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.

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.

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.

One of the most delightful, refreshing and sometimes sad shows I watched in a long time, Michael Theo is such a sweetheart and a brilliant performer, his expressions and comedic timing had laughing do many times, I first saw him on Love on the Spectrum and fell in love with him him then( I have an autistic older son) and he reminded me of him in so many ways, I hope we see more of him in the future, the rest of the cast were amazing as well, fantastic show, I do hope there will be a second season, Miller was so good as the narcissist father, I was so frustrated with his character at so many times.

Normally not a fan of Australian tv, but this is well made and quirky enough to enjoy. Ben Miller and Sally Phillips are great as they usually are and Michael Theo is an absolute gem! Storyline is a bit predictable, but has enough funny moments to sail through, with some genuine lols (eg. The Nazi bookshop password). Great supporting cast and characters, particularly if you are familiar with the publishing industry! The themes of long forgotten affairs, awkward family dynamics, and nostalgia for youth make a nice undercurrent. And, of course, the beautiful Canberra scenery is enough to make anyone smile. More please!