Mother and Son

Matt Okine should seriously apologise to the original cast of the original show. This is AWFUL in every sense of the word, it isn't funny, it has NO heart and takes everything away from the original, ABC should send out an apology to everyone that had to endure the first season... And apologize to the audience for the second season it's about to get.

I cannot believe this was greenlighted in the first place. It was one of the WORST shows that aired in 2023 and that's saying something there were some shockers but this one takes the cake.

Nothing good about this being tacky, with two main cast members who are actually good comedians but the terrible writing and script throws it for a loop and out the window.

Truly trash, watch the original instead because it is so much better then what this version served up.

Who thought this was a good idea?

If ever there was proof that Australian TV is a cultural desert, here it is. Also proof that you need a lot more than the inclusion of minorities and "box ticking" to make something memorable in a good way. Not a single laugh out loud moment in the first episode, or any tangible pathos or even a moment of authentic affection. All hallmarks of the original series. Why do we not have any directors who will play a straight bat with the "talent" and tell them that this is not Home And Away and you need to show some skills here. Denise Scott may have pulled it off with a proper script but the casting just didn't work.

Whoever thought they could recreate this classic is ridiculous. I gave it a go, not sure how I sat through the first episode, appalling. Gary McDonald & Ruth Cracknell made these characters to perfection, no one could ever do it justice reinventing. Why can't they leave the classics alone! I certainly will not be watching another episode & telling everyone I know how dreadful this 2023 version is. Even down to the swearing & brief nudity. I'm not a prude by any means, and I know times have changed & this is a modern day version of M&S, however that was great about the show, no foul language & a family show everyone of all ages could watch.

It's very disappointing that the powers that be at the ABC were compelled to recycle the name of a great show including the characters' names in a mediocre at best sitcom.

The original show was filled with excellent actors and scripts that made us laugh or cry. This new show is a cringeworthy effort while packing in every current political correctness topic in a half an hour show.

Where as the new version has a few good actors, no doubt the script lets them down. Denise Scott has always been funny, but even she can't save this pathetic drivel. Matt Okine may be a good actor but he's definitely no Garry McDonald, despite the moustache.

The new version is just trying too hard.

I should say right now that I'm not actually a fan of the original. Both lead characters really annoyed me. Having said that, at least the entire cast could act and had great chemistry, something that's not evident in the 2023 version.

This show hints at what could've been a great little screwball series about the pull of family and real estate. What if the sister was truly evil and wanted get the ailing mother out of the house so she could sell the property and split it with her brother? And what of said brother had second thoughts about that plan? So many possibilities.

The diverse cast doesn't bother me, but the diversity of acting skills and styles does. Denise has a very physical, theatrical approach, while Matt does his usual lovable loser routine. He's got a lot of talent and I hope he finds the right vehicle for it. Other cast members who will remain nameless are very poor actors which only harms an ensemble comedy like this.

Laughs in the pilot are in very short supply, but the best one being, intentional or not, was when Matt's ex announced that she doesn't want a boring family life so she's taken a job in ... Canberra!