Wanted is an Australian drama television series which premiered on the Seven Network in Australia on 9 February 2016. The first season consisted of six episodes. It was renewed for a six-episode second season, which premiered with a double-episode on 5 June 2017. The series was renewed for a third season which premiered on October 15, 2018.
Plot
Two women, Lola and Chelsea, are waiting at a suburban bus stop before midnight. A car crashes in front of them, and two masked men arrive and shoot the driver dead. Lola struggles with the masked attacker and the gun goes off, killing him. The other man is unmasked and he takes them both hostage. They escape but are caught up in a larger criminal conspiracy, and go on the run across Australia in a vehicle filled with cash. They are chased by criminals and corrupt police, being able to trust only each other. The end of season 1 seems to end with a resolution until Lola receives a disturbing call. Season 2 finds the ladies in both Thailand and New Zealand as they try to save a kidnapped family member. Their bravery cost them their freedom, setting the stage for Season 3 which starts off with them being incarcerated. The ladies choose freedom through witness protection but trouble once again finds Lola where she decides to track down Chelsea, and the two go off on another run, while being relentlessly pursued by Detective Max Middleton. They come across a group of dangerous people involved in a human smuggling operation, choosing once again to risk their lives and freedom to be able help people begging for their help.
The series was first announced in August 2015 following an undisclosed funding amount from Screen Australia and investment of AU$27,768 from Screen Queensland. The series was filmed in various locations in Queensland. Shirley Barrett was initially named as director, but Peter Templeman and Jennifer Leacey were later named. The series is created by husband and wife Rebecca Gibney and Richard Bell, co-founders of R&R Productions which is the production company behind the series, along with Matchbox Pictures. The series will be distributed internationally by Universal Media Studios International. Production began in September 2015 and wrapped in early December, totalling 10 weeks in 60 locations. In August 2016, it was confirmed that Wanted had been renewed for a second season of six episodes filmed in Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand.
Promotion
The Seven Network released a 90-second promo in December 2015, advising the series would begin airing in February 2016. The premiere date was later confirmed as 9 February.
Ratings
Season 1 (2016)
The first season averaged 1.24 million viewers and was the highest rated Australian drama series of 2016.
