Upper Middle Bogan

Classic Aussie comedy. Would love to see more. Not a weak character in the show.

Don't let the title "Upper Middle Bogan" put you off from watching this comedy about upper middle class and doctor by profession Bess Denyar (Annie Manyard) who finds she's adopted and her real parents Julie and Wayne Wheeler who are drag racing "bogans". If Americans understood the term "bogan", definition being: An uncouth or unsophisticated, regarded as being of low social status". Rather than making fun of the lower class, this sitcom is classy with a superb fine talent led by Thespian acting legend Robin Nevin who plays the adopted mother of Bess, Michala Banas, Madeleine Jevic and Rhys Mitchell play Bess' long lost bogan siblings Amber, Brianna and Kayne, Lara Robinson and Harrison Feldman play Bess's chalk and cheese twins Edwina and Oscar and Dougie Baldwin plays Amber's son Shawn and Patrick Bramwall plays Bess's neurotic stay at home architecture husband Danny.

A real work of art that I would definitely compare to American family comedy, Modern Family.

This 8 episode series really shows the contrast of Australian society and in a way breaks down stereotypes that all Australians are 'bogans' and drive utes.

The series includes great Aussie comedy and jokes and does not seem to fail in the line of comedy. This series genuinely made me laugh and I wish that the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) continued with the series.

To find such a good Australian comedy is rare and definitely needs more recognition. For these reasons I have stated above I give it a 10 out of 10.

We enjoyed the first series and the second series is proving just as good. I won't go into the premise of the show, as that's well documented here by others, but I will say that the concept is excellent and makes for some wonderfully funny situations, especially involving the wonderful Robyn Nevin. The second episode of this new series, about sex education and related topics was totally hilarious. Great performances by everyone, and as usual, well scripted. If you haven't seen it, don't assume it is written at the expense of either upper-middle class or bogans (A peculiarly Australian term for people who are "uncultured" and enjoy life without regard for the social mores. Close, but not quite the same as the US term "red-neck"). The well-crafted characters are all endearing, even the foul-mouthed single mother played by Michala Bana, whose heart-of-gold often shines through the bluff exterior. This is a good quality, intelligently-written comedy, in my humble opinion a credit to the scriptwriter.

The first two seasons of this show are some of the best Australian TV I've ever watched. A lot of heart, love and humor right from the getgo. Easily worth a watch for the first two seasons alone. However, I feel like a majority of the third season is painfully unfunny, depressing and mean-spirited.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this show up until the third season and I recommend both for casual viewing. Very entertaining and a great, accurate representation of Australian culture.

My only gripe with the first couple of seasons is Bess' husband Danny. From the getgo, his character is a selfish jerk to his wife and his children. And throughout the show, he never had an ounce of character development. There were multiple times where he was outright abusive to his family and it became uncomfortable to watch.

Especially with the season three premiere. It's Danny at his absolute worst. And the total lack of consequences for his actions is also a massive turn-off for me.

I'd rewatch this show in a heartbeat, but only for season 1 and 2.

9/10 for Season 1 and 2.

5/10 for Season 3.