Please Like Me

Please Like Me
Please Like Me title card
Genre	Comedy Drama
Created by	Josh Thomas
Written by	Josh Thomas
Directed by	Matthew Saville
Starring	Josh Thomas Debra Lawrance David Roberts Thomas Ward Wade Briggs Caitlin Stasey Nikita Leigh-Pritchard Renee Lim Judi Farr
Country of origin	Australia
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	6 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Todd Abbott Debbie Lee Josh Thomas Kevin Whyte
Producer(s)	Todd Abbott
Editor(s)	Chris Branagan
Location(s)	Melbourne, Australia
Cinematography	Katie Milwright[1]
Running time	28 minutes (approx.)
Production company(s)	Josh and John Productions
Broadcast
Original channel	ABC2
Original run	28 February 2013 (2013-02-28) – present
External links
Official website

Please Like Me is an Australian television comedy drama series starring Josh Thomas. The series premiered on 28 February 2013 on ABC2 in Australia and had its American debut on Pivot on 1 August 2013.^[2] On 26 July 2013, it was announced that Pivot, in association with ABC2, had green-lighted a second season of ten episodes of the show.^[3]

Background

Please Like Me is written by Josh Thomas, who also plays the main character Josh. It is produced by Todd Abbott and all episodes directed by Matthew Saville.^[4] Thomas and Abott developed the series together for four years. They held a series of consultation meetings with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Abott was careful to pitch the series as a drama rather than a sitcom. It portrays a set of circumstances that could happen to a young person but has humorous themes.^[4] Thomas envisioned an original show, something he had not seen on television before. The actor, also a known comedian in Australia, wanted honesty in the script and wrote the comedy as so. He also wanted the actors to not intentionally react to the scripted jokes.^[4]

Please Like Me was originally slated to air on ABC1. It was decided that the show would be better suited on the digital channel ABC2. The broadcaster stated that the show is aimed at a younger demographic more appropriate for ABC2, while ABC1 caters to all ages. The move received accusation that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation viewed the show's content as "too gay" for their primary channel.^[5] The series begins with Josh realizing that he is gay after breaking up with Claire and getting hit on by Geoffrey. Later in the episode, his mother attempts suicide with half a bottle of Bailey's and an overdose of Panadol^[4] (acetaminophen/paracetamol), prompting him to move in with her. As the six episodes of the first season progress, the dynamics between his irritable auntie, his divorced parents, his new boyfriend, and his friends bring about a realistic representation of how life is not 100% drama or comedy.

Ironically, in September 2013, ABC1 started running the series on Wednesday nights (10pm), six months after its original ABC2 run.

Cast

Series overview

Episodes

Reception

Anthony D. Langford from AfterElton.com said that he "absolutely loved this charming series. It’s funny and sweet and has plenty of heart." He also praised Thomas' portrayal of Josh and wished that US broadcasters could emulate the show's format.^[22] He later said that he would miss the show and hoped a second season would be commissioned. He added that he did not want to say goodbye to Josh's world.^[23] Andrew Mast from praised Brigg's "naturalistic performances" and the inclusion of accomplished actress Farr. But he criticised Saville's direction of the show and Ward's acting abilities. He concluded that Thomas' writing was good and comedic, but the on-screen delivery did not meet his expectations.^[24] David Knox from TV Tonight praised the performances of many cast members. He opined that the dynamic between Josh and his parents created a "very rich comedic terrain" for the show. He added that Please Like Me displays "a confidence that delivers laughs, pathos and insight".^[25] Colin Vickery and Darren Devlyn News.com.au said that it "has a sweetness that sets it apart from other boundary-pushing comedies".^[5] Giles Hardie from The Age praised the show for "breaking new ground" and not making stereotypes of gay characters. He viewed the comedy as being genuine without feeling like a sitcom. He noted that coming out and attempted suicide are given humour without the gags. Hardie concluded that Josh, his family and friends were "incredibly well" played.^[26] His colleague Scott Ellis believed that Please Like Me was an important show and the type of material the ABC should be investing more in. He also branded it "gentle" and insightful when covering "tough ground".^[26] Fellow critic Craig Mathieson also agreed that the show's darker moments are some of the most humorous and compared it to US show Louie.^[4] Please Like Me received an invitation to screen at the Series Mania Television Festival in Paris.^[27]

International broadcast

It was announced in July 2013 that the series would air in the United States as part of the launch programming of Pivot, a new digital cable and satellite television channel which released the first episode of the series online prior to its screening on the channel.^[28] It will also offer the series as part of its video on demand service.^[28] The series debuted on Pivot on 1 August 2013 with a marathon that aired all 6 first season episodes in a row.

Pivot also launched the website pleaselikeme.org aimed at viewers sharing stories that break the stigma and fear of not being liked, celebrate honesty and defy judgement.^[29]

See also

• List of Australian television series
• List of Australian Broadcasting Corporation programs

References

External links

• Official website
• Pivot campaign website
• Please Like Me at the Internet Movie Database