800 Words

800 Words was recently broadcast on PBS, and watching the 1st season made me buy as many series of it as I could get my hands on. The premise of the show has been discussed in other reviews, so I won't repeat it, but I'll give my opinion as to why the show is so good. The characters, actors and scripts are excellent, as is the scenery. The way it takes the trope of a quirky small town with "outsiders" adjusting to life there works so well because the show is very funny and very serious at the same time. That combination of laughing and then thinking - wow- this has something important to say about being human, grieving, family dynamics, making mistakes, loving and muddling through. It isn't preachy. It steals your heart because you fall in love with the characters. Even the town "villain" is likable in a way because the quirky characters are fleshed out human beings. The handyman is laid back and might be taken as a fool, but as with the Shakespearen fool, he has the role of helping his employer see the lay of the land and the people in it- plus he has a heart of gold. There are special characters throughout that show up in one episode (the has-been surfer dude is one of my favorites) and townspeople who make regular appearances. I like comedy to be meaningful, and meaningful drama to contain comedy. This show hits the bullseye.

It's the best series since Parenthood, every character is endearing, the writing is excellent, the dialogues aren't trivial but compelling and believable. George's struggle with the loss of his wife is palpable and tears your heart out! George is vulnerable which adds an extra layer of attraction to the quirky and beautiful women of Weld. Tongue in cheek humor is cleverly laced throughout the storyline and I can't wait for each new episode!

I have loved this show since I found it streaming on Acorn TV here in the States. It's not often that we get to see the quality programs from New Zealand/Australia and that's not because there aren't any, it's because every time there is one (A Place to Call Home from OZ comes to mind) it gets canceled! Now the same has happened to 800 Words and there are enough characters to keep the show going many more seasons. I don't often get attached emotionally to series tv but this one was of the exceptions. As far as some people not understanding the liberal parenting style of the father in this series it's important to remember that drama can't be drama if there isn't tension in the writing. Who'd want two perfect children who never do anything wrong? I will miss this show. Maybe someone from NetFlix will pick it up!!

This series was a surprise for me. I didn't realise how much I would love this and its feel good feeling it leaves you with.

Highly recommend watching when you need a bit of a laugh but want something a little deeper as well.

I love that it's Australian & New Zealand roots and the acting talent is one of the best to come on to Australian tv since McLeod daughters.

I'm hoping for a 4th season!

After his wife dies, he brings his teenage kids from a big city in Australia to small town New Zealand to start over. Characters are quirky without over-doing it. I enjoyed it so much from the first episode that I binge-watched the first two series in a day and a half, and am looking forward to the third.