The Casketeers

The Casketeers is an unscripted reality series hosted on the global streaming platform Netflix. Premiering in 2018, the show introduces audiences to a unique glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a funeral home, combining humour and heart in a manner that transcends the sombre and often melancholic subject matter.

The series is set in New Zealand and other Pacific Islands, and primarily follows the lives of Francis and Kaiora Tipene, a charismatic couple who own and run Tipene Funerals, a funeral home in Auckland. The Tipenes are professionals in the mortuary industry and share a dedication to honouring the deceased and comforting the living with respect, tact, and charm.

The Casketeers is a dignified exploration of an industry that, although universal, is often handled with a certain discomfort and unease. The show tackles this discomfort head-on, using a delicate mix of light-hearted banter, emotional depth, and Maori tradition, which goes a long way in demystifying death rituals and the procession of bereavement services. The show’s approach to death is marinated in a sunshine-like brightness, offered by the personalities of its protagonists and their compassion towards the families they serve.

Francis Tipene, the company's director, stands as a particularly engaging figure within the show. His combination of outstanding professionalism, inherent humour, colourful personality, and devotion to his familial and professional life has made him a favourite amongst viewers. His wife and co-director, Kaiora Tipene, compliments his persona with her pragmatism, strength, and heartfelt sympathy for the grieving families. Their strong bond and refreshing dynamic elevate the texture of The Casketeers, adding an element of romantic and domestic reality that balances out the inherent gravity of their work.

One strong aspect of The Casketeers is its representation of Maori culture and traditions, which naturally permeate the professional and personal lives of the Tipenes. Authentic ceremonies, traditions and customs are handled carefully and respectfully, providing an insightful look into a part of New Zealand society that many viewers otherwise wouldn't be privy to. The show is also unafraid to confront the often intricate and difficult conversations surrounding death, showcasing the complex navigation of cultural differences, family tensions, and emotional reactions.

The Casketeers also employs a variety of cinematic techniques that emulate high-quality documentary filmmaking, including one-on-one interviews with its main characters. These interviews, delivered directly to the camera, reveal the thoughts and feelings of the individuals behind the business and offer viewers an inside look into the realities of working within the funeral industry.

A unique element of the show is the blend of humour and sorrow, demonstrating the laughter-through-tears mentality often described by those in the business of dealing with death. The Tipenes and their staff are the epitome of this, as they constantly intertwine their dedication to their cultural traditions and their love for their community with a gentle humour that acts as a buffer against the emotional intensity of their work. The show somehow manages to create a warm and engaging atmosphere in an environment that many would find overwhelmingly sombre.

The Casketeers shines a light on the delicate intricacies of the funeral industry, taking viewers on a journey that is as emotional as it is insightful. At the same time, it's an authentic, intimate look at the lives of a dedicated couple navigating their professional and personal lives. The show is a testament to the human spirit, illustrating how we grieve, celebrate life, and cherish memories, thus adding a deeper sense of appreciation and understanding of what it means to be human. It acknowledges the finality of death and the passing of loved ones with an atmosphere that is rich in humanity, spirit, humor and empathy.

This highly praised show will make you laugh, cry, and ponder, offering a unique mix of love, culture, and kindness, wrapped in the universal web of loss and mourning. It manages to effectively break down societal taboos about death, allowing its audience to explore this undeniable part of life in a compassionate and insightful way. The Casketeers is a gem of a show – a celebration of life, love and culture, all packaged within the intricacies of the funeral business. It's certainly not your typical reality TV show, and that is perhaps its biggest strength.