pretty good pedigree of writers and producers, very likable characters. The show is not overly predictable and hits all the right notes, nothing controversial or groundbreaking unlike some of its predecessors (secret life of us ,love my way etc) - probably the main downside is the farcical / not even real jokes the pretend stand-up comedians give at the comedy club that is a regular hangout for the characters on the show. The actors are all great fits with some more than others (Karvan for example) are riveting to watch with the real emotional quality they bring to their respective roles but even the short term characters for subplots are excellent . Im waiting patiently for season 2 now that my favourite characters are intertwining and others are on equally interesting trajectories

I wanted to watch this show when it debuted, but it conflicted with "A Place To Call Home" (another fine, real, addictive Australian Drama) which was already half way through its season.Thanks to whoever thought of catch up TV via the net.I've just watched the entire series this week on ABC Iview in between work projects. Today I let the phone ring out three times so I could watch the last episode.Some posters / reviewers have said that the acting was wooden, sugary. That the writing / dialogue was shallow and predictable.I don't agree with those statements / terms, but, this show is meant to portray real life. How many of us have friends and family that are wooden, sugary, shallow, predictable ? Maybe it's my age (50) but I found the characters, just, simply real ! I've experienced some of their dramas, I have friends who have experienced some of their dramas. I was finishing lines from personal experience before the characters spoke them. Some characters annoyed me. Some characters made me cry.For the Characters to draw me in like that means that the Actors and the Writers have done their job well.And They Have ! I Hope We Get Season Two !

It is fair to say that the quality of the cast gives the show a big lift. The cast are well chosen for their roles and, mostly, familiar faces. It is also fair to say that the script does let the show down, however, not very often fortunately. The overall story is believable while being meaty enough to stir up the emotions from time to time. I have found no difficulty in following the many interwoven stories of the characters lives. The realism of relationships between friends and families can be sometimes annoying and sometimes warm and fuzzy, and there are bits for most people to relate to. I have heard many friends and colleagues talk of the show and discuss the characters or plot lines that seem to get them going, so I always have someone to share my favorite bits with, or bag the characters that are annoying me. The show has that multi faceted look at life feel, similar to 'Love My Way'(which Claudia Karvan was also in). It is different in that it's not as edgy or "sexy", perhaps a little more appealing to a wider audience. Go Aussie drama !!

I was so looking forward to this show and have not been disappointed. Brilliant Aussie cast with story lines we can all relate to: marriage, teenagers, affairs, divorce, drama, life!This show has got me hooked from the start with a wedding that goes awry even before getting to the altar, with brilliant acting all around. The kids in the show are fabulous, like how do they get kids to act these scenes so well?I relate to the characters, they are believable and I feel I have gone through so many of the same moments on this show. Shane Jacobsen is a wonderful dad in this, a perfect role for him. Great to see Justine Clarke back on TV again. Claudia Karvan's acting in some of the highly emotional scenes are so poignantly acted, she actually looks like she's been crying and I love that authenticity.It has all the same good stuff that I loved about Secret Life of Us, its bloody good acting, writers and directors. Another winner!Highly recommend this fabulous show, thank you for making it!