Please Like Me (2013–2016) User Reviews

Seriously funny

[tad-32 · 9/10 · 29 November 2013]

In one word, this show is fun.

From the teaser, to the entertaining title credits where Josh dances a funny little jig while he cooks up the name of the episode (Spanish Eggs for example), to the final scene, this show is all about the humor to be found in our own quirks and our quirky relationships with others...Josh and his first boyfriend Geoffrey, his dad and his Thai girlfriend Mae, his mom and his aunt, Josh and his aunt, Josh and Claire, Ted and Nev, etc.

The other thing that makes this a joy to watch is that the cast clearly enjoys what they're doing...it shines through their portrayals. There are also a few scenes where I swear they improvised, and improvised really well. Think 'Arrested Development meets generation Y'.

Another GREAT Australian series well worth the watching all the way.

[kimmbailey53 · 9/10 · 15 September 2014]

Josh is an everyday guy learning about sex, love, life and responsibilities. He is only slightly effeminate and there is really no clue where this is going, it's an exploration of emotions and gut wrenching relationship issues. Draws the viewer into the new age world of today's young adults. Explores the generational cracks and their impact on the ones least prepared to shoulder them, till challenged. And everyone has their own challenges here. All gets sorted by the intuitively intelligent Josh. So very real. Emotional, endearing characters with nothing pretentious about them.

Fresh faces, great casting, and you will love the characters, everyone has their story to tell, and you get to know them all well.

Great icons of the Australian TV industry also bring their talent, experience and professionalism to the fore as support characters, making this another Aussie TV success story like Offspring or Sea Change. I hope ABC keep this one going all the way. Love it.

Gets MUCH better as it goes along

[kelly-venner · 9/10 · 19 November 2015]

I had no expectations of this show whatsoever and pretty much watched it randomly.. I was pleasantly surprised. I've scored it an 8 based on the 2nd and 3rd season of the show, though I would rate the first season lower, probably a 6, as it takes a while to understand, and like the characters.

Josh, the main character is a recently out gay guy living with his best friend and various others over time. Each one of the main characters is quite complex, yet surprisingly relatable.

While on the surface the show is very whimsical and comical, they have tackled some really difficult issues, such as depression and suicide in an incredible manner - the later episodes are particularly moving.

I think the jokes only gain in strength as it goes along too, while at first I found it a little stilted, many of the episodes have made me laugh out loud.

There are sex scenes, nothing too intimate shown but obviously if you're not cool with gay romance - this is not for you.

Overall, would recommend - could see myself watching this again.

Well rounded and surprisingly touching

[pamelak6 · 10/10 · 27 September 2014]

Do not judge this show by the first episode. While I liked the first episode, I can see why most people wouldn't. Josh comes off as very awkward and super unrelatable. However, after watching all the episodes I have to say that the pacing of the show and the development of the characters as the series progressed really made me fall in love with every single aspect of the show. The relationships are all fleshed, slowly but surely, and all the dialogue is just wonderfully delivered. I would definitely implore you to watch at least 3 episodes before you stop because once the characters start coming out of their shells you find them to be funny, real, and beautifully written.

Annoying, but Superb

[B24 · 10/10 · 24 November 2015]

So many successful sitcoms depend on likable buffoons as major characters that one's first impression of "Josh" is that he is just another self-deprecating target for stale jokes about his shortcomings. In this case, the eponymous actor/creator moves well beyond the predictable into a realm of hyper-originality rarely seen in a TV series. Nothing here is predictable. Each scene, each comedic line, each nuance bordering on serious personality issues comes across as going against the grain of laugh track one-liners.

I viewed the first two seasons in quick sequence to determine some thread justifying the title "Please Like Me." There is so much more than that at work here I came to the conclusion that "Josh" intends his imperative to apply to the entire narrative rather than just himself. None of the main characters is one-dimensional. Each one stands alone in all sorts of revealing personal aspects. Attraction of one to another is quickly reversed or brought down to earth before sentimental attachments rear up to spoil the moment.

Of course "Josh" is unerringly annoying. Surrounded by bipolar types and deliberately handsome but flawed lovers he has little choice.

This is a fascinating series, which I hope to be able to follow as it progresses.

An Excellent Show with a Great Cast

[kriswho24 · 10/10 · 8 October 2014]

Josh Thomas stars in the show that he created and writes. Each show is well directed and produced. It is a show with both awkward and relatable comedy that is realistic and natural. The best quality of the show is how honest and direct the character Josh is. The supporting cast are excellent, and the time share is well balanced.

It is good to see TV networks including progressive story lines rather than the old, tired gay story lines that cast characters as struggling, rejected, unhappy and depressed.

It's also refreshing to have a comedy that includes a sensible gay role model rather than reverting to the overtly flamboyant and eccentric overused stereotype.

The central character and type of comedy will probably split opinion. For those reasons, I would not criticise but rather appreciate it for what it tries to be, and in that respect, 10 out of 10 is well deserved.

If you haven't already, watch this show!

We need more shows like this

[vanessasenterstroud · 10/10 · 11 January 2017]

Please Like Me is a very thoughtful dark comedy, and there isn't anything else quite like it. The writing is amazing. From a first glance this show might appear to be about gay life in Australia, and I've read several descriptions of the show that say something like that, but it's just a really funny show about life, generally, with a main character and many side characters who happen to be gay. It can be dark and depressing at times, and sometimes silly, but always very insightful without trying too hard, being pretentious, or going for shock value like so many shows seems to do for a laugh. We could use a lot more shows like this one.

Wonderful, touching and funny. I can't get enough.

[adamirwin-07270 · 10/10 · 1 January 2017]

I don't normally write reviews but have been so thoroughly entertained by this show that I couldn't resist writing one.

I only recently discovered this show and have binge-watched as much as I could.

Wow what a great watch, with ups and downs, funny parts, real-life situations and sad parts. This was one of the most enjoyable shows I've watched in years.

The story and acting were all superb.

I wish I had lived in a shared house with friends as close as portrayed in this show.

Well done to all involved in making this show, you've all contributed to a beautiful story which I enjoyed on many, many levels.

Delightfully depression-themed show!

[pramudyasa · 10/10 · 5 May 2016]

I stumbled upon this show on TV last holiday and I am so glad! Being 20-somethinng who still has a lot to figure out how life works, almost every character is relate-able for me. Josh with his uncertainty towards every decision he makes, Tom with his awkwardness, even Josh's mum dealing with meltdown after meltdowns also her friends she encounters soon.

One of the criteria(not always) of a good show for me is there is not a single character I hate, even characters that many ppl irritated with in this board (which I can see why), I could totally understand their behavior.

The best episode for me is when there is only 2 characters in the entire episode, Josh and his mum go hiking while engaging in heart-to-heart conversation. Everything about it is just so soothing, exhilarating, plus the beautiful Australian woods/forest/swamp (honestly idk what it's called) successfully made me cried with tears of joy and sadness half end throughout the episode.

If you're looking for meaningful yet light-heart show especially if you're 20-something and depressed, this show is an ABSOLUTE MUST-WATCH!

Give it a change, just once!

[blinkie1969 · 7/10 · 11 September 2020]

I already watched this series once and then I liked it. The main characters endearing, the storyline serious and entertaining. I decided to watch it again but stopped watching at season 3. I find the main character annoying and selfish now, it is still entertaining but for me mainly dull. Unfortunately! Definitely advise people to watch the series at least once!

This Show Grows on You, and You Will Fall in Love with the Characters

[onebeonwheels · 10/10 · 31 March 2018]

I was not immediately drawn in by Please Like Me. It wasn't particularly entertaining or interesting during the first two episodes I had watched by chance when my Netflix account had unlocked the show while traveling in Europe. Once the show was released on Hulu here in the US, I decided to give it another chance.

The characters quickly grow on you. The main character Josh goes from abrasive to endearing. Someone you can relate to and empathize with. The writing of the show has a certain humanization that makes all the characters entirely relateable, even when they are being awful. You hate the ones you're supposed to hate, and love the ones that are flawed. They grow on you; each one in their own way. It wasn't long before I was completely smitten with the characters and couldn't wait to see where they were headed.

The show has a uniqueness and genuineness that comes across on screen because they appear to shoot on location. You can tell they are in a real city, in a real house or flat, or hospital, or restaurant. It adds to the immersion you feel with the characters and their story line.

The tone of the show has a unique voice, and a particular feel of reality as a millennial. The fact that the main character is gay is not overplayed or exacerbated. It's not reminded with fanfare, but simply a vessel that story arcs carry.

Brilliantly acted, highly entertaining. Commit to the first season (series) if you do decide to watch it, as the first couple of episodes may not take right away.

Need to change the main character.!

[andruindahouse · 6/10 · 27 June 2020]

At first I tought that the main character (Josh) just act like a spoiled kid for a reason that we will see him growing up to be a man.., a gentleman. But apparently not. This Josh character is annoying, self-centered, whiny, heartless, and childish. Even with all the nice people around him, he still acting like a prick and selfish. I really tried to like this Josh's character but I can't, each episodes makes me hates him even more. I loved the storyline here, I just don't like Josh. I like the conflict between his divorced mom and dad. I like the weird relationship between Josh's bestfriend Tom and Claire. I like Geoffrey as the perfect boyfriend material. I even like Aunty Peg, she seems genuine. But Josh.... Ugghhh... Terrible human being. I just don't get why the producer made this character to be the main character.

Bland young adults being entitled - the series

[dermaniac · 5/10 · 19 April 2017]

It starts out kinda funny and charming, but then turns into sort of a bland mess of trivial issues being discussed ad nauseam, entitled behavior, and just a generally unlikable main character. You sympathize with his struggles at first, but over time you realize that he is a selfish narcissist that spends most of his time feeling sorry for himself. Not a single of the main characters has a job (and when at one point it is suggested to the main character that he should get one, he reacts flabbergasted), yet they never have to struggle with money.

Most of the humor comes from the fact that everyone seems to be blandly fine with everything and shows very little to no emotions. I do commend it for playing with people's expectations every now and then, by setting up a scenario where you expect a certain reaction and then not giving it to us, but unfortunately almost every time it is that we are given no reaction... because like I said before, everyone is blandly fine with everything.

It's just a bland mess of bland blandness, trying to get some jokes from the fact that everyone is so bland.

Near perfect !

[cekadah · 10/10 · 30 October 2017]

What to write about a show that you fall in love with right from the very first episode! I do not know!

After recently discovering this series, staring the quirky and charming Josh Thomas, I have been binge watching each season and one after the other is equally good. No down spots, no character weakness, no flaws.

A comic drama that is so well written, directed, and perfectly cast, I fail to understand the less than praising reviews. As you can see I'm quite taken with this show and I encourage others to give it a look.

Mixed feelings

[petemackintosh · 8/10 · 13 February 2019]

I really liked the whole series. It reminded me of my uni days, sharing a house coming out as gay etc. If you are looking for adults, there are none. All the characters are children, unaware they need to learn from their experiences. The series ends at an interesting point where they all are faced with significant change. I feel very mixed, I love it for what it is, glad it stopped where it did. Annoyed with Josh who has the ability to be very charming but self centred and unable to understand others. I wish it will return in a few years to show how and if they have grown up. And how they have all grown apart. Then again as adults I think they'll probably be all horrible people..

Best show

[robert-hrehoruk · 10/10 · 28 December 2019]

I actually have mourned the end of this show... and keep hoping it'll come back. Such a dynamic show.

A gay guy's real life movie

[gregorystichelbaut · 10/10 · 27 January 2019]

At first I wasn't going to see this serie, seemed to me like an class B things. But one night I started, still not very convinced after the first episode but decided to keep the hope high. Episode after episode I got more and more drawn into the caracters aswell into every different aspect of life & feeling in life. Why? I am a proud gayguy, not the perfect coverboy because of my looks (gayscene is all about sixpacks and sex) and also because me having the struggle with a light bipolar disorder and a bit of anxiety for almost 5 years now. This is a recap of my daily life, as show in the serie struggling trough the good and the bad, I can confess cried a lot of tears during this 4 seasons. I honnestly connect the most with Arnold (obvious reasons), well just can't explain it just matches with his character. After binge-watching this show it feel really bad the show got ended or cancelled, I think there are so much more things to (gay/mental)life beeing unspoken!

Quirky, funny and utterly sympathetic.

[wisewebwoman · 10/10 · 21 January 2018]

I would never have found this show only that my granddaughter recommended it, knowing I'd love it.

I can't say enough about it. It takes a while to get to know the main character, Josh, and to make sense of the title. And then about 3 episodes in, it all clicks into place and the emotional investment takes over along with the laughs. And there are many.

It's quite graphic at times, particularly when talking about sex but it all rings true. And grown-up compared with so much that comes out of the American and Canadian studios.

I loved all the characters, flawed and all and so many of the scenes are still resonating, Josh off on a wilderness tour with his mum, fireworks on the beach, John the dog, etc.

Wonderful, I binged. Of course. Highly recommend.

felt so real

[bellalalauch · 10/10 · 18 April 2021]

Everything about this show was just so incredible to watch. I absolutely loved it. I also really loved how real it felt. The characters were all so flawed and felt like real people and it helped for me, personally, to connect to them. I love josh thomas for creating this and i'm so glad he did. I love how he took his real life experiences and made this incredible show based off of his life. I also just loved the portrayal of mental illness in the show and the way that josh took advice from real people and made these wonderful characters and showed how all of the people in the "mental hospital" were different and how everyone's experiences with mental health is different. I just loved everything about it. My only complaint is that i wish there was more of it to watch!

Was good, but did run its course.

[finibabe2 · 7/10 · 30 April 2017]

I think this show could have had more depth and more longevity if it focused on stories of the supporting cast instead of everything being about the lead and his sex life. The mom's story was cool , but depressing. The father was OK with wife. But everything was central to the lead. If they developed the other characters more it would not have been just a gay show.

Ground Breaking

[calprater · 9/10 · 2 March 2020]

I almost titled this post "Ground Breaking for Australia" but this program shines so much further than its origin country. Josh's wit, humor and intelligence shines in this series. I'm not sure I've ever watched such distinguished coming-of-age series that presents and tackles such modern day delimas and problems. This series is so much more than a coming-out story; it addressees taboo issues like mental illnesses such as suicide, which really speaks to the viewer. Speaking as a victim of a parent suicide, this program gave me a sense of hope and comfort. I recommend it to anyone struggling with a broad range of mental vices.

Josh... you paint a bad picture of yourself

[mikestarr_89 · 3/10 · 20 June 2018]

This show could have been something great. I did watch all 4 seasons but continued to grow more and more annoyed by the main character. He continually becomes more unlikeable and is just an awful human being. he treats all his friends like utter trash and not to mention all the guys he dates, he somehow believes in his own twisted head that he is better then all of them, its very clear he isn't and its almost hard to understand what the boyfriends see in him... He also gives gays a bad name, with the whole open-relationship, 3some thing, hooking up and just being a complete sl*t as well as his use of the word "f****t" this really disappoints me that gays as a culture have come so far only to have someone who identifies as gay using that word also.... grow up Josh Thomas... The rest of the cast are amazing and thats what kept me coming back.... This show could have been so much better if the main character was played by someone different and made to be a little more human.

Hilarious, poignant, and binge-worthy!

[mountainjourno · 10/10 · 16 September 2019]

I'm sitting here watching the series for the third time...

What's not to like?

[svanlijnden · 8/10 · 10 January 2015]

'Please Like Me' seems a bit needy, as titles go. But it's not hard to like this Australian series, which is a dramady with a documentary, understated feel to it. The lead is Josh (played by Josh Thomas), who gets dumped by his girlfriend in the first few minutes of the first episode. Things haven't been working out, she says. 'Also – you're gay.' Josh only begrudgingly comes to terms with this and he doesn't really feel like really having a proper coming out because the concept is 'so 90's'. As it happens, his best friend's colleague is only too happy to help Josh on his journey of self-discovery. This despite him seeming to be out of Josh's league looks-wise. That's not me being mean, that is something repeatedly stated in the series, by Josh himself.

Josh is an interesting character. He tries to avoid conflict, but is also outspoken, and he keeps finding himself in situations he does not quite want to deal with. He is a bit aimless still, apparently studying – though we never see him do it – and he doesn't have a job. His parents keep him afloat financially. He's smart, funny, stubborn and maybe a bit lazy.

The other character who plays a central role, especially during the second season, is Josh's mum (Debra Lawrance). She is suffering from manic depression. This leads to scenes that are sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and she gives Josh plenty to worry about. We see her at her worst and also as the ultimately normal person at the core, who is just trying to cope with her illness. Rounding out the main cast are Josh's anxious, ineffectual dad and his feisty new wife, Josh's ex and his roommate best friend who is amusingly bad at expressing himself when it comes to emotions.

They're a sympathetic bunch, well-portrayed and dealing with relatable crises. They're flawed and don't always do the right thing, but how they act makes sense given who they are. You will enjoy hanging out with them, even if you may be happy that you don't have to live with them full-time. Two seasons of 'Please Like Me' have been made so far, the last episode completely focusing on Josh and his mom taking a long trek through nature, just sharing thoughts and feelings. This is by turns funny, sad and awkward, in line with the rest of the series. Thankfully, Please Like Me's journey will continue in an upcoming season of ten episodes. More reviews at: popcultjunk.com / Twitter: @PopCultJunk

Best Australian TV Show ever?

[pseudodedave · 10/10 · 25 October 2017]

First ever review. Brilliant show. One of the few both my wife and I love. Very funny and sometimes very sad with real character growth over the seasons. Always looking forward to the next episode. This may be the best Australian TV show ever made. A great antidote for the international Crocodile Dundee perception of our country.