan Wyllie as Detective Frederick Piggott * Ken Radley as Detective John Brophy * Nathan Page as Henry Stokes * Diana Glenn as Annie Stokes * Matt Boesenberg as John "Snowy" Cutmore * Andrew Ryan as Angus "Gus" Murray * Richard Cawthorne as "Long Harry" Slater {{col-end}}

==Viewership==

{| class="wikitable" |- style="text-align:center;" ! style="width:115px;" | Season ! style="width:115px;" | # of episodes ! style="width:115px;" | Season premiere ! style="width:115px;" | Season final ! style="width:115px;" | Average audience (millions) ! style="width:115px;" | Drama rank ! style="width:115px;" | Most watched episode ! style="width:115px;" | Viewers (millions) |- style="text-align:center;" |1 | 13 | 13 February 2008 | 7 May 2008 |'''1.260'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jimcofer.com/personal/2013/09/04/goodbye-underbelly/|title=Goodbye, Underbelly?|date=4 September 2013|website=jimcofer.com|access-date=5 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415190703/http://jimcofer.com/personal/2013/09/04/goodbye-underbelly/|archive-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> ! #2 | "Team Purana" |'''1.422'''<ref name="screenaustralia.gov.au">{{cite web |url=http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/research/statistics/tvratingdramaepisode.aspx |title=Screen Australia: Research - Australian content - TV ratings - Drama episodes |access-date=2016-04-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316132544/https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/research/statistics/tvratingdramaepisode.aspx |archive-date=16 March 2016}}</ref> |- style="text-align:center;" |2 | 13 | 9 February 2009 | 4 May 2009 |'''2.158'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/research/statistics/tvratingdramafirstseries.aspx |title=Screen Australia: Research - Australian content - TV ratings - First release drama series |access-date=2016-02-09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309214055/http://screenaustralia.gov.au/research/statistics/tvratingdramafirstseries.aspx |archive-date=9 March 2016}}</ref> ! #1 | "Aussie Bob and Kiwi Terry" |'''2.582'''<ref name="screenaustralia.gov.au" /> |- style="text-align:center;" |3 | 13 | 11 April 2010 | 27 June 2010 |'''1.659'''<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web |url=http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/research/statistics/tvratingplaybacktvdrama.aspx |title=Screen Australia: Research - Australian content - TV ratings - Australian content - Playback - Adult drama series |access-date=2016-04-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316132618/https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/research/statistics/tvratingplaybacktvdrama.aspx |archive-date=16 March 2016}}</ref> ! #2 | "Into the Mystic" |'''2.240''' |- style="text-align:center;" |4 | 13 | 21 August 2011 | 6 November 2011 |'''1.457'''<ref name="ReferenceB" /> ! #2 | "The Worst Woman in Sydney" |'''2.794'''<ref name="screenaustralia.gov.au" /> |- style="text-align:center;" |5 | 8 | 13 August 2012 | 1 October 2012 |'''1.026'''<ref name="ReferenceB" /> ! #4 | "Thy Will Be Done" |'''1.780'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2012/08/monday-13-august-2012.html|title=Monday 13 August 2012|date=13 August 2012|website=tvtonight.com.au|access-date=5 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614112553/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2012/08/monday-13-august-2012.html|archive-date=14 June 2017}}</ref> |- style="text-align:center;" |6 | 8 | 28 July 2013 | 1 September 2013 |'''0.709'''<ref name="ReferenceB" /> ! #9 | "Squizzy Steps Out" |'''1.680''' |}

== International versions and sequel series ==

=== ''Fat Tony & Co.'' === {{main|Fat Tony & Co.}} The series Fat Tony & Co. was confirmed on 3 August 2013, and production for the series began on 5 August 2013. Based on Tony Mokbel, the series covered the manhunt for Mokbel that lasted 18 months and dismantled a drug empire and was also filmed in Greece. The series saw the return of Robert Mammone as Mokbel, Vince Colosimo as Alphonse Gangitano, Gyton Grantley as Carl Williams, Les Hill as Jason Moran, Madeleine West as Danielle McGuire, Simon Westaway as Mick Gatto, Gerard Kennedy as Graham Kinniburgh and Kevin Harrington as Lewis Moran.<ref>{{cite web|last=Epstein|first=Jackie|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/television/tony-mokbel-reunites-original-underbelly-cast-for-new-series/story-fni0cc2c-1226690735236|title=Tony Mokbel reunites original Underbelly cast for new series|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Limited|access-date=9 August 2013|date=3 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221134201/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/television/tony-mokbel-reunites-original-underbelly-cast-for-new-series/story-fni0cc2c-1226690735236|archive-date=21 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=TV Tonight|first=David|last=Knox|title=Underbelly cast reunite for Fat Tony & Co.|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/08/underbelly-cast-reunite-for-fat-tony-co.html|access-date=8 August 2013|date=4 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805193555/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/08/underbelly-cast-reunite-for-fat-tony-co.html|archive-date=5 August 2013}}</ref>

=== ''Informer 3838'' === {{main|Informer 3838}} ''Informer 3838'' is a television series focusing on criminal barrister-turned police informer Nicola Gobbo (code name informer 3838) and her involvement in the Melbourne gangland killings. Commissioned by the Nine Network and produced by Screentime, it aired in late April, 2020.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/apr/07/channel-nine-begins-work-on-drama-based-on-lawyer-x-scandal Channel Nine begins work on drama based on Lawyer X scandal] ''The Guardian'' 7 April 2019</ref><ref>[https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/nine-upfront-first-look-at-ella-scott-lynch-as-nicola-gobbo-in-informer-3838-20191016-p531bm.html Nine upfront: First look at Ella Scott Lynch as Nicola Gobbo in Informer 3838] ''Brisbane Times'' 16 October 2019.</ref><ref>[https://mumbrella.com.au/nine-in-2020-mafs-lego-masters-the-voice-ninja-warrior-and-the-block-all-returning-as-network-champions-pillars-of-proven-consistency-602617 Nine in 2020: MAFS, Lego Masters, The Voice, Ninja Warrior and The Block all returning as network champions pillars of proven consistency] ''Mumbrella'' 16 October 2019</ref> It follows Nicola Gobbo from her days studying law at Melbourne University in the mid-1990s, up to the very end of the deadly gangland war in 2010 following Carl Williams' death in Barwon Prison and the aftermath. ''Informer 3838'' gives a new insight to the relationships Gobbo made in the criminal underworld with figures like Carl Williams and Tony Mokbel. The return of these characters to the ''Underbelly'' franchise also means the return of Gyton Grantley performing his previous role of Williams. Robert Mammone also resumes his casting as Mokbel. Jane Harber also returns as a policewoman this time to ''Underbelly'', previously portraying Detective Steve Owen's partner in the first season. Rhys Muldoon plays ecstasy dealer and family man Terrence Hodson.

=== American version === On 22 June 2010, it was announced that the channel Starz would remake the ''Underbelly'' series. It would not be based on the original series, but instead the writers would look for American gangs and rewrite situations in ''Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities'', replacing character traits and outcomes.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=TV Tonight|first=David|last=Knox|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2010/06/america-to-remake-underbelly.html|title=America to remake Underbelly|date=22 June 2010|access-date=21 June 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625215411/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2010/06/america-to-remake-underbelly.html|archive-date=25 June 2010}}</ref>

=== New Zealand version === {{main|Underbelly NZ: Land of the Long Green Cloud}}

This six-part mini-series aired on TV3 in New Zealand from 17 August to 21 September 2011. ''Underbelly NZ: Land of the Long Green Cloud'' is set in New Zealand between 1972 and 1980. Events depicted include the origins of the Mr. Asia drug syndicate and its original leader, Marty Johnstone. Though not a part of the Australian series chronology, this series is partly a prequel and partly runs concurrently with events in ''Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities''. Main characters include Marty Johnstone, Andy Maher and Detective Constable Ben Charlton.

== Home video releases ==

'''Underbelly DVD Releases:''' {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="font-size:90%; text-align: center" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Series ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width: 10em;" | Set details ! scope="col" colspan="3" | DVD release dates ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Special features |-

! scope="col" style="width: 12em; font-size: 100%;"| Region 1<ref>Region 1 DVD box sets: *{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Underbelly-War-Streets-Daniel-Roberts/dp/B009DA73X0/|title=Underbelly: War on the Streets (2008)|website=Amazon |access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116193510/http://www.amazon.com/Underbelly-War-Streets-Daniel-Roberts/dp/B009DA73X0|archive-date=16 January 2013}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Underbelly-Tale-Cities-Daniel-Roberts/dp/B009DA73VW/|title=Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (2008)|website=Amazon |access-date=5 August 2013}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Underbelly-Golden-Mile-Daniel-Roberts/dp/B009DA73YE/|title=Underbelly: The Golden Mile (2008)|website=Amazon |access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122135403/http://www.amazon.com/Underbelly-Golden-Mile-Daniel-Roberts/dp/B009DA73YE|archive-date=22 November 2012}} </ref>

! scope="col" style="width: 12em; font-size: 100%;"| Region 2<ref>Region 2 DVD box sets: *{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Underbelly-Complete-Season-1-DVD/dp/B001B1G6O6/|title=Underbelly – Complete Season 1 [DVD]|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609063909/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Underbelly-Complete-Season-1-DVD/dp/B001B1G6O6|archive-date=9 June 2013}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Underbelly-Tale-Two-Cities-Season/dp/B00B2N2DQ8/|title=Underbelly – A Tale of Two Cities, Season 2 [DVD]|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522151655/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Underbelly-Tale-Two-Cities-Season/dp/B00B2N2DQ8|archive-date=22 May 2013}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Underbelly-Golden-Mile-Season-DVD/dp/B00BEUUMJO/|title=Underbelly – The Golden Mile, Season 3 [DVD]|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505123053/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Underbelly-Golden-Mile-Season-DVD/dp/B00BEUUMJO|archive-date=5 May 2018}} </ref>

! scope="col" style="width: 12em; font-size: 100%;"| Region 4<ref>Region 4 DVD sets: *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-uncut-4-disc-set/dp/798574|title=Underbelly – Uncut (4 Disc Set)|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430073347/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-uncut-4-disc-set/dp/798574|archive-date=30 April 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-a-tale-of-two-cities-uncut-4-disc-set/dp/805379|title=Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities - Uncut (4 Disc Set)|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430073401/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-a-tale-of-two-cities-uncut-4-disc-set/dp/805379|archive-date=30 April 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-the-golden-mile-4-disc-set/dp/813297|title=Underbelly: The Golden Mile (4 Disc Set)|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430073412/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-the-golden-mile-4-disc-set/dp/813297|archive-date=30 April 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-razor/dp/821516|title=Underbelly: Razor|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813083609/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-razor/dp/821516|archive-date=13 August 2014}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-badness/dp/6118195|title=Underbelly: Badness|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429213538/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-badness/dp/6118195|archive-date=29 April 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-squizzy/dp/6143417|title=Underbelly: Squizzy|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911233141/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-squizzy/dp/6143417|archive-date=11 September 2013}} </ref> |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#000099; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly'' (uncut) | * Discs: 4 / 5 (Limited edition) * Episodes: 13 | {{Start date|df=yes|2013|1|29}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2009|2|9}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2008|5|8}}<ref group="note">Also released as a Limited Edition Steelbook 5 disc set on 6 November 2008</ref><ref group="note" name=series1>The first series of Underbelly is not available for sale or distribution in Victoria, due to the Supreme Court of Victoria's prohibition of its distribution or exhibition therein.</ref>

| * 'Carl Williams – The Day of Reckoning' documentary '''(Limited edition only)''' |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#006633; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities'' (uncut) | * Discs: 4 / 5 (Limited edition) * Episodes: 13 | {{Start date|df=yes|2013|1|8}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2013|3|25}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2009|5|27}}<ref group="note">Also released as a Limited Edition Steelbook 5 disc set on 5 November 2009</ref> | * Extended scenes '''(Limited edition only)''' |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#990066; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly: The Golden Mile – Fully Loaded'' | * Discs: 4 * Episodes: 13 | {{Start date|df=yes|2013|1|8}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2013|5|27}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2010|7|1}}<ref group="note">Also released as a Sanity exclusive with Lenticular Packaging and a JB Hi-Fi Exclusive Collectors Edition DVD & T-shirt boxset</ref> | * Deleted scenes * Audio commentaries on 2 episodes * Behind the scenes – interviews and on set footage |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#062230; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly: Razor'' (uncut) | * Discs: 4 * Episodes: 13 | {{n/a|TBA}} || {{n/a|TBA}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2011|11|10}} | * Deleted Scenes * VFX - Past to Present * Photo Gallery |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#CD7F32; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly: Badness'' (uncut) | * Discs: 3 * Episodes: 8 | {{n/a|TBA}} || {{n/a|TBA}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2012|10|5}} | * Deleted scenes * Cast interviews |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#DC143C; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly: Squizzy'' (uncut) | * Discs: 3 * Episodes: 8 | {{n/a|TBA}} || {{n/a|TBA}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2013|9|11}} | * Deleted scenes * Photo gallery |}

;Blu-ray {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="font-size:90%; text-align: center" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Series ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width: 10em;" | Set details ! scope="col" | Blu-ray release dates ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Special features |-

! scope="col" style="width: 12em; font-size: 100%;"| Region B<ref>Region B Blu-ray sets: *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-uncut-4-disc-set-blu-ray/dp/813860|title=Underbelly – Uncut (4 Disc Set) (Blu-ray)|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813210745/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-uncut-4-disc-set-blu-ray/dp/813860|archive-date=13 August 2014}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-a-tale-of-two-cities-uncut-3-disc-set-blu-ray/dp/815556|title=Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities - Uncut (3 Disc Set) (Blu-ray)|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813210645/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-a-tale-of-two-cities-uncut-3-disc-set-blu-ray/dp/815556|archive-date=13 August 2014}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-the-golden-mile-3-disc-set-blu-ray/dp/815557|title=Underbelly: The Golden Mile (3 Disc Set) (Blu-ray)|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-razor-blu-ray/dp/821519|title=Underbelly: Razor (Blu-ray)|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217051032/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-razor-blu-ray/dp/821519|archive-date=17 December 2012}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-badness/dp/6118196|title=Underbelly: Badness|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224193828/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-badness/dp/6118196|archive-date=24 February 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-squizzy/dp/6143418|title=Underbelly: Squizzy|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911180107/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/underbelly-squizzy/dp/6143418|archive-date=11 September 2013}} </ref> |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#000099; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly'' (uncut) | * Discs: 4 * Episodes: 13 | {{Start date|df=yes|2010|8|5}}<ref group="note" name=series1/> | * Behind the Scenes: The Underside * Carl Williams: Day of Reckoning |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#006633; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities'' (uncut) | * Discs: 3 * Episodes: 13 | {{Start date|df=yes|2010|11|4}} | * |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#990066; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly: The Golden Mile – Fully Loaded'' | * Discs: 3 * Episodes: 13 | {{Start date|df=yes|2010|11|4}} | * Deleted scenes * Audio commentaries on 2 episodes * Behind the scenes – interviews and on set footage |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#062230; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly: Razor'' (uncut) | * Discs: 3 * Episodes: 13 | {{Start date|df=yes|2011|12|1}} | * Creating the Past * Deleted scenes * Photo gallery |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#CD7F32; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly: Badness'' (uncut) | * Discs: 2 * Episodes: 8 | {{Start date|df=yes|2012|10|5}} | * Deleted scenes * Cast interviews |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#DC143C; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly: Squizzy'' (uncut) | * Discs: 2 * Episodes: 8 | {{Start date|df=yes|2013|9|11}} | * Deleted scenes * Photo gallery |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#DC143C; color:#fff;"| ''Fat Tony & Co'' (uncut) | * Discs: 2 * Episodes: 9 | {{Start date|df=yes|2014|4|9}} | * Deleted scenes |}

;DVD box sets {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="font-size:90%; text-align: center" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width: 10em;" | Set details ! scope="col" colspan="2" | DVD release dates ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Special features |-

! scope="col" style="width: 12em; font-size: 100%;"| Region 1<ref>Region 1 DVD box sets: *{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Underbelly-Trilogy-Caroline-Craig/dp/B005MTHRDW/|title=Underbelly – The Trilogy (2008)|website=Amazon |access-date=5 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114160120/http://www.amazon.com/Underbelly-Trilogy-Caroline-Craig/dp/B005MTHRDW|archive-date=14 January 2012}} </ref>

! scope="col" style="width: 12em; font-size: 100%;"| Region 4<ref>Region 4 DVD box sets: *{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/underbelly-triple-shot-14-disc-box-set/dp/815555|title=Underbelly – Triple Shot (14 Disc Box Set)|publisher=EzyDVD|access-date=5 August 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2204830/Underbelly_Boxset_S1-4_Excludes_VIC|title=Underbelly Boxset; S1-4 (Excludes VIC)|publisher=Sanity|access-date=5 August 2013}} </ref> |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#808080; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly – Triple Shot'' | * Discs: 14 * Episodes: 39 | {{n/a}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2010|11|4}}<ref group="note" name=series1/> | * |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#00FFFF; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly – The Trilogy'' | * Discs: 12 * Episodes: 39 | {{Start date|df=yes|2011|12|6}} || {{n/a}} | * |-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#FF0000; color:#fff;"| ''Underbelly – Foursome'' | * Discs: 18 * Episodes: 52 | {{n/a}} || {{Start date|df=yes|2011|12|1}}<ref group="note" name=series1/> | * |}

=== Underbelly (TV Seasons) DVDs ===

{|class="wikitable" |- ! Title ! Ep# ! Discs ! Region 1 (USA) ! Region 2 (UK) ! Region 4 (Australia) ! Special features ! Distributors |- | Underbelly: Gangland War (Season 01) | style="text-align:center;" | 13 | - | 29 January 2013 | 9 February 2009 | 8 May 2008 (Except VIC) 2019 (Vic) | The Day of Reckoning' documentary | Roadshow Entertainment |- |- | Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (uncut) (Season 2) | style="text-align:center;" | | | 8 January 2013 | 25 March 2013 | 27 May 2009 | Extended scenes (Limited edition only) | Roadshow Entertainment |- |- | Underbelly: The Golden Mile – Fully Loaded (Season 3) | style="text-align:center;" | | | 8 January 2013 | 27 May 2013 | 1 July 2010 | Deleted scenes

Audio commentaries on 2 episodes

Behind the scenes – interviews and on set footage | Roadshow Entertainment |- |- | Underbelly: Razor (uncut) (Season 4) | style="text-align:center;" | 13 | 4 | - | - | 11 November 2011 | Deleted Scenes

VFX - Past to Present

Photo Gallery | Roadshow Entertainment |- |- | Underbelly: Badness (uncut) (Season 5) | style="text-align:center;" | 08 | 03 | - | - | 5 October 2012 | Deleted scenes

Cast interviews | Roadshow Entertainment |- |- | Underbelly: Squizzy (uncut) (Season 06) | style="text-align:center;" | 08 | 03 | - | - | 11 September 2013 | Deleted scenes

| style="text-align:center;" | 02 | 02 | - | - | 4 April 2018 | Behind The Scenes: Interviews | Roadshow Entertainment |- | Informer 3838 | style="text-align:center;" | 02 | 02 | | | 17 June 2020 | None | Roadshow Entertainment |- | Underbelly: Vanishing Act | style="text-align:center;" | | - | - | - | - | - | Roadshow Entertainment |- |}

== Video game == In October 2012, ''Underbelly: Skirmish'', the first ''Underbelly'' game, was released on the iTunes app store.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} The game is available for iPhones and iPads. An Android version was in production with a release date scheduled prior to December 2012.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} The game has a "cops vs robbers" gameplay mechanic, with the player able to choose between playing as a cop, or as a member of the Rough Company.

The game was produced by ''Underbelly''{{'}}s producers, Screentime, and transmedia production company, The Project Factory, with development by Epiphany Games.

== Notes == {{Reflist|group=note}}

== References == {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Portal|Australia}} * {{Official website|http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/underbelly/}} * {{IMDb title|1119176|Underbelly}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Underbelly (TV series)}} Category:2008 Australian television series debuts Category:2013 Australian television series endings Category:2000s Australian crime television series Category:2000s Australian drama television series Category:Television series set in the 1910s Category:Television series set in the 1920s Category:Television series set in the 1970s Category:Television series set in the 1980s Category:Television series set in the 1990s Category:Television series set in the 2000s Category:Television series set in the 2010s Category:English-language Australian television shows Category:Nine Network original programming Category:Television series by Screentime Category:Television shows set in New South Wales Category:Television shows set in Victoria (state) Category:True crime television series Category:Television series about organized crime Category:Works about organised crime in Australia Category:2010s Australian crime television series Category:2010s Australian drama television series