Please Like Me

I was not immediately drawn in by Please Like Me. It wasn't particularly entertaining or interesting during the first two episodes I had watched by chance when my Netflix account had unlocked the show while traveling in Europe. Once the show was released on Hulu here in the US, I decided to give it another chance.

The characters quickly grow on you. The main character Josh goes from abrasive to endearing. Someone you can relate to and empathize with. The writing of the show has a certain humanization that makes all the characters entirely relateable, even when they are being awful. You hate the ones you're supposed to hate, and love the ones that are flawed. They grow on you; each one in their own way. It wasn't long before I was completely smitten with the characters and couldn't wait to see where they were headed.

The show has a uniqueness and genuineness that comes across on screen because they appear to shoot on location. You can tell they are in a real city, in a real house or flat, or hospital, or restaurant. It adds to the immersion you feel with the characters and their story line.

The tone of the show has a unique voice, and a particular feel of reality as a millennial. The fact that the main character is gay is not overplayed or exacerbated. It's not reminded with fanfare, but simply a vessel that story arcs carry.

Brilliantly acted, highly entertaining. Commit to the first season (series) if you do decide to watch it, as the first couple of episodes may not take right away.

Please Like Me is a very thoughtful dark comedy, and there isn't anything else quite like it. The writing is amazing. From a first glance this show might appear to be about gay life in Australia, and I've read several descriptions of the show that say something like that, but it's just a really funny show about life, generally, with a main character and many side characters who happen to be gay. It can be dark and depressing at times, and sometimes silly, but always very insightful without trying too hard, being pretentious, or going for shock value like so many shows seems to do for a laugh. We could use a lot more shows like this one.

Josh Thomas stars in the show that he created and writes. Each show is well directed and produced. It is a show with both awkward and relatable comedy that is realistic and natural. The best quality of the show is how honest and direct the character Josh is. The supporting cast are excellent, and the time share is well balanced.

It is good to see TV networks including progressive story lines rather than the old, tired gay story lines that cast characters as struggling, rejected, unhappy and depressed.

It's also refreshing to have a comedy that includes a sensible gay role model rather than reverting to the overtly flamboyant and eccentric overused stereotype.

The central character and type of comedy will probably split opinion. For those reasons, I would not criticise but rather appreciate it for what it tries to be, and in that respect, 10 out of 10 is well deserved.

If you haven't already, watch this show!

I don't normally write reviews but have been so thoroughly entertained by this show that I couldn't resist writing one.

I only recently discovered this show and have binge-watched as much as I could.

Wow what a great watch, with ups and downs, funny parts, real-life situations and sad parts. This was one of the most enjoyable shows I've watched in years.

The story and acting were all superb.

I wish I had lived in a shared house with friends as close as portrayed in this show.

Well done to all involved in making this show, you've all contributed to a beautiful story which I enjoyed on many, many levels.

I had no expectations of this show whatsoever and pretty much watched it randomly.. I was pleasantly surprised. I've scored it an 8 based on the 2nd and 3rd season of the show, though I would rate the first season lower, probably a 6, as it takes a while to understand, and like the characters.

Josh, the main character is a recently out gay guy living with his best friend and various others over time. Each one of the main characters is quite complex, yet surprisingly relatable.

While on the surface the show is very whimsical and comical, they have tackled some really difficult issues, such as depression and suicide in an incredible manner - the later episodes are particularly moving.

I think the jokes only gain in strength as it goes along too, while at first I found it a little stilted, many of the episodes have made me laugh out loud.

There are sex scenes, nothing too intimate shown but obviously if you're not cool with gay romance - this is not for you.

Overall, would recommend - could see myself watching this again.