Housos

Housos is an Australian television comedy series that aired on SBS between 2011 and 2022, starring Paul Fenech, Elle Dawe, Jabba, and Kevin Taumata. The series is a satirical parody of the daily lives and struggles of the average 'Houso', a term often used in Australia to describe the subculture of those living in subsidised public housing. The term 'Houso' often carries a negative or derogatory connotation, but the show Housos aims to humanise its characters while providing plenty of slapstick and crude humour.

The show was developed by Paul Fenech, who is not only one of the main actors but also the creator, writer, and director of the show. Fenech's creativity and humour are often considered the driving force behind the distinctive style that sets the show apart from mainstream television comedies. He also has a genuine ability to take the seemingly mundane or melancholy aspects of the 'Houso' lifestyle and twist them into a humorous narrative that audiences can enjoy.

Elle Dawe plays the character of Shazza Jones, Dazza's longtime girlfriend who is a strong, brazen and loyal partner. Her portrayal brings vivacious energy to the show, and her relationship with Dazza provides a significant portion of the series' substance and comedic value. The couple's ups and downs, along with their audacious schemes to get by, form the core of the show’s storyline.

While the TV shows often highlight the negative stereotypes associated with 'Housos', it also explores the camaraderie, friendship, and the sense of community that exists in these housing estates. Although these characters may engage in questionable activities, they always have each other's backs, displaying a strong sense of loyalty and brotherhood. There is a strong sense of mateship, with the characters supporting each other in times of trouble.

A crucial aspect of the show's success is its supporting cast. Jabba makes a significant impact in his role as Bubbles, another resident of the 'Houso' estate. He captures the essence of the character with his comedic timing and idiosyncratic delivery. Kevin Taumata, as the ever scheming and intellectually challenged Kev, creates a character filled with humorous, and at times heartwrenching moments, which further lends gravity to the narrative.

Housos is set in the fictitious suburb known as 'Sunnyvale,' a socially disadvantaged community full of colourful characters. The setting adds to the authenticity of the series, reinforcing the idea that the storyline and characters could plausibly exist in reality.

Although Housos can be offensive and vulgar, it also gives viewers hilarious, sometimes shocking insights into the daily happenings in and around 'Houso' estates. The series often crosses the line of political correctness, but does so in the service of satire and farce, providing a unique comedic perspective on the Australian urban and subcultural landscape.

In essence, Housos uses comedy to reflect the challenges, the frustrations, and the triumphs of people living in public housing. It showcases Australia's unique cultural nuances, incorporating the country's distinctive slang, sense of humour, and various sociopolitical situations. The controversy, comedy, camaraderie, and chaos in the show are all portrayed to give a flavour of life in a colourful 'Houso' estate, making it a significant cultural commentary wrapped in a laugh-out-loud television series.

Through its years on air, Housos has gained cult status, attracting a fanbase that appreciated the series' originality, humour, and unfiltered look at a way of life often ignored by mainstream media. Characterised by its irreverence, political incorrectness, and exaggeration of 'Houso' stereotypes, the comedy series stands as an edgy and provocative take on this aspect of Australian culture.

All in all, Housos is a comedy show that manages to balance being explosively hilarious while remaining an authentic and insightful portrayal of a disliked subculture. With its unique premise, outrageous characters, and outrageous storylines, Housos is an unforgettable series that pushes boundaries and provides a distinctive voice in the world of television comedy.