Please Like Me

Please Like Me is a critically acclaimed Australian television comedy-drama series that aired from 2013 to 2016. Co-produced by Pivot and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the show has a uniquely charming appeal that captivates audiences with its genuine depiction of life, relationships, and identity struggles.

Please Like Me is created by and stars the accomplished comedian Josh Thomas who based it loosely on his own life and experiences. The series follows Joshua, a 20-something man whose world gets turned upside down when his girlfriend breaks up with him because she thinks he might be gay, and his mother attempts suicide all on the same day. This kickstarts an exploration of his sexuality and a reflection on his purpose and place in the world.

In a whirl of emotions, awkward encounters, and humorous situations, Josh navigates his way through life, love, family troubles, and personal identity reflections. As he starts a new chapter in his life, we see him dealing with an endearing array of messy characters including his divorced parents, his eccentric but suicidal mother Rose, his straight-laced but doting father Alan, and his long-suffering friends who support him through his ups and downs.

Josh, portrayed by Josh Thomas himself, is a complex character with deft comic timing and an irresistible awkward charm. He represents a certain archetype of a young, anxious, self-aware, and incredibly relatable individual who is still trying to figure out what adulthood means. His journey of self-discovery is tinged with honest depiction of his romantic life, awkward sexual encounters, and his realization and subsequent acceptance of his identity as a gay man.

The show flawlessly leans into its title – Please Like Me – as a tongue-in-cheek appeal to its viewers. It portrays an array of diverse and relatable characters that tread the fine line between comedy and drama, inviting the audience to engage empathetically with their stories and struggles. The well-rounded supporting characters of the series include Josh’s ex-girlfriend Claire, his best friend Tom, his new love interest Geoffrey, and his father’s new-age girlfriend Mae.

The show is particularly lauded for its delicate storytelling that represents mental health issues and LGBTQ+ communities in an authentic, respectful, and meaningful manner. It beautifully captures the nuances of homosexuality in a broader societal context, breaking down stereotypes and offering an authentic LGBTQ+ narrative that is rarely represented on TV.

Where other shows often use a character's coming out as a dramatic climax or turning point in the series, Please Like Me subverts this. It depicts Josh's coming out as no big deal, presenting a refreshingly new take on LGBTQ+ stories. That is not to say the show shies away from exploring the struggles and difficulties associated with it. Instead, it weaves these struggles into the wider fabric of the narrative, as one of many elements of Josh's character and storyline.

Similarly, its portrayal of mental illness, particularly through the character of Rose, Josh's mother, who suffers from depression and bipolar disorder, is accomplished with sensitivity and understanding. While it does not gloss over the harsh realities of mental health issues, it buffers the harshness with moments of light-hearted humor and genuine human connection.

The dialogues are sharp, the humor is often self-deprecating and the situations are incredibly real. This authenticity, paired with the show’s delightfully offbeat tone and deeply human narrative, makes for an enchanting watch.

Set primarily in the charming city of Melbourne, Australia, the show's setting also stands as a character in itself, providing a vast backdrop for the narrative to unfold.

Please Like Me runs on charm, honesty, and authentic portrayal of life’s awkward realities. Its endearing and relatable take on vibrant characters, combined with an utterly fearless blend of humor and drama, makes it stand out as a gem in TV entertainment. This show, quite simply, is a beautifully sincere slice of life that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.