Puberty Blues

We just tried watch the first episode (season 1). Slow, tedious, mediocre script, borderline acting, are the descriptions that come to mind. The movie (1980?) was better, and that's saying a lot because it wasn't very good either.

I came across this on the free streaming service Tubi. It concerns two girls growing up in the late 1970s in Australia and their families. From an American point of view it is quite jarring. First, as an American I sometimes have trouble understanding what they are saying (lots of Australian slang) -- in terms of a guy breaking up with you they call it "being dropped." It is also filled with sex and nudity. Something even pay tv doesn't really do these days. Sue and Debbie are "good" girls determined to get in with the cool group. To do so basically the rules are, that Sue and Debbie seem fine with, you just give up sex at the drop of a hat to any boy in the group. At first I wanted to give up on the show but both learn important lessons and the results are more "are you there god it is me Margret" than "Euphoria". One good break from the girls is the parents. Unlike most teen dramas each of the girls parents have their own storylines that make sense for people with teenage kids in the 70s. Sue's parents are dealing with a struggling business and trying to keep the magic alive for people that love each other. Debbie's parents are in marriage counseling and Dad is contemplating an affair. All of these stories are somewhat boring by todays standards but effectively told and engrossing. One reason I can't give it a full 10 stars is that it is a little depressing so far. At one point Debbie's little brother after watching all the dysfunction around him says he doesn't want to grow up if this world is what is waiting for him. Right there with you man.

I agree this was a great series! I could really relate as I grew up in the same era. So I was happy to read online today that there is indeed a second series to be aired some time this year. Aussie TV at its best. I love the cast & adore the characters Debbie & Sue played by the talented Ashleigh Cummings & Brenna Harding! Both their individual journeys, and as a pair, are so compelling and the performances so believable. It makes for an intelligent, powerful drama that we can't stop watching! I must add that I also love Ashleigh in the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries (another great Aussie TV show) and mention what an awesome actor Sean Keenan is also, I loved him in Lockie Leonard too. Really looking forward to the series two!

Loved it!!!

The wonderful stupid life we lived as kids growing up.

The groups we wished we were in.

The boy/girl that made us feel butterflies.

And to realise what our parents went through, Sometimes with some amazing advice, that made you think they weren't your parents for a moment.

And don't forget the decor and fashion.

And no mobile phones, no Facebook...just memories and faded photos.

I came across the show by accident and thought just to give it a try. I have to say that it was totally worth it. The series is great and its been a long time since a show has pulled me off my feet. The quality of the cast is amazing with characters who blend in very well with each other. The mixture of young and "old" actors makes the show interesting and special. The story line of the show is fantastic and exciting and at every end of an episode it leaves you longing for the next. As I am watching from Germany I just heard about the low ratings of the show in Australia- Maybe the show should air in more countries! I really do hope to see a season three coming up!