Please Like Me | |
---|---|
Genre |
Comedy Drama |
Created by | Josh Thomas |
Written by | Liz Doran Josh Thomas Thomas Ward |
Directed by |
Matthew Saville Josh Thomas |
Starring |
Josh Thomas Debra Lawrance David Roberts Thomas John Ward Wade Briggs Caitlin Stasey Keegan Joyce Nikita Leigh-Pritchard Renee Lim Judi Farr |
Theme music composer | Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes |
Opening theme | I'll Be Fine |
Country of origin | Australia |
Original language(s) | English |
No. of seasons | 4 |
No. of episodes | 32 (list of episodes) |
Production | |
Executive producer(s) | Todd Abbott (2013–2016) Debbie Lee (2013) Josh Thomas(2013–2016) Kevin Whyte (2013–2016) Belisa Balaban (2015) Holly A. Hines (2014) Rick Kalowski (2014–2016) Jeff Skoll (2014–2016) Brett Sleigh (2014–2016) Chris Loveall (2014–2016) |
Producer(s) | Todd Abbott (2013–2016) Lisa Wang (2015–2016) |
Location(s) | Melbourne, Australia |
Cinematography | Katie Milwright |
Editor(s) | Chris Branagan |
Running time | 25 minutes (approx.) |
Production company(s) | Josh and John Productions |
Release | |
Original network | ABC |
Original release | 28 February 2013 | – 14 December 2016
External links | |
Official website |
Please Like Me is an Australian television comedy drama series created by and starring Josh Thomas. Thomas also serves as a writer for most episodes. The series premiered on 28 February 2013 on ABC2 in Australia. The show explores realistic issues with humorous tones; the 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. On 12 July 2014, it was announced that Please Like Me had been renewed for a third season that began on 15 October 2015; 16 October in the United States. The show has attracted praise from critics and has garnered numerous nominations, winning eight awards.
It was announced that the show was renewed for a fourth season on 7 July 2016 via the show's Twitter page. The six-episode season premiered on 9 November 2016. On 2 February 2017 Josh Thomas announced on social media that season 4 was the last, stating that "we are really happy with what we've made and feel like it is complete".
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. 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.