BEST AUSTRALIAN COMEDY SERIES': My Top 50 Oz-Coms
by NozinAroun81 | created - 12 Jul 2013 | updated - 14 Nov 2018 | PublicPLEASE NOTE:
The first 10 are my top 10 in alphabetical order... and therefore no particular order.
The next 40 are my bottom 40 in alphabetical order... and therefore no particular order.
I think you get the idea :p
Approximately 20 of the titles listed below are sit-coms/comedy series'. The remaining 30 are all sketch/variety shows. I've always had this theory that Yanks are great at making movies, Poms are great at making sketches/sit-coms and Aussies are great at making celebrity interview/lighter side of the news/pop quiz/variety shows. Although I will admit that in recent years the Yanks have proven that they can give the Poms a run for their money... if they use animation. If Yanks aren't limited to using actors on a set in front of a studio audience, there's no limit to their hilarity. Animation allows them to stretch their funny bones. Think it, draw it, excel at it. That is my theory... it is mine... I own it and what it is too... and yes, I'm well-aware of how brainlessly bigoted I may appear at this juncture :p
By the way... several years before Gervais & Merchant created THE OFFICE and opened Yankee eyes to the possibility of canning "dead people laughing", there was another fly-on-the-wall mockumentary-style show that could be rather controversial at times. It too was set in an office with a main character who fancied himself for all the wrong reasons and who truly believed that he was popular among his co-workers when in reality he was only really liked by one nerdy "Yes Man" who was always keen to please his "Superior" whilst everyone else in the office merely mocked him and cringed at his awkward squirm-inducing antics. Even Harry Shearer couldn't resist dropping everything to join the party.
"Real men watch Ab Fab too!"
MIKE MOORE - FRONTLINE
This list was compiled by the compiler of these IMDB Lists;
- BEST BRITISH COMEDY SERIES': My Top 100 Pom-Coms
- BEST AMERICAN COMEDY SERIES': My Top 50 Yank-Coms
- BEST BRITISH COMEDY FILMS: My Top 50 Pom-Com Pictures
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1. The Adventures of Lano & Woodley (1997–1999)
30 min | Comedy
The bizarre misadventures of two no-hopers who share a flat
Stars: Colin Lane, Frank Woodley, Neil Pigot, Tony Rickards
Votes: 819
MY TOP 10
2. Breaking News (1994–1997)
30 min | Comedy, Drama
Based on the making of a fictitious Australian CURRENT AFFAIRS show, Frontline blends invented events with REAL LIFE events. A true reflection of THE TIMES we live in.
Stars: Rob Sitch, Jane Kennedy, Tiriel Mora, Alison Whyte
Votes: 1,343
MY TOP 10
3. Jimeoin (1994–1995)
Comedy
Jimeoin is an Australian comedy series starring English-born Irish stand-up comedian and actor Jimeoin.
Stars: Jimeoin, Bob Franklin, Brian Nankervis, Glenn Robbins
Votes: 77
MY TOP 10
4. Kath & Kim (2002–2007)
TV-MA | 26 min | Comedy
A mother, her daughter, and their respective "hunks of spunk" negotiate life in suburban Australia.
Stars: Jane Turner, Gina Riley, Glenn Robbins, Peter Rowsthorn
Votes: 5,089
MY TOP 10
5. The Librarians (2007–2010)
30 min | Comedy
What happens when you put a Catholic bigot with a panic disorder in charge of a library?
Stars: Robyn Butler, Roz Hammond, Heidi Arena, Stephen Ballantyne
Votes: 573
MY TOP 10
6. The Micallef Program (1998–2001)
30 min | Comedy
A skit-based comedy program, fronted by Australian comedian Shaun Micallef.
Stars: Shaun Micallef, Wayne Hope, Roz Hammond, Francis Greenslade
Votes: 349
MY TOP 10
7. Mother and Son (1984–1994)
30 min | Comedy
The story of Maggie Beare, an elderly woman suffering from dementia (or so she says), and her faithful, yet long suffering son, Arthur. Despite all of Maggies manipulative ways, he is her carer, even if they don't always get along.
Stars: Ruth Cracknell, Garry McDonald, Henri Szeps, Judy Morris
Votes: 802
MY TOP 10
8. Stupid Stupid Man (2006–2008)
30 min | Comedy
Centres on the lives of the four men on the editorial team and the women that work in a mens magazine.
Stars: Wayne Hope, Matthew Newton, Sophie Katinis, Chris Leaney
Votes: 148
MY TOP 10
9. Summer Heights High (2007)
TV-MA | 28 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
The life of a public school epitomized by disobedient student Jonah Takalua, self-absorbed private school exchange student Ja'mie King, and megalomaniac drama teacher Mr. G.
Stars: Chris Lilley, Asolima Tauati, Iro Utaifeau, Zach Fa'atoe
Votes: 15,090
MY TOP 10
10. Wilfred (2007–2010)
25 min | Comedy, Drama
A depressed man is the only one who can see his girlfriend's dog as a full-grown man in a dog suit.
Stars: Jason Gann, Adam Zwar, Cindy Waddingham, Kim Gyngell
Votes: 3,144
MY TOP 10
11. Acropolis Now (1989–1992)
25 min | Comedy
The lives of the owners and workers at a Greek cafe in Melbourne.
Stars: Nick Giannopoulos, George Kapiniaris, Mary Coustas, Tracey Callander
Votes: 384
12. All Together Now (1991–1993)
25 min | Comedy
One-time Rock'n'Roll star Bobby Rivers discovers he has 15-year-old twins when his former lover dies in a plane crash. They and Tracy, the woman who looked after them when their mother was ... See full summary »
Stars: Jon English, Steven Jacobs, Jane Hall, Bruno Lucia
Votes: 249
13. Angry Boys (2011)
TV-MA | 29 min | Comedy
A mockumentary exploring the issues faced by young males in the 21st century - their influences, their pressures, their dreams and ambitions.
Stars: Chris Lilley, Deborah Jones, Greg Fairall, Liam Keltie
Votes: 4,766
15. CNNNN: Chaser Non-Stop News Network (2002–2003)
30 min | Comedy, News
An Australian comedy program that satirises the news of the day, and how it is presented.
Stars: Craig Reucassel, Chris Taylor, Julian Morrow, Dominic Knight
Votes: 378
And everything else that's Chaser-related.
16. The Comedy Company (1988–1990)
Comedy
Sketch show launched from the success of "The D-Generation." The show was disbanded after the first season, but was given another shot in 1990 to become a well-loved hit comedy show. It went on to transition into "Fast Forward" (1991).
Stars: Mark Mitchell, Mary-Anne Fahey, Ian McFadyen, Glenn Robbins
Votes: 152
17. DAAS Kapital (1991–1992)
30 min | Comedy, Sci-Fi
It is the end of history. Shitsu Tonka, the giant conglomerate of universal power, has placed the world's art treasures in a giant submarine, the Titanic II. Assigned to protect and ... See full summary »
Stars: Tim Ferguson, Richard Fidler, Paul McDermott, Paul Livingston
Votes: 84
18. Fast Forward (1989–1992)
46 min | Comedy
Australian sketch programme parodying TV shows, movies, song clips and Australian life.
Stars: Michael Veitch, Marg Downey, Geoff Brooks, Steve Blackburn
Votes: 361
19. Fat Pizza (2003)
Not Rated | 96 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
The life at a suburban Sydney pizzeria.
Director: Paul Fenech | Stars: Paul Fenech, Tahir Bilgic, Rob Shehadie, Bill Bentley
Votes: 3,766
20. Full Frontal (1993–1997)
Comedy
The series began screening shortly after the similar sketch comedy program Fast Forward (from which Full Frontal derived) ended. Full Frontal retained the same general format of Fast ... See full summary »
Stars: Glenn Butcher, Ross Williams, Kim Gyngell, John Walker
Votes: 443
21. Funky Squad (1995)
30 min | Comedy
Funky Squad is an elite police unit of four young undercover cops - Grant, Cassie, Stix and Poncho - who speak the language of the streets. They're young, hip and in touch with the now generation.
Stars: Santo Cilauro, Tim Ferguson, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy
Votes: 71
22. Hamish & Andy's Caravan of Courage (2009–2012)
Comedy
Hamish and Andy embark on an adventure - touring in their trusty motorhome.
Stars: Hamish Blake, Andy Lee
Votes: 195
23. Hey Dad..! (1987–1994)
23 min | Comedy
This is Australia's longest-running comedy series, following the hilarious adventures of top architect Martin Kelly, who gives up his business to raise his three children. And the kid next door, Nudge.
Stars: Julie McGregor, Robert Hughes, Sarah Monahan, Christopher Truswell
Votes: 391
24. Housos (2011–2022)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
The series is a satirical parody of Australian residents, who are living in Housing Commission public housing.
Stars: Paul Fenech, Elle Dawe, Kevin Taumata, Vanessa Davis
Votes: 1,075
25. John Safran vs. God (2004)
25 min | Comedy
In his most ludicrously ambitious project yet, world-famous media hooligan John Safran scours the world in search of God... AND FINDS HIM.... Or, at least, a lot of folk who believe they have.
Stars: John Safran, Gavin Wood, David Serafin, Jonathan auf der Heide
Votes: 412
And everything else that John Safran does.
26. Let the Blood Run Free (1990–1993)
30 min | Comedy
A satirical look at hospital-set, soap operas.
Stars: Jean Kittson, Brian Nankervis, Helen Knight, David Swann
Votes: 270
27. Luke Warm Sex (2016)
Comedy
A crash course in great sex. Each week Luke McGregor takes on a new challenge with the help of therapists, sex coaches and scientists, proving if someone as anxious as Luke can get better at sex, then anyone can.
Stars: Luke McGregor, Hamish Blake, Dave Lawson, Ryan Shelton
Votes: 105
28. Merrick & Rosso Unplanned (2003–2004)
23 min | Comedy
Based on the formula for a successful British show (Baddiel & Skinner Unplanned (2000)), Merrick & Rosso take questions from a studio audience about their experiences in life.
Stars: Merrick Watts, Tim Ross, Angry Anderson, Larry Emdur
Votes: 25
29. Micallef Tonight (2003)
60 min | Comedy, Music, Talk-Show
Stars: Shaun Micallef, Francis Greenslade, Jason Geary, Pete Smith
Votes: 101
30. The Mick Molloy Show (1999)
120 min | Comedy
This short lived attempt at live variety crashed and burned in a spectacular fashion. The program was essentially a lazy Saturday night on the couch, with Molloy and a cast of regular '... See full summary »
Stars: Mick Molloy, Bob Franklin, Judith Lucy, Tony Martin
Votes: 28
31. The Norman Gunston Show (1975–1979)
Comedy
A subversive parody of the established variety "Tonight Show" format, centering on a weekly roster of celebrity guests who were 'interviewed' by Norman Gunston.
Stars: Garry McDonald, Max Rowley, Abigail, Candy Raymond
Votes: 98
32. The Panel (1998–2007)
90 min | Talk-Show
A comedy show talking about the events from the week gone. Made by Australia's Working Dog and featuring guests each week. The team is known for the movie The Castle.
Stars: Tom Gleisner, Rob Sitch, Kate Langbroek, Santo Cilauro
Votes: 211
33. The Paul Hogan Show (1973–1984)
50 min | Comedy
An Australian comedy show hosted by Crocodile Dundee Star, Paul Hogan.
Stars: Paul Hogan, John Cornell, Glenn Shorrock, Bryn Lee Stokes
Votes: 316
34. Please Like Me (2013–2016)
TV-MA | 29 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Twenty something Josh is going through a number of big changes as he navigates his first decade of adulthood. After being dumped by his girlfriend, he comes to the realization that he is gay.
Stars: Josh Thomas, Thomas Ward, John, Debra Lawrance
Votes: 19,762
35. Problems (2012)
26 min | Comedy
The hilariously mundane day to day life of Sam Simmons and the characters that surround him.....including the moths in his couch.
Stars: Sam Simmons, Anthony Morgan, Lawrence Mooney, Claudia O'Doherty
Votes: 241
36. Rove Live (2000–2009)
75 min | Comedy, Talk-Show
This was a variety, talk show that featured an ensemble cast, who presented various segments throughout the course of the show.
Stars: Rove McManus, Peter Helliar, Corinne Grant, Ryan Shelton
Votes: 788
37. Russell Coight's All Aussie Adventures (2001–2018)
22 min | Adventure, Comedy
Slapstick mockumentary about an enthusiastic Aussie wildlife expert, Russell Coight, whose haphazard and inept adventuring style ensures that he is a danger to anything and anyone he meets, not to mention himself.
Stars: Glenn Robbins, Hermann Iberg, Tom Martin, Birgit Mildenberger
Votes: 1,451
38. Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell (2012–2022)
30 min | Comedy, Talk-Show
No-holds-barred news satire show presented by comedian Shaun Micallef that gleefully riffs on Aussie politics.
Stars: Shaun Micallef, Francis Greenslade, Emily Taheny, Tosh Greenslade
Votes: 725
39. Skithouse (2003–2004)
25 min | Comedy
Sketch Comedy series featuring some absurd characters, and Australian - oriented humour
Stars: Corinne Grant, Delta Goodrem, Philippa Northeast, Eddie Baroo
Votes: 175
40. Spicks and Specks (2005–2022)
Comedy, Game-Show, Music
Adam Hills hosts this lighthearted music quiz show.The two teams are captained by Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough.
Stars: Adam Hills, Alan Brough, Myf Warhurst, Dave O'Neil
Votes: 1,169
41. Squinters (2018–2019)
22 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Squinters celebrates the comically mundane peak-hour ritual for the workers of Kosciusko, a consumer goods dispatch center under threat of takeover, as they commute into the rising sun each morning and again as they return at days end.
Stars: Sam Simmons, Justin Rosniak, Andrea Demetriades, Mandy McElhinney
Votes: 291
42. Swift and Shift Couriers (2008–2011)
TV-MA | 25 min | Comedy
A hilarious comedy that parodies the people, the politics and the outrageous events of a working class business.
Stars: Ian Turpie, Amanda Keller, Paul Fenech, Melissa Tkautz
Votes: 542
43. Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation (2009–2019)
Comedy, Game-Show
A game show where generation Baby Boomers, X and Y compete against each other to see who is the best. Each week the teams are headed by Amanda Keller, Charlie Pickering and Josh Thomas ... See full summary »
Stars: Shaun Micallef, Amanda Keller, Charlie Pickering, Josh Thomas
Votes: 437
44. Thank God You're Here (2006–2023)
60 min | Comedy, Game-Show
An improvisational comedy series in which a celebrity performer is dressed up in costume before passing through a door into a room where they are welcomed with the phrase "Thank God you're here."
Stars: Nicola Parry, Heidi Arena, Tom Gleisner, Ed Kavalee
Votes: 1,288
45. Tuesday Night Live: The Big Gig (1989–1992)
60 min | Comedy
The series brought a number of new comedy acts to national prominence and made major stars of its host, Wendy Harmer, who later became a top-rating host on morning radio in Sydney, and the ... See full summary »
Stars: Jean Kittson, Glynn Nicholas, Matt Parkinson, Matthew Quartermaine
Votes: 48
46. Upper Middle Bogan (2013–2016)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy
Middle class woman, Bess Denyar, discovers she's adopted. She's shocked to find her birth parents head up a drag racing team in the outer suburbs.
Stars: Annie Maynard, Patrick Brammall, Robyn Malcolm, Michala Banas
Votes: 2,595
47. Very Small Business (2008– )
30 min | Comedy
A smarmy, debt riddled, borderline con-artist teams up with a chronically depressed acclaimed journalist to try and keep his head above water.
Stars: Kim Gyngell, Wayne Hope, Ian Bliss, Sally Cooper
Votes: 316
48. We Can Be Heroes (2005)
30 min | Comedy
A group of Australians are nominated for the Australian of the Year Award.
Stars: Chris Lilley, Jennifer Byrne, Mick Graham, Chung Jade Koh
Votes: 2,815
49. Welcher & Welcher (2003)
26 min | Comedy, Crime
Enter a world of controlled madness at Welcher and Welcher - the law firm presided over by Quentin Welcher. A solicitor with a massive ego, he is a pompous, accident-prone fool and a terrible lawyer to boot.
Stars: Shaun Micallef, Robyn Butler, Francis Greenslade, Santo Cilauro
Votes: 60
50. Woodley (2012)
30 min | Comedy
Filled with virtuosic physical mayhem, Woodley is an unashamedly romantic comedy series.
Stars: Frank Woodley, Justine Clarke, Alexandra Cashmere, Tom Long
Votes: 198
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