Jump to content
 







Main menu
   


Navigation  



Main page
Contents
Current events
Random article
About Wikipedia
Contact us
Donate
 




Contribute  



Help
Learn to edit
Community portal
Recent changes
Upload file
 








Search  

































Create account

Log in
 









Create account
 Log in
 




Pages for logged out editors learn more  



Contributions
Talk
 



















Contents

   



(Top)
 


1 Creation  





2 Plot  





3 Cast  





4 Episodes  





5 Reception  



5.1  Critical response  





5.2  Awards and nominations  







6 See also  





7 References  





8 External links  














Please Like Me






العربية
Čeština
Deutsch
Español
فارسی
Français
Galego

Italiano
עברית
Nederlands
Português
Српски / srpski
Suomi
Türkçe

 

Edit links
 









Article
Talk
 

















Read
Edit
View history
 








Tools
   


Actions  



Read
Edit
View history
 




General  



What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Cite this page
Get shortened URL
Download QR code
Wikidata item
 




Print/export  



Download as PDF
Printable version
 
















Appearance
   

 






From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 


Please Like Me
GenreComedy drama
Created byJosh Thomas
Written by
  • Josh Thomas
  • Thomas Ward
  • Liz Doran
  • Directed by
  • Josh Thomas
  • Starring
    • 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
  • Opening theme"I'll Be Fine" by Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes
    ComposerBryony Marks
    Country of originAustralia
    Original languageEnglish
    No. of seasons4
    No. of episodes32(list of episodes)
    Production
    Executive producers
    • Todd Abbott
  • Debbie Lee
  • Josh Thomas
  • Kevin Whyte
  • Rick Kalowski
  • Brett Sleigh
  • Jeff Skoll
  • Holly A. Hines
  • Chris Loveall
  • Belisa Balaban
  • Producers
    • Todd Abbott
  • Lisa Wang
  • Cinematography
    • Katie Milwright
  • Matthew Temple
  • Editors
    • Chris Branagan
  • Julie-Anne De Ruvo
  • Geoff Hitchins
  • Camera setupSingle-camera
    Running time25–27 minutes
    Production companies
    • Pigeon Fancier Productions
  • John & Josh International
  • Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  • Participant Media (2014–16)
  • Original release
    Network
  • ABC (2015–16)
  • Release28 February 2013 (2013-02-28) –
    14 December 2016 (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 most episodes. The series premiered on 28 February 2013 on ABC2inAustralia 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.[1] The show has attracted praise from critics and has garnered numerous nominations, winning a number of awards.

    Creation[edit]

    Please Like Me was chiefly written by Josh Thomas, who also played the main character, Josh. Most episodes were directed by Matthew Saville.[2] 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.[2] 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.[2]

    In January 2013, The West Australian reported that Please Like Me would air on ABC2.[3] 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.[4] The series begins with Josh realising that he is gay and his mother attempting suicide with an overdose of Panadol.[2]

    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.[5] It would also offer the series as part of its video on demand service.[5] Pivot also launched a social media website "pleaselikeme.org" for viewers to share personal experiences about breaking stigma and fear of being unliked, in relation to the series.[6]

    On 26 July 2013, it was announced that ABC and Pivot had commissioned a second season of the show consisting of ten episodes.[7] The season debuted in its American territory first from 8 August 2014.[8] Producers also added a host of new regular characters to the cast.[9] On 12 July 2014, it was announced that the networking partnership had renewed Please Like Me for a third series also comprising ten episodes.[10] On 7 July 2016, the series was renewed for a fourth season consisting of six episodes.[11] On 2 February 2017, it was announced that season 4 would conclude the series.

    Plot[edit]

    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.[12]

    Cast[edit]

    Actor Character Seasons
    1 2 3 4
    Main characters
    Josh Thomas Josh Main
    Debra Lawrance Rose (Mum) Main
    David Roberts Alan (Dad) Main
    Judi Farr Aunty Peg Main
    Thomas Ward Tom Main
    Wade Briggs Geoffrey Main Guest[a] Guest[a]
    Caitlin Stasey Claire Main Recurring[a] Main
    Nikita Leigh-Pritchard Niamh Main Recurring[a]
    Renee Lim Mae Main
    Denise Drysdale Ginger Main
    Hannah Gadsby Hannah Main
    Charles Cottier Patrick Main
    Keegan Joyce Arnold Main
    Charlotte Nicdao Jenny Main
    Bob Franklin Stuart Main Recurring[a]
    Emily Barclay Ella Main
    Recurring characters
    John the Dog John Recurring
    Andrew S. Gilbert Rod Recurring[a]
    Luke McGregor Rental Agent Guest
    Nick Cody Steve Recurring Guest
    David Quirk Ben Recurring Guest
    Geoff Morrell Bruce Guest Guest

    Notes

    1. ^ a b c d e f Received "Starring" credit for appearance(s), but appeared in a minority of the season's episodes.

    Episodes[edit]

    SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
    First airedLast airedNetwork
    1628 February 2013 (2013-02-28)28 March 2013 (2013-03-28)ABC2
    21012 August 2014 (2014-08-12)14 October 2014 (2014-10-14)
    31015 October 2015 (2015-10-15)17 December 2015 (2015-12-17)ABC
    469 November 2016 (2016-11-09)14 December 2016 (2016-12-14)

    Reception[edit]

    Critical response[edit]

    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 US broadcasters could emulate the show's format.[13] 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.[14] 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.[15] 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".[16]

    Colin Vickery and Darren Devlyn from News.com.au said that it "has a sweetness that sets it apart from other boundary-pushing comedies".[4] 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.[17] 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".[17] Fellow critic Craig Mathieson also agreed that the show's darker moments are some of the most humorous and compared it to US show Louie.[2] Please Like Me received an invitation to screen at the Series Mania Television Festival in Paris.[18]

    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.[19] The Guardian praised Please Like Me's "unconventional writing".[20]

    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."[21] 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."[22]

    Awards and nominations[edit]

    Year Award Category Recipients and nominees Result
    2013 Australian Writers Guild Awards[23][24] Best Writing in a Comedy: Situation or Narrative Josh Thomas, Liz Doran and Thomas Ward – Series 1, Episode 3 'Portuguese Custard Tarts' Won
    Josh Thomas, Liz Doran and Thomas Ward – Series 1, Episode 5 'Spanish Eggs' Nominated
    2014 3rd AACTA Awards[25] Best Television Comedy Series Please Like Me – Todd Abbott Won
    Best Performance in a Television Comedy Josh Thomas Nominated
    Best Direction in a Television Drama or Comedy Matthew Saville – Series 1, Episode 3 'Portuguese Custard Tarts' Nominated
    GLAAD Media Awards[26] Outstanding Comedy Series Please Like Me Nominated
    Australian Directors Guild Awards[27] Best Direction: TV Comedy Matthew Saville Won
    Rose d'Or[28] Sitcom Please Like Me Nominated
    Logie Awards[29] Most Outstanding Light Entertainment Program Please Like Me Nominated
    International Emmy Award[30] Best Comedy Series Please Like Me Nominated
    Australian Screen Editors Awards[31] Best Editing in a Television Comedy Julie-Anne De Ruvo – Season 2, Episode 2 'Ham' Nominated
    2015 4th AACTA Awards[32] Best Television Comedy Series Please Like Me – Todd Abbott, Josh Thomas and Kevin Whyte Nominated
    Best Direction in a Television Drama or Comedy Matthew Saville – Series 2, Episode 7 'Scroggin' Nominated
    Best Screenplay in Television Josh Thomas – Series 2, Episode 7 'Scroggin' Won
    Best Performance in a Television Comedy Debra Lawrance Won
    Josh Thomas Nominated
    Best Sound in Television John Wilkinson and Simon Rosenberg – Series 2, Episode 7 'Scroggin' Nominated
    Logie Awards[33] Most Popular Actor Josh Thomas, Please Like Me Nominated
    Most Outstanding Comedy Program Please Like Me Nominated
    GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Comedy Series Please Like Me Nominated
    Australian Writers Guild Awards[34] Best Writing in a Comedy: Situation or Narrative Josh Thomas – Series 2, Episode 7 'Scroggin' Won
    Australian Directors Guild Awards[35] Best Direction in a TV Comedy Matthew Saville – Series 2, Episode 7 'Scroggin' Won
    Australian Screen Editors Awards[36] Best Editing in a Television Comedy Julie-Anne De Ruvo – Please Like Me (Series 2) Won
    Screen Producers Australia Awards[37] Comedy Television Production of the Year Please Like Me Season 2, Guesswork Television Won
    Prism Awards[38] Comedy Episode or Multi-Episode Storyline Please Like Me Season 2 (Pivot) Nominated
    Dorian Awards[39] LGBTQ TV Show of the Year Please Like Me (Pivot) Nominated
    Unsung TV Show of the Year Please Like Me (Pivot) Nominated
    2016 GLAAD Media Awards[40] Outstanding Comedy Series Please Like Me (Pivot) Nominated
    Logie Awards[41] Best Actor Josh Thomas, Please Like Me Nominated
    Most Outstanding Comedy Program Please Like Me Nominated
    Australian Writers Guild Awards[42][43] Best Writing in a Comedy: Situation or Narrative Josh Thomas – Season 3, 'Coq au Vin' Nominated
    Josh Thomas and Liz Doran – Season 3, 'Pancakes with Faces' Won
    Josh Thomas, Liz Doran and Thomas Ward – Season 3, 'Simple Carbohydrates' Nominated
    Australian Screen Editors Awards[44] Best Editing in a Comedy Julie-Anne De Ruvo – Please Like Me, Season 3 – Episode 10 Won
    Screen Producers Australia Awards[45] Comedy Television Production of the Year Please Like Me Season 3, Guesswork Television Nominated
    Prism Awards Comedy Episode or Multi-Episode Storyline Please Like Me Season 3 (Pivot) Nominated
    6th AACTA Awards[46] Best Television Comedy Series Please Like Me – Todd Abbott, Josh Thomas, Lisa Wang and Kevin Whyte Nominated
    2017 Logie Awards[47] Most Outstanding Supporting Actress Debra Lawrance Won
    Most Outstanding Comedy Program Please Like Me Won

    See also[edit]

    References[edit]

    1. ^ "Josh Thomas Official Page". www.facebook.com.
  • ^ a b c d e Mathieson, Craig (21 February 2013). "Thomas the frank engine". The Age. (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  • ^ "Hit Parade". The West Australian. Perth: Seven West Media. 26 January 2013. p. 370.
  • ^ a b Vickery, Colin; Devlyn, Darren (27 February 2013). "Is Josh Thomas's show too gay for ABC1?". News.com.au. (News Limited). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  • ^ a b Knox, David (12 July 2013). "Josh Thomas comedy picked up by new US cable channel". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  • ^ "Join the Conversation". Please Like Me. Archived from the original on 22 August 2013. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  • ^ "Pivot Greenlights Second Season of Josh Thomas' Scripted Comedy "Please Like Me" In Advance of August 1st Debut" (PDF). Pivot.tv. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2013. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  • ^ "Please Like Me on Pivot". Pivot.com. Archived from the original on 1 July 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  • ^ Bulbeck, Pip (17 February 2014). "GLAAD-Nominated Aussie Comedy 'Please Like Me' to Get Second Season". The Hollywood Reporter. (Prometheus Global Media). Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  • ^ "Josh Thomas comedy Please Like Me breaks new ground in US". The Age. 12 July 2014. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  • ^ "Renewed: Please Like Me season 4". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  • ^ Please Like Me (TV Series 2013–2016) - IMDb, retrieved 29 January 2022
  • ^ Langford, Anthony D. (6 March 2013). "Langford on Soaps: Is It The End For Christian And Ollie on "Forbidden Love?"". AfterElton.com. (Logo TV). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  • ^ Langford, Anthony D. (27 March 2013). "Langford on Soaps: Brendan Goes Out With A Bang and A Whimper on "Hollyaoks"". AfterElton.com. (Logo TV). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  • ^ Mast, Andrew (6 March 2013). "The TV Set: It's Hard To Like Josh Thomas". Music.com.au. (Street Press Australia Pty). Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  • ^ Knox, David (25 February 2013). "Please Like Me". TV Tonight. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  • ^ a b Hardie, Giles; Ellis, Scott (21 February 2013). "Please Like Me". The Age. (Fairfax Media). Archived from the original on 25 February 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  • ^ Knox, David (22 February 2013). "Please Like Me, Puberty Blues selected for French TV festival". TV Tonight. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  • ^ "Please Like Me grew up (into one of the year's best shows) in season two". The A.V. Club. 9 October 2014.
  • ^ Tan, Monica (26 August 2014). "Josh Thomas and why no one is watching Australia's best comedy". TheGuardian.com.
  • ^ Gallegos, Jose (17 October 2015). "'Please Like Me' Recap — Season 3, Episode 1: 'Eggplant'". IndieWire. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  • ^ O’Meara, Damien John; Monaghan, Whitney (5 March 2024). "Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and nonbinary representation on Australian scripted television in the 2000s and 2010s". Media International Australia. doi:10.1177/1329878X241236990. ISSN 1329-878X.
  • ^ "Please Like Me". Australian Writers' Guild. Archived from the original on 8 October 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  • ^ Knox, David. "2013 AWGIE Awards: nominees". TV Tonight. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  • ^ Knox, David (30 January 2014). "AACTA Awards 2014: winners". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  • ^ "Please Like Me". GLAAD. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  • ^ "Please Like Me". Australian Directors Guild. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  • ^ Visentin, Lisa (18 June 2014). "Josh Thomas' show Please Like Me nominated for Rose d'Or". The Sydney Morning Herald. (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  • ^ "Please Like Me". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  • ^ Bodey, Michael (14 October 2014). "ABC2 comedy Please Like Me nominated for Emmy". The Australian. News Corp Australia (News Corp). Retrieved 3 November 2014.
  • ^ "Australian Editors Guild awards 2014: nominees". TV Tonight. 6 November 2014.
  • ^ "4th AACTA Awards Winners & Nominees By Category" (PDF). Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 May 2015. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  • ^ Willis, Charlotte. "Logie Awards 2015: Nominees announced". news.com.au. News Limited. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  • ^ "2015 AWGIE Winners – by category". Australian Writers Guild (AWG). Archived from the original on 10 December 2015. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  • ^ "2015 ADG Awards Winners". Australian Directors Guild. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  • ^ "2015 'ELLIE' AWARDS WINNERS". Australian Screen Editors. 8 December 2015. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  • ^ "Screen Producers Australia Awards » Screen Producers Australia". www.spaa.org.au. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  • ^ "Television | Prism Awards". www.prismawards.com. Archived from the original on 9 July 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  • ^ Griffiths, John. "GALECA :: Gay & Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association :: Home of The Dorian Awards". www.galeca.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  • ^ "GLAAD Media Awards: Transparent, Sense8, I Am Cait Among Winners". TVLine. 3 April 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  • ^ "Logie Awards 2016: nominations". TV Tonight. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  • ^ "AWGIE Awards 2016: nominees". TV Tonight. 1 August 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  • ^ "AWGIE Awards 2016: winners". TV Tonight. 14 October 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  • ^ "2016 Ellie Award Winners | Australian Screen Editors". www.screeneditors.com.au. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  • ^ "Screen Producers Awards 2016: nominees". TV Tonight. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  • ^ "AFI | AACTA | The Awards | Television Awards". www.aacta.org. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  • ^ "Australia's Logie Award winners". Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  • External links[edit]


    Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Please_Like_Me&oldid=1230698156"

    Categories: 
    2010s LGBT-related drama television series
    2010s LGBT-related comedy television series
    2013 Australian television series debuts
    2013 American television series debuts
    2016 Australian television series endings
    Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
    Pivot (TV network) original programming
    Fiction about polyamory
    Australian comedy-drama television series
    Australian LGBT-related television shows
    Gay-related television shows
    Television about mental health
    Fiction about bipolar disorder
    Lesbian-related television shows
    Television shows about suicide
    Hidden categories: 
    Articles with short description
    Short description is different from Wikidata
    Use dmy dates from February 2017
    Use Australian English from September 2013
    All Wikipedia articles written in Australian English
     



    This page was last edited on 24 June 2024, at 05:43 (UTC).

    Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.



    Privacy policy

    About Wikipedia

    Disclaimers

    Contact Wikipedia

    Code of Conduct

    Developers

    Statistics

    Cookie statement

    Mobile view



    Wikimedia Foundation
    Powered by MediaWiki