800 Words (2015–2018) User Reviews

One too remember.

[aav_x · 9/10 · 30 April 2018]

This series was a surprise for me. I didn't realise how much I would love this and its feel good feeling it leaves you with.

Highly recommend watching when you need a bit of a laugh but want something a little deeper as well.

I love that it's Australian & New Zealand roots and the acting talent is one of the best to come on to Australian tv since McLeod daughters.

I'm hoping for a 4th season!

Charming

[dandhterrett · 8/10 · 18 April 2018]

For anyone who is from, lived, visited, NZ, then this show is a charming mix of people who are lost and find their way through others; relationships, communication and humour; family and friends are hard to navigate, especially teenagers, and the loss of a parent. Well done to all involved, this has been a great show to follow.

"The Waltons" meet "8 is Enough" and move to "Little House on the Prairie" in New Zealand.

[qui_j · 7/10 · 13 September 2016]

This is a "feel good", family oriented series. Typical of the genre, Single Dad has two teenage children, and all the problems that brings! The problems dealt with in each episode are all neatly resolved by the end of each episode. There are the usual stereotypical characters e.g annoying but useless handyman, beautiful and multi-talented schoolteacher, evil town Patriarch, etc. Everyone is impossibly good- looking, and at the end of each episode, all one wants to do is to move to this "Mayberry" in New Zealand. The scenery is stunning, and I'm sure the series has done wonders for tourism to that country. It's an entertaining series, and if this type of show is what you are looking for, this more than fits the bill!Be prepared however for a high dose of "Predictability". There are just no surprises!

What's wrong with channel 7 productions?

[indialm · 10/10 · 4 October 2018]

I have loved this show since I found it streaming on Acorn TV here in the States. It's not often that we get to see the quality programs from New Zealand/Australia and that's not because there aren't any, it's because every time there is one (A Place to Call Home from OZ comes to mind) it gets canceled! Now the same has happened to 800 Words and there are enough characters to keep the show going many more seasons. I don't often get attached emotionally to series tv but this one was of the exceptions. As far as some people not understanding the liberal parenting style of the father in this series it's important to remember that drama can't be drama if there isn't tension in the writing. Who'd want two perfect children who never do anything wrong? I will miss this show. Maybe someone from NetFlix will pick it up!!

Yes

[memine23 · 10/10 · 8 September 2017]

I love this show, Strangely about words and so much more and yet I struggle now to write why I love this show. Something for everyone perhaps; Clever for sure; Cliché for certain; but entertaining - absolutely. Out of a tragic beginning comes a show worthy of 42 minutes of my day. Watch and enjoy. I was and am still a huge fan of the 90's show Northern Exposure, and Chris' monologues, summary or prequels - insightful, prophetic, thought provoking and just plain good stuff; This simple 800 word show is up there for this fan

Not many shows affect me like 800 Words!

[jmartin-71544 · 10/10 · 15 September 2018]

It's the best series since Parenthood, every character is endearing, the writing is excellent, the dialogues aren't trivial but compelling and believable. George's struggle with the loss of his wife is palpable and tears your heart out! George is vulnerable which adds an extra layer of attraction to the quirky and beautiful women of Weld. Tongue in cheek humor is cleverly laced throughout the storyline and I can't wait for each new episode!

Funny and Serious

[Kay1977 · 10/10 · 22 September 2017]

800 Words was recently broadcast on PBS, and watching the 1st season made me buy as many series of it as I could get my hands on. The premise of the show has been discussed in other reviews, so I won't repeat it, but I'll give my opinion as to why the show is so good. The characters, actors and scripts are excellent, as is the scenery. The way it takes the trope of a quirky small town with "outsiders" adjusting to life there works so well because the show is very funny and very serious at the same time. That combination of laughing and then thinking - wow- this has something important to say about being human, grieving, family dynamics, making mistakes, loving and muddling through. It isn't preachy. It steals your heart because you fall in love with the characters. Even the town "villain" is likable in a way because the quirky characters are fleshed out human beings. The handyman is laid back and might be taken as a fool, but as with the Shakespearen fool, he has the role of helping his employer see the lay of the land and the people in it- plus he has a heart of gold. There are special characters throughout that show up in one episode (the has-been surfer dude is one of my favorites) and townspeople who make regular appearances. I like comedy to be meaningful, and meaningful drama to contain comedy. This show hits the bullseye.

Loving this show

[jk-692-236394 · 10/10 · 22 September 2015]

I live in California and I hunt down and watch shows from other countries. Masterchef Au is by far the best Masterchef from around the world. One type of show I have found that I think Australia does really well, is the family dramedy. Offspring is one of my favorites, which led me to Love my Way, and other shows. Which oddly the same people seem to in so many of the shows I watch from Australia. House Husbands I really like and I love Upper Middle Bogan and Doctor Blake Mysteries, Sea Change... I enjoyed Anzac Girls very much and I learned so much about Australia and their history. of which I had no idea about before. I had never seen the main actor, Erik Thomson in anything and he is great. Watching shows from other countries, with actors you have never seen or heard of, makes the experience extra fun. This show feels like a winner to me. Oddly enough it reminds me a bit of Northern Exposure. I like how it is set in an unusual location with different types of people. The entire cast looks quite good as well. I am looking forward to watch the entire season and hopefully it will get renewed and carry on for a few years. I wish some of these shows would find their way onto Netflix USA or Amazon Prime or Network TV over here. I am not sure why Australia does not syndicate their shows. I know the government funds a lot of TV, so maybe that is the difference. Our loss. Update, it has been a huge hit, and I am so glad. It is going into season 4. It just keeps getting better. I am furious that they canceled this show. It made it onto Netflix and it felt like it was just getting started! This show had years of stories left to tell. All the shows I love from AU constantly get canceled. Selling these shows to other countries is a must if it is the money that is the issue. The talent in this show is brilliant. BRING THIS ONE BACK!

Excellent

[morn1960 · 10/10 · 11 November 2018]

Great family show about a man whose wife was recently killed in an accident, he makes the impulsive decision to move his family consisting of a teen girl and boy to small town New Zealand. Along the way we are introduced to a cast of locals who eventually accept him and his family as part of the community. A very sweet and kind show which shows the struggle of surviving a great loss and learning to live again. Great family fare and heartwarming. One of my favorite shows of all time.

..agree with Erik

[bjarias · 7/10 · 3 October 2018]

..is it gripping TV.. of course not.. but while there is sooo much lesser stuff still on-air.. this one could really have been given more life..

..for three seasons, they all made it entertaining and most all times wide-audience friendly.. would one or two more really have been so bad..

..best of luck guys.. and like Erik said.. you did deserve better from the powers-that-be..

..and how can you possibly cancel a show with Melina Vidler in it..

An attractive laid-back charmer

[daneldorado · 10/10 · 31 October 2017]

I'm giving this show ("800 Words") 10 stars, because it is one of the smoothest and most enjoyable series I have ever seen. George Turner (Erik Thomson), a recently widowed journalist, is left with two teenage children -- a girl Shay (Melina Vidler) and a son Arlo (Benson Jack Anthony). The three of them decide to leave their Australian homeland and resettle in a small town in New Zealand, only about 900 miles away from their former Sydney abode.

George becomes editor of a small newspaper in his new home of Weld, NZ. He settles in and becomes the eyes and ears of his new neighbors, makes friends, and soon becomes a beloved man in the new town.

Sounds boring, but not so for a 40-something dreamboat who quickly befriends many marriageable ladies, several of whom come courting -- all very chastely, of course. He doesn't consider himself a ladies' man, but before long George is the most sought-after target for the (many) single ladies in town.

Dan Navarro ([e-mail])

A good show

[nancyldraper · 7/10 · 20 April 2019]

This is a good show. Good acting. The characters are appealing and written well. The comedy is grounded in life experience and, not withstanding the eccentric characters, doesn't feel a need to be silly. The locations are beautiful. My only criticism is about the voice overs - they are unnecessary to the narrative and often say not much at all. The show doesn't need them. The characters tell their stories very well. (Yes. I do understand that this is that to which the title allude, his column of 800 words.) I give this series a 7 (good) out of 10. {Slice of Life Drama}

Light entertainment but annoying

[rwade-944-564529 · 5/10 · 6 June 2020]

This is just the kind of light entertainment you need when you don't want to think about anything heavy. There are some quirky characters that can be kind of amusing. But it's the very typical thing nowadays where you have a man who is clueless and a small band of women who know everything; they are the all-wise ones. If men talked to women the way these women talk to men, Women viewers would be screaming bloody murder about sexism in men treating them like they're ignorant little dopes. But it's not just them. There are the two teenage kids of this man who likewise can see through to the core of everything and know exactly what the right thing is, and so they have to correct and instruct dear old befuddled dad. I do know that women can sometimes see things that men can't and teenage kids have some important insights. But this is a constant theme throughout the show. This man is pathetic. He continually apologizes for things that he did and said that were right. He does so because the all-wise women and his all-wise children told him that he was wrong. It's really sad The daughter is obnoxious; she has no respect for her father. Her behavior can't be excused by, "well she's a teenager; they're all like that." No, they aren't all like that. And when they overstep boundaries, their parents who do know more than they do need to help *them* to understand. The son does have some respect, but he still sees his place as being the one who has got to get his dad on track. So if you can overlook all that, there are some pleasant moments in it. I just can't believe this lasted for 40 episodes.

Why OH WHY did this have to end.

[optiminer · 10/10 · 1 December 2019]

I'm a US viewer and my Girlfriend and O have introduced this show to soany of our friends. This is one of our top shows of all time! I wish it was still airing, how can we get a reboot going?

Don't miss this!

[karihirvonen · 10/10 · 29 June 2017]

This is a real gem of a series, great comedy and even a bit drama about ordinary life in an interesting setting and location. I hope I haven't seen the last of this show by the end of season two...so producers: Please keep it coming! I suspect there are lots and lots of viewers feeling like I do all over the world.

Cute family drama about a dad who's trying, and sometimes failing, to pick up the pieces.....

[waitingfortheday · 8/10 · 3 April 2017]

After his wife dies, he brings his teenage kids from a big city in Australia to small town New Zealand to start over. Characters are quirky without over-doing it. I enjoyed it so much from the first episode that I binge-watched the first two series in a day and a half, and am looking forward to the third.

Bring It Back

[callisand16 · 10/10 · 10 July 2020]

I've just learned this show will be airing on the UP tv cable channel, my go to channel for family oriented programming. I would live to see them add seasons, even if the same actors are not available. It was touching and relatable from the first episode. Anyone who has lost someone, split with someone, doubted their abilities as a parent, or second guessed their actions, can find something to appreciate in this series. Well written and acted. Please bring it back!

Sometimes Stumbling Ends up Good

[PartialMovieViewer · 10/10 · 20 September 2016]

Formulaic and predictable and a family mending a horrible hurt...I love it. No painful PC garbage; no eggshells to navigate and no squishy characters you MUST accept...just normal folk. I am so glad to enjoy such a fun show. Another reviewer said its all about family...that person nailed it spot-on. The entire story revolves around a struggling family dealing with the terrible loss a loved matriarch. The son, the daughter and dad each handle this loss in different ways...oh and pardon the tears, this is too entertaining to cry a bucketful tears. The entire cast is tight and well directed. I could binge-watch this show in one. I highly recommend this show to one and all. Give it a whirl...you may like it or not. All I know is that this is a show I enjoy.

St. Louis, MO connection

[lksegel · 9/10 · 4 June 2018]

We love the show. Can't really understand George's lax, no rules attitude regarding his children, but we do enjoy the show. Being from the St. Louis area, we have noticed Shay wears shirts with Mizzou and St. Louis logos on them. What is the connection?

Pretty good

[kthrnslvn · 6/10 · 23 May 2018]

Nice to cruise through something where thinking isn't required and there are no disaster ambushes, but it is tough to care about the characters. So far, there is no chemistry between any of the couples, and everyone is thin, pretty there are no babies or old people. The writing is not so artificial that it constantly distracts, but it doesn't really hold attention either. I gave it extra points for pretty scenery.

Great 'Happy Place' show

[nelliebly-78320 · 10/10 · 12 June 2018]

We all have our favorite "happy place" shows which we watch over and over again when we want to visit an uncomplicated town with quirky neighbors and personable stars. For our family, these include Gilmore Girls, Hart of Dixie and Northern Exposure. Weld and its people fit right in that company. The show has solid performances and good, if predictable, writing. But that's the thing about happy place shows; their problems are easily solved with a lot of love and support. If you're feeling down or just want to spend an hour or two in a warm eccentric town, then I highly recommend 800 Words. I can't wait for the new season!

Great Show but....

[utilacindy · 7/10 · 19 October 2017]

I really, really, really like "800 Words". It is a charming show. However, I'm only going to give it a 7/10 because the writers have chosen to portray the main Maori characters as very promiscuous. I know that in society we have all types, but I can't help but wonder why no one else has picked up on this. Hannah is sex-crazed for men; Zac is a rolling stone who has fathered multiple children with multiple women; and well, Ike's first break-up with Shay was because he was taking selfies with all the girls he conquered!!! Come on!!! I think this show is so good that the writers and producers can do a better job and show some respect to the Maoris.

Lose the Daughter.

[crumpytv · 5/10 · 15 October 2020]

It is an inoffensive watch without too much to think about but it is pretty lame with some dodgy characterisations. Woody became boring and would have been better cast as a Maori, with their unique sense of humour the calamitous character would have been more substantial. The 4 then 5 women all after the central character ... really?? One character was getting just so irritating that after episode one of the second series we stopped watching. She being the daughter Shay ... what a pain in the derriere. It looked like she was leaving at the end of the first series, but she returned at the end of episode 1 of the second and I could take her no more. She looked at least 5 years older than her character ... oh, wait she is 5 years older than her character. One minute she is having sex, the next in school uniform, in which she looked ridiculous.

Fabulous show with realistic insight!

[WyattWright · 10/10 · 2 May 2018]

This show is one of the best comedy-dramas in years. The actors are superb and the plot is edge of your seat enjoyable, wanting you constantly wanting another episode. It does a great job of placing the viewer in the center of the action and truly cheering on the characters. I just wish that Season 3 was available in the United States.

A very good New Zealand drama

[Cinebuff38 · 10/10 · 4 May 2018]

Firstly, in my review of the film of godspell, I asserted that I had watched it on channel 5 and stated that the only good content on commercial TV is material not actually made by them. I should have added that only applies to commercial TV here in the UK. 800 words is an Australian drama made by network seven, a commercially funded channel which also produces the excellent drama a place to call home and the soap home and away. 800 words is the story of a family called Turner , comprising of George, a journalist whose task is to write an 800 word article for a newspaper column each day relating to the days events, hence the title of the drama, His daughter Shay and son Arlo.After losing his wife Laura in a tragic accident, details of which is explained in the course of its progression,(or maybe not quite an accident as you may conclude)George moves with his Arlo and Shay to start a new life in Weld, New Zealand. The family's welcome is not very warm because George had stated in an article that Weld is a dead end, but after George apologises stating that by dead end he meant that it was the end of being dead and gaining a new lease of life. Slowly but surly the townsfolk forgive him paving the way for he and his family to build a very good social relationship with them. Each episode sees the turners involved in a different escapade which involves romance, some misunderstandings, strong disagreements in one episode and the subject of Laura's ashes to name but a few. This is a very good entertaining drama, well executed and directed,and not too heavy. The show is broadcast by the BBC, and although it doesn't produce them, the production values are more or less on an equal footing. Which brings me to assert that commercial TV in Australia (and the USA and Canada for that matter has much higher production values than its counterparts here in the UK.TV Companies like ITV ETC do have good ideas for dramas, its just that they are very poorly executed compared to BBC dramas. So why is commercial TV in Australia so much better than the ones Here? My guess is that over there, a large proportion of the revenue goes on production which is how they produce the above, as well as programmes such as the excellent Prisoner cell block h and Wentworth prison. As far as the commercial TV companies over here are concerned, Whatever they spend their income from advertising on, taking an educated guess, it sure is hell not on any of their productions!