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!

I initially loved the first season but now that I am towards the end of season two I can't help but feel slightly disappointed. I feel like I am distantly watching their lives from the sideline instead of feeling immersed in it. The show has shattered off in different directions too early and makes me dissatisfied with the direction they have gone with.

Season one made sense but I am finding it difficult to fathom their relationships. It has by no means turned terrible, it is still a good show but I enjoy watching it less this season. I am not prepared to give up on it and will continue to watch if there is a season three but I hope it improves. It would be sad if Puberty Blues peaked in the first season.

Let me start off with this review to explain how amazing it is. When you think of 'Puberty Blues' you may think typical teeny-bopper drama, focusing only on those two girls; essentially it is, but, the show also revolves around the lives of other unique characters, that a realistic in relation of a real person. Every single Actor/Actress are fantastic, each hit the high note for their role and never lack in convincing the audience. Season 2 is scheduled for 2014, and I'm absolutely pumped. I have no doubt that season 2 will be just as amazing as the first, perhaps, even better. If you decide to start watching the show, I promise you will be hooked by the first episode.