For this week’s hidden gem, we move to the country, continent and island that has been referred around the world as “The Land Down Under” – Australia. Please Like Me is an Australian television series that premiered on February 28th 2013 on ABC TV Plus (Then titled ABC2). The comedy-drama later aired in the United States on the US network Pivot, who then helped in developing the acclaimed series from the second season onwards.
Please Like Me was initially pitched as a drama rather than a sitcom by the executive producer of the series, Todd Abbott – and for good reason. The series explores very realisitic issues like suicide, homophobia, acceptance and loneliness among other things in a very humorous tone. Comedian Josh Thomas created and wrote most of the now-running-on-Netflix Australian TV series as well as stars in it.
The four season, thirty two episodic series ran from Feb of 2013 till mid December of 2016. The show was critically acclaimed for its premise, dialogue and writing. Josh Thomas wanted a realistic performance around a real script and he made a banger of a series as Please Like Me’s showrunner. The series is said to have broke new ground including featuring ‘non-stereotyped gay characters’ and portrayal of depression.
Please Like Me follows a 20-something youth named Josh who is going through multiple big changes in his life as he navigates through adulthood. Right after his girlfriend dumps him, Josh realizes that he is gay. While dealing with this shocker, he is forced to move in with his mother after she attempts to kill herself. He has to then leave his house and then live with his best friend Tom. With his life in pieces and no room to breathe, especially for someone like Josh who can’t handle drama or emotion, he is forced to deal with it all, in his own awkward way.
All four seasons of Please Like Me are available for streaming on Netflix.