Barons

I really liked the simple nature of this show, but it does have enough twists and turns to make it slightly more complex that you think. This is clever. Its fun and engaging and never pretends to be something it isn't. Acting was mostly strong, and the shots are great with particular reference to the surfing, so I would definitely recommend this one.

I don't think show has the budgets of the big US drama series, but look past that and simple enjoy the experience. I will be watching for Season 2 for sure.

Excellent local drama with a diverse cast and a compelling story - as well as lots of eye candy and brilliant surfing footage. Barons is a classic tale of friend against friend set in the heady days of the early 70s. It looks great and the rivalry between the two leads feels authentic and true. As well as being entertaining it also sensitively examines a lot of issues such as racism, sexism and the early days of the social justice/protest movement - but never in a way that feels preachy, diadactic or gets in the way of the narrative. It's great to see this kind of investment in Australian drama and it deserves a wide audience. Highly recommended.

This is really interesting concept wise as Australian content. Barons is based on the history and culture surrounding the surfing empires Quiksilver and Billabong. Really fascinating. Visually - the costumes and design are mad, and the soundtrack's excellent. Performance wise, it's refreshing Aussie talent - Hunter Page Lochard is a highlight. Big recommend.

Quite reminiscent of time gone by. I only realised after watching the 1st episode that it's loosely based on the beginnings of these surf companies. Lots of potential, I just hope it doesn't go the way of indulgent melodrama.

Barons beautifully paints a picture of a very specifically Australian Surf culture as it emerged in the 70's. The way this is shot and presented gives an immersive and sensuous window into that time, drenched in sun and film light leaks. The story and settings are well put together, but the casting choices are the real standout, with Sean Keenan, Ben O'Toole, Jillian Nguyen and the rest of the ensemble blending together beautifully to give a sense of the dynamics shifting between them, but also wonderfully portraying the period in which it is set.