The Secret Life of Us

Last updated

The Secret Life of Us
Thesecretlifeofus.jpeg
Season 1 title card
Genre Melodrama
Comedy drama
Created by John Edwards
Amanda Higgs
Starring Claudia Karvan
Samuel Johnson
Deborah Mailman
Abi Tucker
Joel Edgerton
Sibylla Budd
David Tredinnick
Spencer McLaren
Damian De Montemas
Michael Dorman
Narrated bySamuel Johnson
Deborah Mailman
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons4
No. of episodes86 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producers John Edwards
Amanda Higgs
Production locations St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria
Running time45 minutes
Production company Southern Star Entertainment
Original release
Network Network Ten
Release16 July 2001 (2001-07-16) 
28 December 2005 (2005-12-28)

The Secret Life of Us is an Australian television drama series set in the beachside neighbourhood of St Kilda, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is primarily a drama with some comedic moments. The series was produced by Southern Star Group and screened in Australia from 2001 to 2005 on Network Ten and on Channel 4 in the UK. Initially co-funded by the two networks, Channel 4 pulled out after the third series and the fourth series was not aired in the UK. The series won three silver Logie Awards.

Contents

It has been shown in other countries such as New Zealand (TV3) where it is rated R16 in New Zealand for offensive language and sex scenes; Ireland (RTÉ Two), Canada (SuperChannel3), the Netherlands (Yorin), France (Canal Plus, France 4), Estonia (ETV, Kanal 11), Norway (NRK), Serbia (B92, TV Avala), Russia (TNT, Muz TV), Israel (Channel 2), South Africa (M-Net), and the United States (Hulu).

Plot

The show revolves around a group of friends in their mid 20s to early 30s who live in a St Kilda block of flats. Their interaction with one another, relationships with other friends, and romantic interests, along with their personal and career developments, are featured.

The actual block is 14A Acland Street, St. Kilda and the rooftop is at the Belvedere Flats on the Esplanade in the same suburb.

History and popularity

The series had its genesis in a telemovie; a 22-episode first season was commissioned by the Ten Network before the movie screened. [1] As its popularity rose, issues arose between the show's creators and Network Ten, which saw higher ratings when it screened before 9:30. This necessitated cutting scenes with sexual themes. [2]

The inclusion of a prominent Aboriginal character (Kelly Lewis, played by Deborah Mailman) attracted comment at the time of the series' broadcast, [3] and has since been cited as a landmark in the history of media representations of Indigenous Australians. [4]

The series has been noted as significant for its inclusion of a central, gay coming out narrative in its first season (Richie Blake, played by Spencer McLraren). [5]

The show's ratings began to dwindle following the departure of several key actors and the introduction of new characters and cast members. This began in the second season with the departure of Joel Edgerton and Damian De Montemas. It was the third season that featured a particularly high character turnover, and included the departure of key original cast members Claudia Karvan and Abi Tucker.

Five main cast members Sibylla Budd, Spencer McLaren, Dan Spielman, Nina Liu, and Gigi Edgley left at the end of season three and original lead Samuel Johnson left early in season four, followed by Michael Dorman three episodes later. Original cast members Deborah Mailman and David Tredinnick continued, and seven new regular characters were added for season four. The changes were part of a larger overhaul which had the arrival of a new producer, a new script producer, and a new writing team. [6]

Cast

Episodes

SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1 2216 July 2001 (2001-07-16)26 November 2001 (2001-11-26)
2 2218 February 2002 (2002-02-18)5 August 2002 (2002-08-05)
3 2210 February 2003 (2003-02-10)11 August 2003 (2003-08-11)
4 2018 February 2004 (2004-02-18)28 December 2005 (2005-12-28)

Series ratings

SeasonEpisodesOriginally airedViewership
Season premiere Season finale Viewers (millions)RatingDrama Rank
12223 July 200126 November 20010.977 [7] 7.4 [7] #10 [7]
22218 February 20025 August 20021.177 [7] 8.9 [7] #7 [7]
32210 February 200311 August 20030.994 [7] 7.4 [7] #9 [7]
42018 February 200428 December 20050.581 [8] 4.3 [8] #7 [8]

Cancellation

Production ended in 2004 with the completion of the fourth season. The decision had been made to discontinue production after the first three episodes of the fourth season aired in Australia to disastrously low ratings. At that time, the program was removed from its primetime slot. The unscreened episodes from that final season were broadcast with little publicity in late 2005.[ citation needed ]

Home media

SeasonRelease dateSpecial
features
Region 2 Region 4 Region 4
(re-issue)
Season 127 October 2003 [9] [10] 8 March 2004 [11] 2 September 2012 [12]
Season 222 January 2007 [13] 8 October 2004 [14] 2 September 2012 [15]
Season 320 August 2007 [16] 11 October 2004 [17] 2 September 2012 [18]
Season 420062 September 2012 [19]
Complete Series10 November 2010 [20] 7 October 2020 [21]


  • Behind the Scenes Documentary: 'The Secret Life of The Secret Life of Us'
  • Interviews: Talking with Claudia Karvan, Talking with Joel Edgerton, Talking with Judi McCrossin, Talking with Spencer McClaren and David Tredinnick, Talking with Deborah Mailman, Talking with Sibylla Budd and Damien de Montemas
  • Exclusive Interview with Samuel Johnson, Exclusive Interview with Abi Tucker
  • Photo gallery

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Father Ted</i> British sitcom set in Ireland (1995–1998)

Father Ted is a sitcom created by Irish writers Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews and produced by British production company Hat Trick Productions for British television channel Channel 4. It aired over three series from 21 April 1995 until 1 May 1998, including a Christmas special, for a total of 25 episodes. It aired on Nine Network and ABC Television in Australia, and on TV2 in New Zealand.

<i>Absolutely Fabulous</i> British TV sitcom (1992–2012)

Absolutely Fabulous is a British television sitcom based on the French and Saunders sketch "Modern Mother and Daughter", created by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. The show was created and written by Saunders, who also stars as one of the main characters. Its cast includes Joanna Lumley and Julia Sawalha.

<i>As Time Goes By</i> (TV series) British TV sitcom (1992–2005)

As Time Goes By is a British romantic sitcom that aired on BBC One from 12 January 1992 to 30 December 2005, running for nine series and two specials. Starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer, it follows the relationship between two former lovers who meet unexpectedly after losing contact for 38 years.

<i>Steptoe and Son</i> British TV sitcom (1962–1974)

Steptoe and Son is a British sitcom written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson about a father-and-son rag-and-bone business in 26a Oil Drum Lane, a fictional street in Shepherd's Bush, London. Four series were broadcast by the BBC in black and white from 1962 to 1965, followed by a second run from 1970 to 1974 in colour. The lead roles were played by Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett. The theme tune, "Old Ned", was composed by Ron Grainer. The series was voted 15th in a 2004 poll by the BBC to find Britain's Best Sitcom. It was remade in the United States as Sanford and Son, in Sweden as Albert & Herbert, in the Netherlands as Stiefbeen en zoon, in Portugal as Camilo & Filho, and in South Africa as Snetherswaite and Son. Two film adaptations of the series were released in cinemas, Steptoe and Son (1972) and Steptoe and Son Ride Again (1973).

<i>Fast Forward</i> (Australian TV series) Australian sketch comedy television series

Fast Forward was Australia's highest-rating and most critically awarded commercial television sketch comedy show, broadcast for 90 one-hour episodes from 12 April 1989 to 26 November 1992.

<i>Kath & Kim</i> Australian comedy television series

Kath & Kim is an Australian sitcom originally airing in the prime-time slot on ABC Television from 2002 and 2005 and subsequently on the Seven Network in 2007 and 2022. The show was produced by Riley and Turner Productions, the firm of Jane Turner and Gina Riley, who star as the titular characters of Kath Day-Knight, a cheery, middle-aged suburban mother, and Kim, her narcissistic daughter. Additional cast members include Glenn Robbins as Kel Knight, Kath's metrosexual boyfriend ; Kim's henpecked husband Brett Craig, and her lonely "second-best friend" Magda Szubanski as Sharon Strzelecki. The series is set in Fountain Lakes, a fictional suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. The series received highly positive reviews from critics, who praised the humor and cast performances, particularly of Turner and Riley.

<i>All Saints</i> (TV series) Australian television medical drama

All Saints is an Australian medical drama television series that first screened on the Seven Network on 24 February 1998. Set in the fictional All Saints Western General Hospital, it focused on the staff of Ward 17 until its closure in 2004, which is when the focus changed and began following the staff of the Emergency Department. The show was produced by John Holmes alongside Jo Porter, MaryAnne Carroll and Di Drew. The final episode aired on 27 October 2009, completing its record-breaking 12-year run.

<i>McLeods Daughters</i> Popular Australian TV dramatic series, originally aired 2001-2009

McLeod's Daughters is an Australian drama television series created by Posie Graeme-Evans and Caroline Stanton for the Nine Network, which aired from 8 August 2001, to 31 January 2009, lasting eight seasons. It stars Lisa Chappell and Bridie Carter in the leading roles as two sisters reunited after twenty years of separation, thrust into a working relationship when they inherit their family's cattle station in South Australia. The series is produced by Millennium Television, in association with Nine Films and Television and Southern Star. Graeme-Evans, Kris Noble and Susan Bower served as the original executive producers.

<i>Ballykissangel</i> British television drama series (1996–2001)

Ballykissangel is a BBC television drama created by Kieran Prendiville and set in Ireland, produced in-house by BBC Northern Ireland. The original story revolved around a young English Roman Catholic priest as he became part of a rural community. It ran for six series, which were first broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom from 1996 to 2001. It aired in Ireland on RTÉ One and in Australia on ABC TV from 1996 to 2001. Repeats have been shown on Drama in the United Kingdom and the series also has been shown in the United States on some PBS affiliates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deborah Mailman</span> Australian actress

Deborah Jane Mailman is an Australian television and film actress, and singer. Mailman is known for her characters: Kelly Lewis on the Australian drama series The Secret Life of Us, Cherie Butterfield in the Australian comedy-drama series Offspring, Lorraine in the Australian drama series Redfern Now and Aunt Linda in the Australian dystopian science fiction series Cleverman. Mailman portrayed the lead role of MP Alexandra "Alex" Irving on the Australian political drama series Total Control.

<i>At Home with the Braithwaites</i> British TV series or programme

At Home with the Braithwaites is a British comedy-drama television series, created and written by Sally Wainwright. The storyline follows a suburban family in Leeds, whose life is turned upside down when the mother of the family wins £38 million on the lottery. It was broadcast on ITV and produced by Yorkshire Television for 26 episodes, from 20 January 2000 to 9 April 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sibylla Budd</span> Australian actress

Sibylla Budd is an Australian actress perhaps best known for her roles in the television series The Secret Life of Us and Winners & Losers.

<i>Love My Way</i> Australian television series

Love My Way is an Australian television drama series created by John Edwards and Claudia Karvan, which premiered on Fox8 on 22 November 2004, before moving to W. for its second season, and Showtime for its third and final season, concluding on 19 March 2007. The series stars Claudia Karvan, Asher Keddie, Brendan Cowell, Daniel Wyllie, Lynette Curran, Alex Cook, Max Cullen and Gillian Jones. It was produced by Southern Star Group for Foxtel, with Kim Vecera and Mike Sneesby serving as executive producers for the series.

<i>Bed of Roses</i> (TV series) Australian comedy drama television series

Bed of Roses is an Australian comedy drama television series which was first shown on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) from 10 May 2008. It stars Kerry Armstrong and was created by Jutta Goetze and Elizabeth Coleman. It was produced by Mark Ruse and Stephen Luby (Crackerjack).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kat Stewart</span> Australian actress

Katherine Louise Stewart is an Australian actress who has made numerous appearances in television series, movies and on-stage.

<i>Wentworth</i> (TV series) Australian television series

Wentworth is an Australian television drama series. It was first broadcast on SoHo on 1 May 2013, and it concluded on Fox Showcase with its 100th episode on 26 October 2021. The series serves as a contemporary reimagining of Prisoner, which ran on Network Ten from 1979 to 1986. Lara Radulovich and David Hannam developed Wentworth from Reg Watson's original concept. The series is set in the modern day and initially focuses on Bea Smith's early days in prison and her subsequent rise to the top of the prison's hierarchy. From the fifth season onward, the series shifted to emphasize more of an ensemble format.

<i>House Husbands</i> Television series

House Husbands is an Australian television comedy drama. The show debuted on the Nine Network on 2 September 2012. Set in Melbourne, House Husbands stars Firass Dirani, Gyton Grantley, Rhys Muldoon and Gary Sweet as four fathers who stay at home to raise their children. The program also focuses on their interconnected families and friends. In 2013, House Husbands won Most Popular Drama Series at the 2013 Logie Awards. In February 2018, Nine confirmed the series would not be returning for a sixth season and was officially cancelled.

<i>Father Brown</i> (2013 TV series) British television period mystery series

Father Brown is a British period detective television series loosely based on the Father Brown short stories by G. K. Chesterton, starring Mark Williams as the crime-solving Roman Catholic priest. Broadcast began on BBC One on 14 January 2013. In April 2023 the BBC confirmed that filming had begun on an 11th series, for broadcast in January 2024, and also confirmed the return of Lorna Watson as Sister Boniface. The commissioning of series 12 and 13 were confirmed in April 2024.

<i>Wonderland</i> (Australian TV series) Australian TV series or program

Wonderland is an Australian television romantic comedy drama series. It was first broadcast on Network Ten on 21 August 2013. The series was co-created by Jo Porter and Sarah Walker. The series is set in an apartment building and focuses on four couples as they navigate love, life and friendships. Wonderland features an ensemble cast and is filmed on location in Sydney. Three seasons of Wonderland were broadcast, before it was announced on 26 October 2015 that the show had been cancelled. The series has also aired in Europe and the United States.

<i>Doctor Doctor</i> (Australian TV series) Australian television drama series

Doctor Doctor is an Australian television drama created by Tony McNamara, Ian Collie and Alan Harris, which premiered on the Nine Network on 14 September 2016, lasting five seasons, concluding on 23 June 2021. The cast includes Rodger Corser, Nicole da Silva, Ryan Johnson, Tina Bursill, Hayley McElhinney and Steve Bisley, and follows the story of Hugh Knight, a rising heart surgeon who is gifted, charming and infallible. He is a hedonist who, due to his sheer talent, believes he can live outside the rules. His "work hard, play harder" philosophy eventually comes to 'bite' him. The series was originally produced by Essential Media & Entertainment and Easy Tiger Productions in association with Screen NSW. Andy Ryan and Jo Rooney served as executive producers.

References

  1. Michael Idato, "Ten's Secret Is Out", Sydney Morning Herald 21 August 2000, p. 48
  2. Michael Idato, "Secret Life Re-signed", Sydney Morning Herald 10 September 2001, p. 45
  3. Moses, Alexa (26 April 2002). "Aboriginal actors want share of the action". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  4. King, Andrew S. (2009). "Romance and Reconciliation: The secret life of indigenous sexuality on Australian television drama". Journal of Australian Studies. 33 (1): 37–50. doi:10.1080/14443050802672528. S2CID   143005532 . Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  5. 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.
  6. Browne, Rachel (14 September 2003). "The secret life of . . . who?". The Sun-Herald. Retrieved 3 May 2015.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Top drama/comedy series before 2004 - In the archive - Australian content - Television - Fact Finders - Screen Australia". Screen Australia.
  8. 1 2 3 "Top drama series - In the archive - Australian content - Television - Fact Finders - Screen Australia". Screen Australia.
  9. "The Secret Life of Us: Series 1 - Part 1". musicmagpie.co.uk. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  10. "The Secret Life of Us: Series 1 - Part 2". musicmagpie.co.uk. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  11. "Secret Life Of Us Series 1 [Region Free]". fishpond.com.au. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  12. "The Secret Life of Us Series 1". Booktopia . Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  13. "The Secret Life Of Us - The Complete Series 2 [DVD]". amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  14. "Secret Life Of Us Series 2 [Region Free]". fishpond.com.au. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  15. "The Secret Life of Us Series 2". Booktopia . Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  16. "The Secret Life of Us Series 3 [DVD]". amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  17. "Secret Life Of Us, The- Series 3 [Region Free]". fishpond.com.au. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  18. "The Secret Life of Us Series 3". Booktopia . Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  19. "The Secret Life of Us Series 4". Booktopia . Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  20. "The Secret Life Of Us Boxset". Booktopia . Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  21. "Secret Life of Us The Complete Series". Booktopia . Retrieved 6 April 2024.