Invisible Boys

Holden Sheppard's novel Invisible Boys is likely the most moving and relatable book for many Aussie gay guys (especially if you grew up in a regional town).

Whether or not you have read the book - do yourself a favour and watch this TV show.

The adaptation is brilliant. It stays true to the overall narrative of the book, but has some fantastic additions too - such as the unintended impact of the same sex marriage vote on LGBTIQ+ kids, intersecting with the continued struggles of the aboriginal community, and delving deeper into isolation and mental health for men in the bush.

This adaptation is incredibly brave, highlighting the highs and lows of queer teenage life, without shying away from the awkwardness and messiness - something that we haven't seen in mainstream TV, both in Aus or abroad. Real life isn't Hollywood!

This is for all ages (MA15+ of course) - whether you're going through it now, have been through it in the past, or you're just human. There is so much to relate to with this show.

Thank you to Nicholas Verso for brining this to life so beautifully, and of course, to Holden! Joseph, Aydan, Zach and Joe, you really embodied Charlie, Zeke, Hammer and Matt. It means a lot to everyone who has connected so deeply to the characters via the book. Very grateful.

Growing up gay will probably never be easy or simple, but the more we are able to see ourselves in books and on screens, the better things will be for future generations of queer kids.

"I felt less alone knowing you were here."

We definetly need more tv shows like this. The heartbreak and the joy, the portratization of being queer and ignored(invisible), the frustrations we go through.

This series literally filled my heart. It destroyed it too, a bit. I was on the edge of my seat while watching the boys' story give real insight of what it is really like to be queer in a small town, and not just that. "Invisible boys" shows what is like to be just human, to be a mother, to be a friend, a lover or a fiancée, to literally just exist. We often feel stuck to a place, unable to move(away or on), and this series portrays it perfectly. It is not just the LGBTQ+ experience that is described with both beauty and sorrow, but the universal experience of being human and what it means to love, to love yourself or others.

I think the actors did a wonderful job fitting into the roles of Charlie, Zeke, Hammer and Matt. I felt and cried with them. And their story, their individual stories and their love stories, they just made me want them all to be happy. And I dearly hope that this tv show will get international recognition and praise, so I can dare to imagine we someday we will also get a 2nd season, to see how the boys are coping to their brand new lives.

Such a great, heartwarming show. Beautifully written and shot and amazingly acted! It is so bingeable, but it has a lot of depth and emotion. Gay men will definitely relate to the experiences, it will hit home a lot of times, but it's a show that can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. It tackles family relationships, homophobia (also internalised) and racism. Maybe it can be a bit predictable , but it doesn't take away anything from the show. I hope it gets a second season, the characters are very loveable. I found this show by sheer luck, and I wonder how many hidden gems like this exist!

This was such a fantastic adaption. I must say both couple had really great chemistry.. but I personally connected to Zeke and Hammer's storyline the most.. The actor who played Hammer truly delivered a gale force performance that was also assisted by the actors playing his aunt and mom. I love how they touched on so many societal issues with his character and the stigma and being part of a minority community in Australia.. a lot of people won't like the ending for one of the couples but I think it made sense.. it did not feel rushed or out of place and I think it was definitely essential to the plot. Fantastic show !!

This show was absolutely incredible It truly captures the heart of so many issues from homophobia to family pressures to race it truly was incredible and so well crafted.

Pia plays such an incredible role !

The stories in this series make you just cry and laugh and feel all the emotions ! It's so raw and real and it has made me so proud to be an Aussie ! I wish there would have been a show like this when I was younger to help me realise so many things.

Congratulations to all the cast and crew you should be so proud ! I cried like a baby at the end of this and I hope there will be a season 2.