Brooke Satchwell Stars in New Australian Drama Dear Life, Exploring Grief and Human Connection
Australian actor Brooke Satchwell headlines a powerful new drama series titled Dear Life, which premiered on streaming service Stan on New Year’s Day 2026. The six‑part show, co‑created and directed by husband‑and‑wife team Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, delves into loss, love and the emotional aftermath of bereavement through an original and intimate story.
In the series, Satchwell plays Lillian, a woman in her 40s struggling to cope after the sudden death of her fiancé Ash, a young doctor whose life ended tragically. Rather than retreating inward, Lillian becomes determined to contact the people whose lives were saved through Ash’s organ donations, a journey that challenges conventional boundaries and leads to unexpected connections.
The premise was inspired by co‑creator Robyn Butler’s own reflections on love and loss, particularly the question of how life might continue after the death of a partner, and whether organ donation could offer a form of solace. Dear Life follows Lillian as she tracks down recipients of her fiancé’s donated organs, confronting both the practical and emotional stakes of such encounters.
The series blends heartfelt drama with moments of warmth and humour, showcasing how grief manifests differently in each character. Alongside Satchwell, the cast includes Eleanor Matsuura as Lillian’s friend Mary, who struggles with her own trauma, and Ryan Johnson as Lillian’s cousin Hamish, offering grounding perspectives on loss and resilience.
Dear Life marks a shift for Butler and Hope away from their established careers in comedy toward more dramatic storytelling, but with storytelling deeply rooted in real emotional experiences. The creators also consulted with transplant communities and donation advocacy groups to bring authenticity to the series, especially around the sensitive issue of donor‑recipient bonds and privacy.
The show has drawn praise for Satchwell’s deeply human performance, though some critics note that its narrative ambitions occasionally feel uneven. Still, Dear Life stands out as a thoughtful exploration of grief, love and the possibility of hope emerging from loss, themes that resonate with viewers as a fresh drama entry at the start of 2026.