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It was announced in July 2013 that the series would air in the United States as part of the launch programming of [[Pivot (TV channel)|Pivot]], a new [[digital cable]] and [[satellite television]] [[Television channel|channel]] which will release the first episode of the series online prior to its screening on the channel.<ref name="Pivot">{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|title=Josh Thomas comedy picked up by new US cable channel|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/07/josh-thomas-comedy-picked-up-by-new-us-cable-channel.html|work=[[TV Tonight]]|accessdate=12 July 2013|date=12 July 2013}}</ref> It will also offer the series as part of its [[video on demand]] service.<ref name="Pivot"/> The series debuted on Pivot on August 1st, 2013 with a marathon that aired all 6 first season episodes in a row.
It was announced in July 2013 that the series would air in the United States as part of the launch programming of [[Pivot (TV channel)|Pivot]], a new [[digital cable]] and [[satellite television]] [[Television channel|channel]] which will release the first episode of the series online prior to its screening on the channel.<ref name="Pivot">{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|title=Josh Thomas comedy picked up by new US cable channel|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/07/josh-thomas-comedy-picked-up-by-new-us-cable-channel.html|work=[[TV Tonight]]|accessdate=12 July 2013|date=12 July 2013}}</ref> It will also offer the series as part of its [[video on demand]] service.<ref name="Pivot"/> The series debuted on Pivot on August 1st, 2013 with a marathon that aired all 6 first season episodes in a row.


Pivot also launched the website [http://www.pleaselikeme.org/|pleaselikeme.org] aimed at viewers sharing stories that brak the stigma and fear of not being liked, celebrate honesty and defy judgement.<ref>http://www.pleaselikeme.org/</ref>
Pivot also launched the website [http://www.pleaselikeme.org/| pleaselikeme.org] aimed at viewers sharing stories that brak the stigma and fear of not being liked, celebrate honesty and defy judgement.<ref>http://www.pleaselikeme.org/</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 04:57, 2 August 2013

Please Like Me
Please Like Me title card
GenreComedy
Drama
Created byJosh Thomas
Written byJosh Thomas
Directed byMatthew Saville
StarringJosh Thomas
Debra Lawrence
David Roberts
Thomas Ward
Wade Briggs
Caitlin Stasey
Nikita Leigh-Pritchard
Renee Lim
Judi Farr
Country of originAustralien
Original languageEnglisch
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes6 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersTodd Abbott
Debbie Lee
Josh Thomas
Kevin Whyte
ProducerTodd Abbott
Production locationMelbourne, Australia
CinematographyKatie Milwright[1]
HerausgeberChris Branagan
Running time28 minutes (approx.)
Production companiesJosh and John Productions
Original release
NetworkABC2,
Pivot (USA)
Release28 February 2013 (2013-02-28) –
present

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 it's 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 planned to air on ABC1. It was decided that 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 for 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 realising that he is gay and his mother attempting suicide with an overdose of Panadol.[4]

Cast

Actor Character Ref
Josh Thomas Josh [6]
Caitlin Stasey Claire [7]
Thomas Ward Tom [8]
Wade Briggs Geoffrey [9]
Nikita Leigh-Pritchard Niamh [10]
David Roberts Alan (Dad) [11]
Debra Lawrance Rose (Mum) [12]
Renee Lim Mae [13]
Judi Farr Aunty Peg [14]
Andrew S. Gilbert Rod [15]

Series overview

Series Episodes Originally aired DVD release date
Season premiere Season finale Region 4 Region 2
1 6 28 February 2013 (2013-02-28) 28 March 2013 (2013-03-28) 4 April 2013 (2013-04-04)[16] TBA

Episodes

No. Titel Directed by Written by Original air date Australian viewers
1"Rhubarb and Custard"Matthew SavilleJosh Thomas28 February 2013 (2013-02-28)176,000[17]
2"French Toast"Matthew SavilleJosh Thomas28 February 2013 (2013-02-28)176,000[17]
3"Portuguese Custard Tarts"Matthew SavilleJosh Thomas7 March 2013 (2013-03-07)178,000[18]
4"All You Can Eat"Matthew SavilleJosh Thomas14 March 2013 (2013-03-14)Not ranked[19]
5"Spanish Eggs"Matthew SavilleJosh Thomas21 March 2013 (2013-03-21)Not ranked[20]
6"Horrible Sandwiches"Matthew SavilleJosh Thomas28 March 2013 (2013-03-28)Not ranked[21]

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 comissioned. 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 will release 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 August 1st, 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 brak the stigma and fear of not being liked, celebrate honesty and defy judgement.[29]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Katie Milwright - Director Of Photography". katiemilwright.com. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  2. ^ http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/news/article_1716992.php/Pivot-s-quirky-Please-Like-Me-features-Josh-Thomas-VIDEO
  3. ^ http://www.pivot.tv/sites/default/files/downloadable_content/Please_Like_Me_%207.26.13.pdf
  4. ^ a b c d e Mathieson, Craig (21 February 2013). "Thomas the frank engine". The Age. (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  5. ^ a b Vickery, Colin (27 February 2013). "Is Josh Thomas's show too gay for ABC1?". News.com.au. (News Limited). Retrieved 31 March 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ "Josh". ABC Online. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  7. ^ "Claire". ABC Online. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  8. ^ "Tom". ABC Online. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  9. ^ "Geoffrey". ABC Online. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  10. ^ "News". Catherine Poulton Management. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  11. ^ "Alan (Dad)". ABC Online. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  12. ^ "Rose (Mum)". ABC Online. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  13. ^ "About the Show". ABC Online. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  14. ^ "Aunty Peg". ABC Online. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  15. ^ "Please Like Me - All You Can Eat". ABC Online. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  16. ^ "Please Like Me: Series 1". Ezy DVD. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  17. ^ a b Knox, David (1 March 2013). "The great ratings divide". TV Tonight. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  18. ^ Knox, David (8 March 2013). "Thursday 7 March 2013". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 March 2013.
  19. ^ Knox, David (15 March 2013). "Thursday 14 March 2013". TV Tonight. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  20. ^ Knox, David (22 March 2013). "Thursday 21 March 2013". TV Tonight. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  21. ^ Knox, David (29 March 2013). "Thursday 28 March 2013". TV Tonight. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  22. ^ Langford, Anthony D. (6 March 2013). "Langford on Soaps: Is It The End For Christian And Ollie on "Forbidden Love?"". AfterElton.com. (Logo TV). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  23. ^ Langford, Anthony D. (27 March 2013). "Langford on Soaps: Brendan Goes Out With A Bang and A Whimper on "Hollyaoks"". AfterElton.com. (Logo TV). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  24. ^ Mast, Andrew (6 March 2013). "The TV Set: It's Hard To Like Josh Thomas". Music.com.au. (Street Press Australia Pty). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  25. ^ Knox, David (25 February 2013). "Please Like Me". TV Tonight. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  26. ^ a b Hardie, Giles (21 February 2013). "Please Like Me". The Age. (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 1 April 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ Knox, David (22 February 2013). "Please Like Me, Puberty Blues selected for French TV festival". TV Tonight. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  28. ^ a b Knox, David (12 July 2013). "Josh Thomas comedy picked up by new US cable channel". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  29. ^ http://www.pleaselikeme.org/