Austin

I usually avoid Australian comedies (even British co-productions such as this) as they are either total rubbish or in about 2% of cases astonishingly brilliant. Austin falls into the latter category. I would have awarded it 10 stars but was forced to deduct one due to an early scene in which Ben Miller appears in his underpants. Nobody wants that.

The characters are beautifully written and wonderfully acted, the casting was flawless with the possible exception of Kate Elliott (Heidi) whose mugging becomes tiresome. Charlotte Nicdao (Yolanda) is a standout, I found myself watching each of her scenes twice to make sure that I didn't miss a moment of her performance.

Michael Theo as Austin is the skilful glue that holds this together. What a star.

Austin

This was a strange curiosity of a drama, and whilst we had an inventive script and some quite inspired acting, it lacked any heft, it was just all a bit bland or beige.

It really wasn't very funny and certainly didn't hit the minimum bar for a comedy of 5 out loud laughs per episode!

Had I been commissioning this show it would not have been made at all. However this all sounds like I didn't enjoy it, but you would be wrong. Austin was well drawn and really quite compelling and I thought the acting here was on the nail. I enjoyed the gentle viewing and the feel good feel!

I'm going to give this a firm 7 outta 10, but it certainly is niche viewing!

Despite good performances and an intriguing premise, I felt the focus of the series was misplaced.

Most of the running time was spent on the main couple's marital, professional and First World problems. And then there was a pointless sub-plot about Austin parent's bizarrely flying around the world to sit in a car.

In fact, it wouldn't take a huge rewrite to make this show not about a person on the autistic spectrum.

Perhaps that was the point. Maybe we shouldn't make a big issue out of autism. But it seems a wasted opportunity to create a character like Austin and then not explore all the positive and challenging aspects of being on the spectrum, especially nowadays when so many people could potentially relate to it, learn from it and even benefit from it.

Watched the first episode on TV and had to binge the rest on iView. What a beautiful and heart warming series. Michael Theo...what a star! I hope we see more of this great talent on our screens.

The storyline was great, and everyone in this series played terrific roles, including the cameos. And what a pleasant surprise to see something filmed in Canberra, apart from politics.

In a time where there is a lot of doom and gloom on TV, watching Austin will make you forget all the bad news, I promise you!

I really hope there will be a second series for this wonderful show.

It's a 10 out 10 for Austin!

I really enjoyed this series. Funny, quietly sad, real, heartwarming, with absolutely perfect casting and terrific acting. Every single character, from the smallest role to the leads, were wonderful. I loved all of them, and especially Roy Billing as Austin's grandfather. He just about stole the show for me. I also loved the Canberra and London settings and seeing one of my favourite hotels - the Park Hyatt Canberra - featured, albeit under a non de plume!

Binged all 8 eps and was so sorry when it came to an end. There just has to be a second series.

Do yourself a quality television favour and don't miss this very special ABC Original series.