Please Like Me
{{short description|Australian comedy television series}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Infobox television
| genre = Comedy drama
| image = Please Like Me.JPG
| creator = Josh Thomas
| writer = {{Plainlist|
- Josh Thomas
- Thomas Ward
- Liz Doran
}}
| director = {{Plainlist|
- Matthew Saville
- Josh Thomas
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Josh Thomas
- Debra Lawrance
- David Roberts
- Judi Farr
- Thomas Ward
- Wade Briggs
- Caitlin Stasey
- Nikita Leigh-Pritchard
- Renee Lim
- Denise Drysdale
- Hannah Gadsby
- Charles Cottier
- Keegan Joyce
- Charlotte Nicdao
- Bob Franklin
- Emily Barclay
}}
| opentheme = "I'll Be Fine" by Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes
| composer = Bryony Marks
| country = Australia
| language = English
| num_seasons = 4
| num_episodes = 32
| list_episodes = List of Please Like Me episodes
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
- Todd Abbott
- Debbie Lee
- Josh Thomas
- Kevin Whyte
- Rick Kalowski
- Brett Sleigh
- Jeff Skoll
- Holly A. Hines
- Chris Loveall
- Belisa Balaban
}}
| producer = {{Plainlist|
- Todd Abbott
- Lisa Wang
}}
| cinematography = {{Plainlist|
- Katie Milwright
- Matthew Temple
}}
| editor = {{Plainlist|
- Chris Branagan
- Julie-Anne De Ruvo
- Geoff Hitchins
}}
| camera = Single-camera
| runtime = 25–27 minutes
| company = {{Plainlist|
- Pigeon Fancier Productions
- John & Josh International
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation
- Participant Media {{small|(2014–16)}}
}}
| network = {{Plainlist|
}}
| first_aired = {{Start date|df=yes|2013|2|28}}
| last_aired = {{end date|df=yes|2016|12|14}}
}}
Please Like Me is an Australian comedy-drama television series created by and starring Josh Thomas. Thomas also serves as a writer for every episode. The series premiered on 28 February 2013 on ABC2 in Australia and is on occasion available on Netflix in certain regions. The show explores realistic issues with humorous tones; executive producer Todd Abbott had pitched the show as a drama rather than a sitcom. The show aired later on the United States network Pivot, which then helped to develop the show from its second season onwards. Four seasons of the show have been broadcast, and creator Thomas has stated that he has no plans to make any further episodes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/officialjoshthomas/posts/10155094048974701|title=Josh Thomas Official Page|website=www.facebook.com|access-date=28 August 2019|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112021230/https://www.facebook.com/officialjoshthomas/posts/10155094048974701|url-status=live}} The show has attracted praise from critics and has garnered numerous nominations, winning a number of awards.
Creation
Please Like Me was chiefly written by Josh Thomas, who also played the main character, Josh. Most episodes were directed by Matthew Saville. Thomas and producer Todd Abbott developed the series together for four years. They held a series of consultation meetings with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Abbott was careful to pitch the series as a drama rather than a sitcom. It portrays a set of circumstances that could happen to a young person but has humorous themes. Thomas envisioned an original show, something he had not seen on television before. The actor, also a known comedian in Australia, wanted honesty in the script and wrote the comedy with that in mind. He also wanted the actors to not intentionally react to the scripted jokes.
In January 2013, The West Australian reported that Please Like Me would air on ABC2.{{cite news|title=Hit Parade|newspaper=The West Australian|publisher=Seven West Media|date=26 January 2013|location=Perth|page=370}} The show had been meant to air on ABC1, but it was decided that the show would be better suited to the digital channel ABC2. The broadcaster stated that the show is aimed at a younger demographic more appropriate for ABC2, while ABC1 caters to all ages. The move was criticised because it was believed to be the result of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation viewing the show's content as "too gay" for their primary channel. The series begins with Josh realising that he is gay and his mother attempting suicide with an overdose of Panadol.
In September 2013, ABC1 started running the series on Wednesday nights (10pm), six months after its original ABC2 run.
It was announced in July 2013 that the series would air in the United States as part of the launch programming of Pivot, a new digital cable and satellite television channel which released the first episode of the series online prior to its screening on the channel.{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|title=Josh Thomas comedy picked up by new US cable channel|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/07/josh-thomas-comedy-picked-up-by-new-us-cable-channel.html|work=TV Tonight|access-date=12 July 2013|date=12 July 2013|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924104017/https://tvtonight.com.au/2013/07/josh-thomas-comedy-picked-up-by-new-us-cable-channel.html|url-status=live}} It would also offer the series as part of its video on demand service. Pivot also launched a social media website "[https://Pleaselikeme.org pleaselikeme.org]" for viewers to share personal experiences about breaking stigma and fear of being unliked, in relation to the series.{{cite web |url=http://www.pleaselikeme.org/ |title=Join the Conversation |publisher=Please Like Me |access-date=2013-09-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822115051/http://www.pleaselikeme.org/ |archive-date=22 August 2013 |df=dmy-all }}
On 26 July 2013, it was announced that ABC and Pivot had commissioned a second season of the show consisting of ten episodes.{{cite web |url=http://www.pivot.tv/sites/default/files/downloadable_content/Please_Like_Me_%207.26.13.pdf |title=Pivot Greenlights Second Season of Josh Thomas' Scripted Comedy "Please Like Me" In Advance of August 1st Debut |publisher=Pivot.tv |access-date=2013-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906192118/http://www.pivot.tv/sites/default/files/downloadable_content/Please_Like_Me_%207.26.13.pdf |archive-date=6 September 2013 |url-status=dead }} The season debuted in its American territory first from 8 August 2014.{{Cite web |url=http://www.pivot.tv/shows/please-like-me |title=Please Like Me on Pivot |work=Pivot.com |access-date=12 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701100224/http://www.pivot.tv/shows/please-like-me |archive-date=1 July 2014 |url-status=dead }} Producers also added a host of new regular characters to the cast.{{cite web |last1=Bulbeck |first1=Pip |title=GLAAD-Nominated Aussie Comedy 'Please Like Me' to Get Second Season |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/glaad-nominated-aussie-comedy-please-680722?mobile_redirect=false |website=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=(Prometheus Global Media) |access-date=9 September 2014 |date=17 February 2014 |archive-date=17 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617231419/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/glaad-nominated-aussie-comedy-please-680722?mobile_redirect=false |url-status=live }} On 12 July 2014, it was announced that the networking partnership had renewed Please Like Me for a third series also comprising ten episodes.{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/josh-thomas-comedy-please-like-me-breaks-new-ground-in-us-20140712-zt5cd.html |title=Josh Thomas comedy Please Like Me breaks new ground in US |date=12 July 2014 |publisher=The Age |access-date=12 July 2014 |archive-date=27 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127001058/https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/josh-thomas-comedy-please-like-me-breaks-new-ground-in-us-20140712-zt5cd.html |url-status=live }} On 7 July 2016, the series was renewed for a fourth season consisting of six episodes.{{cite web |url=http://tvtonight.com.au/2016/07/renewed-please-like-me-2.html |title=Renewed: Please Like Me season 4 |date=7 July 2016 |publisher=TV Tonight |access-date=8 July 2016 |archive-date=13 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113210817/https://tvtonight.com.au/2016/07/renewed-please-like-me-2.html |url-status=live }} On 2 February 2017, it was announced that season 4 would conclude the series.
Plot
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.{{Citation|title=Please Like Me (TV Series 2013–2016) - IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2155025/plotsummary|language=en|access-date=2022-01-29}}
Cast
| class="wikitable" |
| style="width:20%;" rowspan="2"|Actor
! style="width:20%;" rowspan="2"|Character ! colspan="6"|Seasons |
|---|
| style="width:10%;"|1
! style="width:10%;"|2 ! style="width:10%;"|3 ! style="width:10%;"|4 |
| colspan="8"|Main characters |
| Josh Thomas
| Josh | colspan="4" {{CMain}} |
| Debra Lawrance
| Rose (Mum) | colspan="4" {{CMain}} |
| David Roberts
| Alan (Dad) | colspan="4" {{CMain}} |
| Judi Farr
| Aunty Peg | {{CMain}} | colspan="3" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| |
| Thomas Ward
| Tom | colspan="4" {{CMain}} |
| Wade Briggs
| Geoffrey | {{CMain}} | {{CGuest}}{{efn|name=Star|Received "Starring" credit for appearance(s), but appeared in a minority of the season's episodes.}} | style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | {{CGuest}}{{efn|name=Star}} |
| Caitlin Stasey
| Claire | {{CMain}} | {{CRecurring}}{{efn|name=Star}} | colspan="2" {{CMain}} |
| Nikita Leigh-Pritchard
| Niamh | {{CMain}} | {{CRecurring}}{{efn|name=Star}} | colspan="2" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| |
| Renee Lim
| Mae | colspan="4" {{CMain}} |
| Denise Drysdale
| Ginger | style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | {{CMain}} | colspan="2" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| |
| Hannah Gadsby
| Hannah | style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | colspan="3" {{CMain}} |
| Charles Cottier
| Patrick | style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | {{CMain}} | colspan="2" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| |
| Keegan Joyce
| Arnold | style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | colspan="3" {{CMain}} |
| Charlotte Nicdao
| Jenny | style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | {{CMain}} | colspan="2" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| |
| Bob Franklin
| Stuart | style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | {{CMain}} | {{CRecurring}}{{efn|name=Star}} | style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| |
| Emily Barclay
| Ella | colspan="2" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | colspan="2" {{CMain}} |
| colspan="8"|Recurring characters |
| John the Dog
| John | colspan="4" {{CRecurring}} |
| Andrew S. Gilbert
| Rod | {{CRecurring}}{{efn|name=Star}} | colspan="3" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| |
| Luke McGregor
|Rental Agent | {{CGuest}} | colspan="3" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| |
| Nick Cody
| Steve | style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | {{CRecurring}} | {{CGuest}} | style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| |
| David Quirk
| Ben | colspan="2" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | {{CRecurring}} | {{CGuest}} |
| Geoff Morrell
| Bruce | colspan="2" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-na"| | {{CGuest}} | {{CGuest}} |
Notes
{{notelist}}
Episodes
{{Main|List of Please Like Me episodes}}
{{:List of Please Like Me episodes}}
Reception
=Critical response=
Anthony D. Langford from AfterElton.com said that he "absolutely loved this charming series. It’s funny and sweet and has plenty of heart." He also praised Thomas's portrayal of Josh and wished that U.S. broadcasters could emulate the show's format.{{cite web|last=Langford|first=Anthony D.|title=Langford on Soaps: Is It The End For Christian And Ollie on "Forbidden Love?"|url=http://www.afterelton.com/2013/03/langford-on-soaps-03-06-christian-ollie-forbidden-love?page=last%2C3|work=AfterElton.com|publisher=(Logo TV)|access-date=31 March 2013|date=6 March 2013}} He later said that he would miss the show and hoped a second season would be commissioned. He added that he did not want to say goodbye to Josh's world.{{cite web|last=Langford|first=Anthony D.|title=Langford on Soaps: Brendan Goes Out With A Bang and A Whimper on "Hollyaoks"|url=http://www.afterelton.com/2013/03/langford-on-soaps-03-27?page=last%2C4|work=AfterElton.com|publisher=(Logo TV)|access-date=31 March 2013|date=27 March 2013}} Andrew Mast, writing for Music.com.au, praised Briggs's "naturalistic performances" and the inclusion of accomplished actress Farr. He concluded that Thomas's writing was good and comedic, but the on-screen delivery did not meet his expectations.{{cite web|last=Mast|first=Andrew|title=The TV Set: It's Hard To Like Josh Thomas|url=http://themusic.com.au/blog/arts/2013/03/06/thetv-set-finds-it-hard-to-like-josh-thomas/|work=Music.com.au|publisher=(Street Press Australia Pty)|access-date=31 March 2013|date=6 March 2013|archive-date=4 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204203343/https://themusic.com.au/blog/arts/2013/03/06/thetv-set-finds-it-hard-to-like-josh-thomas/|url-status=live}} David Knox from TV Tonight praised the performances of many cast members. He opined that the dynamic between Josh and his parents created a "very rich comedic terrain" for the show. He added that Please Like Me displays "a confidence that delivers laughs, pathos and insight".{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|title=Please Like Me|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/02/please-like-me.html|work=TV Tonight|access-date=31 March 2013|date=25 February 2013|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701063924/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/02/please-like-me.html|url-status=live}}
Colin Vickery and Darren Devlyn from News.com.au said that it "has a sweetness that sets it apart from other boundary-pushing comedies".{{cite web|last=Vickery|first=Colin|title=Is Josh Thomas's show too gay for ABC1?|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/is-joshs-show-too-gay-for-abc1/story-e6frfmyi-1226586521979|work=News.com.au|publisher=(News Limited)|access-date=31 March 2013|author2=Devlyn, Darren|date=27 February 2013|archive-date=10 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510095938/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/is-joshs-show-too-gay-for-abc1/story-e6frfmyi-1226586521979|url-status=live}} Giles Hardie from The Age praised the show for "breaking new ground" and not making stereotypes of gay characters. He viewed the comedy as being genuine without feeling like a sitcom. He noted that coming out and attempted suicide are given humour without the gags. Hardie concluded that Josh, his family and friends were "incredibly well" played. His colleague Scott Ellis believed that Please Like Me was an important show and the type of material the ABC should be investing more in. He also branded it "gentle" and insightful when covering "tough ground".{{cite web|last=Hardie|first=Giles|title=Please Like Me|url=http://media.theage.com.au/entertainment/the-guide/please-like-me-4050990.html|work=The Age|publisher=(Fairfax Media)|access-date=1 April 2013|author2=Ellis, Scott|date=21 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225101149/http://media.theage.com.au/entertainment/the-guide/please-like-me-4050990.html|archive-date=25 February 2013|url-status=dead}} Fellow critic Craig Mathieson also agreed that the show's darker moments are some of the most humorous and compared it to American show Louie.{{cite web|last=Mathieson|first=Craig|title=Thomas the frank engine|url=http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/box-seat/thomas-the-frank-engine-20130220-2eq3l.html|work=The Age|publisher=(Fairfax Media)|access-date=1 April 2013|date=21 February 2013|archive-date=26 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126114756/http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/box-seat/thomas-the-frank-engine-20130220-2eq3l.html|url-status=live}} Please Like Me received an invitation to screen at the Series Mania Television Festival in Paris.{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|title=Please Like Me, Puberty Blues selected for French TV festival|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/02/please-like-me-puberty-blues-selected-for-french-tv-festival.html|work=TV Tonight|access-date=31 March 2013|date=22 February 2013|archive-date=14 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414190723/https://tvtonight.com.au/2013/02/please-like-me-puberty-blues-selected-for-french-tv-festival.html|url-status=live}}
The A.V. Club regarded season 2 of Please Like Me as one of the year's best shows, praising the camera work and Josh's performance.{{cite web|url=http://www.avclub.com/review/please-me-grew-one-years-best-shows-season-two-210123|title=Please Like Me grew up (into one of the year's best shows) in season two|website=The A.V. Club|date=9 October 2014|access-date=10 December 2015|archive-date=7 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407000412/http://www.avclub.com/review/please-me-grew-one-years-best-shows-season-two-210123|url-status=live}} The Guardian praised Please Like Me's "unconventional writing".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/australia-culture-blog/2014/aug/26/josh-thomas-please-like-me-interview|title=Josh Thomas and why no one is watching Australia's best comedy|first=Monica|last=Tan|website=TheGuardian.com|date=26 August 2014|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127093711/http://www.theguardian.com/culture/australia-culture-blog/2014/aug/26/josh-thomas-please-like-me-interview|url-status=live}}
The Season 3 premiere episode of Please Like Me, 'Eggplant' received praise for its portrayal of a gay sex scene, described in IndieWire as "a very tender moment that is rarely afforded to queer characters in films or TV series."{{Cite web |last=Gallegos |first=Jose |date=2015-10-17 |title='Please Like Me' Recap — Season 3, Episode 1: 'Eggplant' |url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/please-like-me-recap-season-3-episode-1-eggplant-213657/ |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=IndieWire |language=en-US |archive-date=19 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619064323/https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/please-like-me-recap-season-3-episode-1-eggplant-213657/ |url-status=live }} The scene is cited as a significant shift for Australian broadcast television because "the camera does not cut away," a shift compared to earlier portrayals that used "cinematographic censorship."{{Cite journal |last1=O’Meara |first1=Damien John |last2=Monaghan |first2=Whitney |date=2024-03-05 |title=Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and nonbinary representation on Australian scripted television in the 2000s and 2010s |journal=Media International Australia |language=en |doi=10.1177/1329878X241236990 |issn=1329-878X|doi-access=free }}
=Awards and nominations=
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.abc.net.au/tv/pleaselikeme/}}
- [http://www.takepart.com/please-like-me Official Takepart Website]
- {{IMDb title|2155025|Please Like Me}}
- {{Rotten Tomatoes TV|please_like_me|Please Like Me}}
{{AACTA Award for Best Television Comedy Series}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Please Like Me}}
Category:2010s LGBTQ-related drama television series
Category:2010s LGBTQ-related comedy television series
Category:2013 Australian television series debuts
Category:2013 American television series debuts
Category:2016 Australian television series endings
Category:Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
Category:Pivot (TV network) original programming
Category:Fiction about polyamory
Category:Australian comedy-drama television series
Category:Australian LGBTQ-related television shows
Category:Gay-related television shows
Category:Television about mental health
Category:Fiction about bipolar disorder