The Time of Our Lives

I can't remember when I've enjoyed an Australian series so much! The show is well written, and perfectly cast. All the characters are believable, Shane Jacobsen and Justine Clarke are outstanding in their roles, as are William McInnes and Claudia Karvan, to name a few. I haven't seen Michelle Vergara Moore perform before but she is excellent in this. I wouldn't miss an episode, and family, friends and colleagues I've spoken with share my opinion ... favourite topic of conversation Monday lunchtimes is discussing the Sunday night's episode! The actors pretty much portray a cross-section of issues facing any Australian community, and do it with class. (This is the first review I've bothered to write here ... I felt I had to share my enjoyment of this show).

pretty good pedigree of writers and producers, very likable characters. The show is not overly predictable and hits all the right notes, nothing controversial or groundbreaking unlike some of its predecessors (secret life of us ,love my way etc) - probably the main downside is the farcical / not even real jokes the pretend stand-up comedians give at the comedy club that is a regular hangout for the characters on the show. The actors are all great fits with some more than others (Karvan for example) are riveting to watch with the real emotional quality they bring to their respective roles but even the short term characters for subplots are excellent . Im waiting patiently for season 2 now that my favourite characters are intertwining and others are on equally interesting trajectories

This was a wonderful series, and I found many of the issues that the characters had to deal with actually reflecting the issues facing a number colleagues and friends. While the situations were not of course fictional the emotions and ways to manage issues are no different to the way we have to manage in real life

I loved the wide range of interactions that so realistically reflected real life in its many layered complexity. The writers had managed to portray how we try to live and survive in our hectic world.

I did feel however that as the series came to the last part it seemed to me as though the actors were starting to get out of character and a different director was at the wheel, or a new writer was involved . This meant for me a great series sort of tapered off in quality at the end of the series run

Come on series 2.

It is fair to say that the quality of the cast gives the show a big lift. The cast are well chosen for their roles and, mostly, familiar faces. It is also fair to say that the script does let the show down, however, not very often fortunately. The overall story is believable while being meaty enough to stir up the emotions from time to time. I have found no difficulty in following the many interwoven stories of the characters lives. The realism of relationships between friends and families can be sometimes annoying and sometimes warm and fuzzy, and there are bits for most people to relate to. I have heard many friends and colleagues talk of the show and discuss the characters or plot lines that seem to get them going, so I always have someone to share my favorite bits with, or bag the characters that are annoying me. The show has that multi faceted look at life feel, similar to 'Love My Way'(which Claudia Karvan was also in). It is different in that it's not as edgy or "sexy", perhaps a little more appealing to a wider audience. Go Aussie drama !!

What a very pleasant surprise when I turned the channel that day to find this outstanding Aussie show. I found myself wrapped up into their daily lives. I could not get home fast enough from work to find what was in store for the families on the show. ( That does sound as if I have no life ha-ha ) The stories each family told was amazing. I loved the comedy and the true to home bits of the episodes. I was truly saddened when I read that there was no more episodes to watch. The show will be missed by this fan. The cast was amazing well done job to all. The creators also amazing. thank you thank you please write more very soon I loved it.