TV Highlights: From The Exhibitionists to This Is Going to Hurt, here is what to tune into this week

The Exhibitionists

Tuesday, 8.30pm, ABC

If put on the spot, how many female Australian artists could you name?

Alternatively, could you name more male ones? It’s very likely, and a disparity this surprisingly hilarious and enlightening documentary is helping to address.

It starts with four friends (played by Mandy McElhinney, Bridie Carter, Bessie Holland and Veronica Milsom) who after enjoying a few too many drinks at the National Gallery dare each other to get locked inside overnight after an event.

But upon exploring the exhibitions after dark they are outraged to learn that only a quarter of art works in the Australian collection are by women artists.

With the assistance of female art historians and curators, they shine a light on artists like Dorrit Black, Janet Cumbrae Stewart, Emily Kame Kngwarreye and Julie Rrap, and also take matters into their own hands to rectify this imbalance.

Airing on International Women’s Day, you’ll walk away with a renewed appreciation for the artistic talent in this country, but might also kick yourself for not having heard of many of these women sooner.

Drama

This Is Going To Hurt

Now streaming on Binge

We’ve gained a renewed appreciation for health care workers during the pandemic and this series honours those who care for us in our most vulnerable moments.

But it will also leave you incredibly mad at the chronic underfunding of hospital systems (in this case the NHS) and how overworked the people who keep them running are.

Based on the memoir of the same name by Adam Kay, this at times confronting series follows Adam (Ben Whishaw), a doctor working in obstetrics and gynaecology who is exhausted, but under immense pressure to ensure the safety of his patients.

This might be a stark reality check for many of us, but it is also gripping to watch as life and death decisions come into extreme focus.

Drama

Pieces of Her

Now streaming on Netflix

When enjoying a birthday lunch at a local diner, Andy (Bella Heathcote) is caught in a deadly mass shooting.

While she is paralysed, her mother Laura (Toni Collette) jumps into action, confronting the shooter and responding in a way that sees her become a hero around the country.

But the act of bravery soon unearths long-held family secrets that put them both at risk.

Based on the bestselling thriller by Karin Slaughter, this adrenaline-filled ride will have you hooked from the start.

Drama

The Teacher

Friday, 8.30pm, ABC

Soon after a drunken night out where she has no memory of what happened, high school English teacher Jenna (Sheridan Smith) faces a shocking allegation — that she slept with one of her teenage students.

The hard drinking and hard smoking educator clashes with colleagues at times, but is dedicated to her work and the pupils.

Though it is initially unclear whether she is guilty, the fallout is devastating as she tries to determine whether or not she could have done something so insidious.