User reviews

I am a big fan of Denise Scott and was looking forward to this remake of the classic show. When it started I thought it was going to be ok....but as it went on the wheels well and truly fell off!

The story was all over the place and the story line was weird!

I don't think Matt Okene (?) is my sort of comedian and I just found it all very predictable and confused. He does seem to present as a natural comedic actor and has poor acting ability.

This could have been a great opportunity to present this classic to a new audience but this missed the mark.

We seem to think repeating past shows with a modern twist will work....this proves that it does not always work!

Give this a miss.

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.

If you never heard or watched any episodes of the classic iconic great Australian comedy from 1980s-1990s, then you will probably enjoy this series more. I personally wish this new reboot had nothing to attached itself to the old classic. Unfortunately they have taken characters names and well, the rest is completely new. In fact, I feel by using the same character names it somewhat offensive and will upset the older hardcore fans. They should have created new identities, and not even called a reboot.

The other problem I have with this show is a complete lack of understanding of dementia and carers. The writers did not do their homework. I myself am a carer for my elderly father. My dad has good days and bad days. And I do connect with Arthur'd frustration. But the writers are completely clueless of different issues affecting the elderly. And the writers certainly do not know about any of the financial assistance available and the different services out there to assist. They have created Arthur as the son who seems more like a freeloader bum by making out there is something wrong with Maggie who had an accident while cooking one day. Meanwhile, Robbie should be investigated for taking advantage of her Mother and have any powers limited. In all following episodes, there is actually nothing wrong with Maggie. Is this done on purpose?

I initially watch this new comedy thinking it was gping to be a possible laugh out enjoyment. Its not funny. But did enjoy it for Arthur's story. And for that I gave it caring 7/10.

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.

Stop trying to compare it to the original and take it for what it is: a short series with a lighthearted approach to some serious matters sprinkled with good aussie comedy. The cast is great and compliments one another well, with a mix of well known names and new faces. This is another great little Aussie show and we should be supporting it as such. We need more great Australian tv instead of saturating our tv with mediocre international shows on paid platforms. Very much enjoyed this series. There's a lot of funny gems, feel good moments and important underlying messaging. I hope there's another season!

Started at Episode 3 and not the pilot after reading reviews here.

Denise Scott is an Amazing talent and really can do justice to Ruth Cracknell's performance.

Matt O'Kine though tries to be Arthur/Gunston from the original series and... IT DOESN'T WORK.

Seriously Matt O'Kine interacts with anyone else and it's funny. Yet he interacts with Denise and it's just awful. He slips into his characterisation of "Norm Gunston's" Arthur and it's just painful.

Matt O'Kine needed to commit to either being a classic "Arthur" or just be himself. He can't then interact with Denise because he isn't himself and can't do Arthur. It's that connection which is missing, which is a shame as other character interactions are quite good.

It's very Disjointed, has it's moments, Honestly could have been better if it did it's own thing.

*watched the pilot. Don't start there.

EDIT : its not because I loved The old one and wanted to see an identical remake .... Re Imagined would be fine , if it didnt suck

OK I gave it a shot ..despite the obvious ...politics installed

It was worse than i expected ... remaking classics is usually a bad idea But remaking a classic with every joke made in those classics thrown at you in the first few scenes is ... i cant think of a word.... pathetic ? Ridiculous ? Uncreative?

I tried skipping a bit ...thought maybe a new cast ..first few scenes first day ... no it got worse.

Acting is atrocious!!

Jokes ...been have done and out of context are not funny I really wish the tax [payer could fund some reasonable comedy shows these days Comedy is comedy because its funny , not because someone re wrote an old joke inserted a minority group and used as many cliches as they could think of

save yourself do not watch.

Disclaimer: This is nothing like the original Mother and Son, and that's a good thing. Matt Okine sets the tone with some heavier themes in the show which interplay with some great comedic moments. You will laugh AND cry. Denise Scott absolutely shines in the role and is a constant scene stealer, I can't wait to see how the characters evolve as the season progresses. If you're expecting it to be like the original, just go and watch the original. If you're looking for a fresh comedy/drama with a lot more themes and showcasing cultural diversity, look no further. Also this might be geared at a younger audience so ignore the fuddy duddies and enjoy the show.

This remake was a real missed opportunity. Unfortunately it seems it was more about box ticking instead of making an entertaining and endearing show. I like Arthur, and the actor who plays Maggie, but the other changes were a bit much. The original Maggie was more senile, the new Maggie is just more like a sour old lady who plays 'the victim'. It's not endearing.

I also disagree with changing Robbie to a female and being in a same sex relationship. That's purely a box ticking change rather than one that adds to the show's likeability. It seems they were more worried about being politically correct than making an endearing show like the original. It is perfectly fine of course having the family as multicultural, the actor who plays Arthur is perfect in the role. They could have simply evolved the story around this. Even having Robbie as a female is okay, even though her personality is off. If you're going to change or have certain elements in the show they need to add to the story, not just to tick boxes to be 'politically correct'.

This sadly makes it a drama about a son and daughters struggle with a sour about life mother whom they love, rather than a comedy.

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!

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.

Just finished the first season and created an IMDb account just so I could write a review! A wonderful series that tells an honest story of the frustrations of dealing with an ailing parent.

The comedy throughout, and the charming characters kept me wanting more. I hope it's not too long before the second season starts production. Don't let preconceived ideas (or reviews based on only one episode) cloud your judgement, the show is a refreshing and realistic portrayal of Australian life in the 2020's.

Arthur's run of bad luck is done so believably, it's just the right amount of cringe. Also let us never forget the rooster CPR scene!

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.

I have been a big fan of Matt Okine's for over 10 years and this show did not disappoint! His natural chemistry with Denise Scott is such a joy to watch! Denise is a true treasure of Australian television and really excels in her role as Maggie. I'm too young to have watched the original Mother and Son so I have nothing to compare it to which is great since this is a reimagining of the idea. A talented and well known cast that engage really well with each other and make every scene enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to each episode to see how the story unfolds. A great way to spend a Wednesday evening each week :)

It's not worth the bother of trying to write an insightful review as there's nothing in it to get deep and caring about.

We feel a new appreciation of Ruth Cracknell and Gary McDonald when this thing is viewed. I think Denise Scott is a fine comedian but she's hopelessly out of her depth here.

Another issue is that it adds to the list of other ABC disasters, including the senseless "C*R*A*C*K*E*D" or whatever it's called and "Wild Fires" , another drone which is a surprise because the usually magnetic Marta Dusseldorp was the main actor in every episode, not the you'll brobably get past Ep 1.

The original show was topical because it was about dementia when most people at the time didn't really know what dementia was, apart from odd uncle Charlie that no one ever talked about in front of the kids. The original Mother and Son bought this out into the open and just like anything that was strange, made it funny, so it wasn't as upsetting Unfortunately as dementia and Alzheimers are now better known about making a comedy about it is not as funny, then they had to also make it politically correct which to me is one of the worst things you can do to a classic. Perhaps if the writers had made a comedy about something medical that is topical now (not sure what but I am sure someone could come up with something), it would be a better show. I have read that John Cleese is considering remaking Fawlty Towers however in that case it is to be a resort in the Caribbean and his daughter will be running it and he just helps out, similar premise to the original but updated to a new location with newer characters, hopefully it will be a good show, just like the new remake of Frasier will hopefully be good.

This is just as funny as the original. I wish people would just learn to.let go and appreciate both renditions of this comedy, instead of trying to compare them. They are from different times and relevant to society in both cases. It's silly to expect that this version would be an exact copy of the original. It's not. But the cast have topics that are about the here and now, not about 30 years ago. It's like saying Neighbour's should've stayed in It's 1970s time frame. I am enjoying the relationships between Matt and Denise and the way they spark off each other. Give it a chance. Stop comparing. Lots of issues too, including dementia.

Being the original being done so long ago, what did you honestly expect a reboot of what Australia was like back in the day that's would've been completely invalid like going back in the warp vortex (doctor who) and trying to make that relevant to now what would nearly be impossible as Australia has long changed since the original it's good and we have two great Aussie comedian talents I reckon give it time you are all to quick to shoot something down before it's had a real chance to take off and you are probably the people to whine when it gone and you messed it up to begin with hate and not to mention hate it and see it with so many of my favourite shows and movies! Now shut up and sit back and enjoy the show and let's see how this goes! 🤔🤦‍♀️💯

I read with dismay many of the reviews about this delightful new Australian comedy, albeit a new take on an old story. Appreciating everyone is entitled to their view, I was surprised by the extent of the negativity about this show. I was also saddened that Denise and Matt were given a bad wrap in what I thought was essentially good acting in this light hearted, contemporary Australian comedy.

This show is confronting, comedic and comforting all wrapped up in one. Yes some of the themes presented confront and tackle the diverse and inclusive relationships that exist in this country today. A far cry from the time the original Mother and Son was created. Yes there are great comedic moments in the show, even if they are not always plausible. Who ever said that comedy has to be realistic, take the comedy genius Jerry Seinfeld, many moments of hilarious nonsense did he make! And lastly, comforting is the manner in which the underlying love shines through in this mother and son relationship, many a heartfelt moments amidst the pain of frustration and worry. Something to think about for any child with an aging parent, no matter the circumstances

I think we can take things too seriously at times and this show does not in my opinion deserve the bad wrap so many have dished out. I feel for the creators of this show having their work, creativity and efforts evaluated in such a harsh manner. None of us are perfect and I'm sure the people behind this show can identify opportunities for improvement in their own work. Balance is always better than a one sided view when it comes to feedback. Respect goes a long way.

Well done to the creators of this show for bringing a new, contemporary and comedic Maggie and Arthur to life. I for one loved it, just as much, perhaps even a little more, than the original.

The majority of reviewers here seem to have gone in wanting some type of remake of a show that for its time, was a quirky imagining of hunky dory, Whitebread suburban Australia. I remember that show as a kid. My parents sure loved it.

The reality is though, that that Australia is GONE and this modern remake, paints a much more accurate image of the society we live in today.

Maybe it's not as funny as the original but that by no means invalidates it's existence. This is something different. Funny at times but also poignant, thought- provoking and relatable.

Diversity casting isn't just box ticking either, but rather an accurate representation of the society we live in; particularly a town like Sydney.

I can see why the boomer aged fan-base of the original might be disappointed by this reimagining but bad news guys, I don't think this was really made for you anyway!

Firstly, this isn't a remake. So don't expect to see something similar to the original, because it's been revamped to be more modern and specifically different (which is actually why it got the approval from the original creator)

The writing is really clever, and very relevant to modern Australia. It's funny, touching, and brilliantly contemporary. Matt Okines reimagining of a cliasaoc is spot on, it highlights what made the original so good while at the same time, avoiding the traps that have doomed so many remakes before it.

A shining example of how a reimagined should be done

Special mention to Scott's portrayal as Maggie, brilliantly funny and relatable.