Austin

Despite good performances and an intriguing premise, I felt the focus of the series was misplaced.

Most of the running time was spent on the main couple's marital, professional and First World problems. And then there was a pointless sub-plot about Austin parent's bizarrely flying around the world to sit in a car.

In fact, it wouldn't take a huge rewrite to make this show not about a person on the autistic spectrum.

Perhaps that was the point. Maybe we shouldn't make a big issue out of autism. But it seems a wasted opportunity to create a character like Austin and then not explore all the positive and challenging aspects of being on the spectrum, especially nowadays when so many people could potentially relate to it, learn from it and even benefit from it.

Normally not a fan of Australian tv, but this is well made and quirky enough to enjoy. Ben Miller and Sally Phillips are great as they usually are and Michael Theo is an absolute gem! Storyline is a bit predictable, but has enough funny moments to sail through, with some genuine lols (eg. The Nazi bookshop password). Great supporting cast and characters, particularly if you are familiar with the publishing industry! The themes of long forgotten affairs, awkward family dynamics, and nostalgia for youth make a nice undercurrent. And, of course, the beautiful Canberra scenery is enough to make anyone smile. More please!

First off, I have to wonder why several significant roles in the series don't show up in the cast list. No one is listed for the daughter. No one is listed for the documentary maker. No one is listed for Austin's possible new girlfriend. No one is listed for the tour guide, and And I recognized him from several other series. Billie Piper isn't listed, though she appears in two episodes. Why is the Cast List so incomplete?

The show itself is a joy to watch. I found it by accident. And it turned out to be a happy accident. All of the acting is terrific, from the meatiest roles to the tiniest appearances. Each episode is both light hearted, clever, and heart warming. I've only seen Ben Miller in dramatic roles in the past. This was a pleasant surprise for me.

All in all I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for some laughs, smiles, a few tears, and a warm feeling in your chest.

Watched the first episode on TV and had to binge the rest on iView. What a beautiful and heart warming series. Michael Theo...what a star! I hope we see more of this great talent on our screens.

The storyline was great, and everyone in this series played terrific roles, including the cameos. And what a pleasant surprise to see something filmed in Canberra, apart from politics.

In a time where there is a lot of doom and gloom on TV, watching Austin will make you forget all the bad news, I promise you!

I really hope there will be a second series for this wonderful show.

It's a 10 out 10 for Austin!

Austin

This was a strange curiosity of a drama, and whilst we had an inventive script and some quite inspired acting, it lacked any heft, it was just all a bit bland or beige.

It really wasn't very funny and certainly didn't hit the minimum bar for a comedy of 5 out loud laughs per episode!

Had I been commissioning this show it would not have been made at all. However this all sounds like I didn't enjoy it, but you would be wrong. Austin was well drawn and really quite compelling and I thought the acting here was on the nail. I enjoyed the gentle viewing and the feel good feel!

I'm going to give this a firm 7 outta 10, but it certainly is niche viewing!