13 schoolyards, Author at Australian Tumbleweeds
Talkin’ ’bout Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen
Game show Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation was always a bit of a marginal case when it comes to comedy. Being hosted by Shaun Micallef at his most unhinged made the first series a must-see for anyone who liked to laugh… often at (not with) Josh Thomas. The revival on Nine wasn’t exactly bad, but it... Read More »
Put the Dog in Park and Walk Away
Press release time! Has anyone ever, in the history of comedy, laughed at something described as a “feel good story”? How about “heart warming”? Or “doing good for the sake of it”? C’mon, that’s obviously a sure-fire recipe for comedy. Just think of all those hilarious kind-hearted sitcom characters over the years, like… uh… you... Read More »
A film review: But Also John Clarke
But Also John Clarke is a worthy tribute to one of Australasia’s great comedy figures. It’s a touching look at a much-loved husband and father, an insightful examination of the forces that shaped him and an always welcome retrospective covering some of the funniest material of the last 40 years. Frankly unmissable – five stars.... Read More »
Words of Wisdom
So this has been stirring up a bit of chat around the traps: “We could feel the writing was on the wall with network comedy in Australia,” says Kelly. “There are two that do it – 10 and ABC2 – but it’s Lord-of-the-Rings-style odyssey shit to get commissioned. Our experience is that when we were... Read More »
Austin: A Nation Divided
It’s the halfway point of Austin series 2, and what have we learned? Not to watch Austin for starters. When an episode begins with Austin (Michael Theo) being told by his publicist that if he wants to sell books to the kids he has to say his favourite singer is Taylor Swift… what the fuck... Read More »
Mother and Son in “Aw Hell No” shocker
Press release time oh god: Mother and Son returns to ABC this September with more laughs and chaos The ABC is pleased to announce the highly anticipated second season ofMother and Son returns, lighter and brighter with a fresh injection of fun, on Wednesday 24 September at 8:30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. Comedy... Read More »
Austin s2: Now it’s a Media Satire?
Austin is what you get when everybody making a show leaves the entertainment side of things to somebody else. Sure, there’s plenty of moments where it seems like comedy is just around the corner. But if they actually delivered any big laughs, you wouldn’t stick around for the next seven episodes. It’s not often you... Read More »
Tested to Destruction
Press release time! Like a lot of Micallef projects, Eve of Destruction got better as it went along. We’d even go so far as to say the Christmas special was worth watching even if you’re not a fan of interview shows. Sure, this will no doubt once again be budgeted on the smell of an... Read More »
Hey Look, it’s Possibly the Worst Idea in Recent Memory
Press release time! Julia Zemiro to host ABC’s new true-crime panel show Crime Night! The ABC is thrilled to announce that Julia Zemiro will host Crime Night! a comedy true-crime panel show where real-life cases are examined through the lens of criminology and comedy. Produced by Dreamchaser and Maverick Entertainment, the six-part series will see... Read More »
Back to Back (Side of Television)
The Back Side of Television is, well, back. If you’ve been looking for a chance to laugh at the weird shit Australian television has served up over the last 70-odd years, then this third season is everything you could ask for and more. Best comedy show of the year? Hang on, we haven’t seen the... Read More »