Need to catch a TV break and don’t know what to watch? Simon takes us through his top picks on must-see shows and films for the week. Click through to see what’s showing for your entertainment needs…
WEDNESDAY 14th OCTOBER 2015
The Ex-PM-ABC-9.05pm AEST
It’s been a sad few months with comedic genius Shaun Micallef off our television screens, but thankfully his back in fine form with his new sitcom, The Ex-PM. As you may have guessed, the show centres on an ex-Prime Minister, Andrew Dugdale (Micallef) as he struggles to settle back in to civilian life. After being kicked out of The Lodge and being sent back to the family home in Melbourne, Dugdale finds himself fed up and bored with his new life. Things quickly change when the Ex-PM meets his new biographer (Lucy Honigman), who has been given the unenviable task of completing Dugdale’s memoir. Micallef has long been one of Australia’s greatest comedic talents, though he has better known for his various talk shows than starring in a fictional series. Though knowing Micallef’s exceptional ability to satirise current events, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll nail the sitcom format with great aplomb.
THURSDAY 15th OCTOBER 2015
Please Like Me-ABC-9.30pm AEST
Now entering it’s third season, comedian Josh Thomas’ semi-autobiographical series is surely one of the great Australian TV success stories of the last few years. Critically acclaimed and adored by fans as famous as Lena Dunham, the ABC has responded to the high praise by moving Please Like Me from ABC2 to the big leagues of aunty’s main channel. With this move comes a raft of changes in the show, as Josh (Thomas) commits to his first major relationship since coming out with his love interest from the previous season, Arnold (Keegan Joyce). His mum (Debra Lawrance) also faces new challenges, as she has left the safe confines of the psychiatric clinic and embarks on the scariest of all challenges with friend Hannah (Hannah Gadsby)-share house life. Meanwhile Josh’s housemate and best friend Tom (Tom Ward) contends with their new pet chickens while continuing his quest for true love and Dad (David Roberts) remains as aloof as ever. A hilarious and often moving show, Please Like Me is unmissable television.
FRIDAY 16th OCTOBER 2015
You’re The Worst-Eleven-10.30pm AEST
You may not recognise the name Stephen Falk, but you’ll certainly recognise the names Weeds and Orange Is The New Black, two of the most popular shows in the last decade of which Falk just so happened to be an executive producer. You’re The Worst sees Falk move beyond his producing role, as he also the creator, showrunner and screenwriter of this hilarious take on the romantic comedy. Set in sunny Los Angeles, the series centres on writer Jimmy (Chris Geere) and PR Executive Gretchen (Aya Cash); as they attempt to kick start a toxic and completely mismatched relationship. Though its story is nothing like the worlds of Litchfield Prison or Nancy Botwin, You’re The Worst is easily just as good.
SATURDAY 17th OCTOBER 2015
Mean Girls-Ten-7pm AEST
Although it would have made much more sense to air this classic film a few weeks ago on October 3rd (the unofficial Mean Girls Day), it’s always great to see Tina Fey’s hilarious exploration of the world of high school cliques on TV. The film stars Lindsay Lohan as out-of-her depth teenager adjusting to life in her new school, where she quickly finds herself coming to the attention of Queen Bee Regina George (Rachel McAdams). Along with her fellow “Plastics” (Amanda Seyfried and Lacey Chabert), Regina rules the school with an iron fist, and Cady (Lohan) soon finds herself part of a mission to take the trio down. But will Cady become a mean girl herself? Only time and multiple viewings of this comedy masterpiece will tell.
SUNDAY 18th OCTOBER 2015
The Beautiful Lie-ABC-8.30pm AEST
The Beautiful Lie continues the ABC’s tradition of crafting remarkable drama series’, with this latest effort adapted from Tolstoy’s Russian masterpiece Anna Karenina with the always impressive Sarah Snook in the title role. Creators John Edwards and Imogen Banks have masterfully moved the story from the world of the Russian aristocracy to the contemporary world of the Melbourne elite, with Anna now a former pro-tennis champ married to Xander (Rodger Corser), a Grand Slam champion. However it’s not long before Anna finds herself embarking on an illicit affair with Skeet (Benedict Samuel), a music producer engaged to Anna’s sister-in-law Kitty (Sophie Lowe). Also starring Gina Riley, Alexander England and Celia Pacquola, The Beautiful Lie is essential viewing over the next six Sunday nights.
MONDAY 19th OCTOBER 2015
The Little Death-Premiere Movies-6.45pm AEST
When you hear about Australian films these days, it is common to assume that they’ll be one of two genres: a dead serious drama or an endearing family film starring small children or lovable animals. However, every once in a while we get a good old-fashioned comedy, such as Actor/Writer/Director Josh Lawson’s The Little Death. Set in suburban Sydney, Lawson’s hilarious film takes a look behind the closed doors and under the sheets of five couples and their scintillating (or hugely awkward in some cases) sex lives. Starring a who’s who of current Aussie acting talent including Patrick Brammal, Lisa McCune and Lachy Hulme, The Little Death is the perfect cure to your Mondayitis.
TUESDAY 20th OCTOBER 2015
Men, Women And Children-Masterpiece Movies-6.25pm AEST
Directed by the always-impressive Jason Reitman and based on the novel by Chad Kultgen, Men, Women And Children is a fascinating film that delves into the world of online addiction. Starring Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner and Dean Norris among others, Reitman’s film utilises its suburban setting and talented ensemble cast to full effect, telling a number of interlocking stories which questions the interference that cyberspace has on our daily lives. If you’re after a film which makes you think as well as being thoroughly entertaining, Men, Women And Children is just the ticket.
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