I was never even going to bother with Rosehaven. My immediate thoughts were that it would be another poor Australian comedy, so why bother. I could not have been more wrong. It is easily on par with another ABC comedy yardstick, Utopia, but it is much more. Set in a fictional Tasmanian town with glorious scenery and a charming cast of quirky characters, it is difficult not to love this show. Emma and Daniel, the purely platonic couple that are the main characters, absolutely shine. Dan's mother, Barbara, is easily my new favourite TV mum. Apart from the pilot, the plot is a little thin at times, but the show is character driven and exceeds all expectations. I was fortunate to the watch the first series of eight episodes over two nights but I have watched the second series every week since it started and it's nearly over. Therein lies my only disappointment - not enough episodes. So I encourage you to sit back and watch possibly the most heart-warming little gem of a comedy that I have seen for quite some time.
26 Reviews
Soft and quirky
aulich-4883614 October 2016
Lyrical setting. Quirky direction and relationship between key actors, Celia Pacquola, Luke McGregor and Kris McQuade.
A welcome respite from the ubiquitous edgier comedy that too often relies on shock and awe to gather followers. In Rosehaven, actors' lines are put out there without blazing neon lights telling viewers how to react.
More and more viewers seem to be seeking location interest and this one gives you heaps. Tasmania has some beautiful and frequent changes of scenery within a short distance and the series has taken advantage of that.
Plot looks promising although the characters have carried the show so far.
Well promoted by the ABC which isn't always the case in comedy.
A welcome respite from the ubiquitous edgier comedy that too often relies on shock and awe to gather followers. In Rosehaven, actors' lines are put out there without blazing neon lights telling viewers how to react.
More and more viewers seem to be seeking location interest and this one gives you heaps. Tasmania has some beautiful and frequent changes of scenery within a short distance and the series has taken advantage of that.
Plot looks promising although the characters have carried the show so far.
Well promoted by the ABC which isn't always the case in comedy.
Quirky
drjgardner30 November 2017
By many standards, Australians are a bit quirky, and among Australians, Tasmanians are even more quirky. This assessment is from someone who lived there for 5 years and loved the place and the people. Nowhere have I seen this quirkiness captured better than in this series. The characterizations are so good that they are sometimes painful, but you get pain when you get so close to the truth. If you like the first episode, then stay with it because it gets better.
Love it , love it, love it!
bondcassie28 October 2017
The kind of best friend I would love to have would be Emma Dawes. The character has such loving exuberance. I love hers and Daniels friendship. They fight and then it's done. That is how all friendship should be like.
The humor is quiet and understated which is the kind of humor I love.
I am so disappointed I have just watched all of season 1 in the last week and there is only one more to watch (so far) of season 2.
I think my husband is wondering what has happened to me. I am feeling so playful, thanks to this lovely script.
The humor is quiet and understated which is the kind of humor I love.
I am so disappointed I have just watched all of season 1 in the last week and there is only one more to watch (so far) of season 2.
I think my husband is wondering what has happened to me. I am feeling so playful, thanks to this lovely script.
Slow TV that makes you smile
miissmac20 February 2019
A gorgeous episodic series that allows you to dip in and out at leisure. Beautiful landscape and sweet settings that are real. It reminds me of Seinfeld as a show about nothing but with a delicate and delightful Australian sensibility. A truly feel good series that is easy to watch before going to bed because it leaves you feeling happy and content.
Very real for anyone who's spent time in Tasmania
gibsonj-5023113 February 2019
I dig this show, it has a similar vibe to Wilfred but is more family friendly. Deserves recognition for reminding us of the phrase 'redheaded rat rooter'. Celia Pacquola must be a versatile actress as her character in this is really extroverted and annoying whereas in Utopia she was the straight man. Also there should be more screen time for Bruce.
Very funny!
pjftaylor30 November 2016
Hard not to make comparisons to Utopia, but the important thing is that the lead performances in Rosehaven add more direct/obvious humour. Even the delivery from the supporting cast make for great foils for the jokes (mainly wordplay and puns.) There is more deliberate humour (than Utopia) so this is where the comparisons break down. It is what it is. It is not a vehicle for characters from another show, and in being that it reaches -different- heights. It puts a different spin on what has become an almost formulaic approach to 'cringe-worthy' humour. The low episode count enhances the mood and themes of the show, rather from detracting from it. I ended up longing for a second season, but guiltily hoping they never do one... I hope they prove me wrong... or not...
Classic Australian Comedy
lukestocker-9394615 September 2020
Rosehaven brings a sense of humour similar to classics like The Castle, Strange Bedfellows and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The comedy series brings a variety of comedic forms, throws them in a blender and produces something beautiful.
Set in a small country town in Tasmania, McCallum real estate is a family owned business that seems to run into a list of hilarious problems that are only exaggerated by Daniel McCallum (Luke McGregor) and his best friends (Celia Pacquola) awkwardness and bad luck.
Luke and Celia give an outstanding performance and comedic presence completely compliment each other.
I would highly recommend this series and expect that it will also become a classic of Australian comedy.
Set in a small country town in Tasmania, McCallum real estate is a family owned business that seems to run into a list of hilarious problems that are only exaggerated by Daniel McCallum (Luke McGregor) and his best friends (Celia Pacquola) awkwardness and bad luck.
Luke and Celia give an outstanding performance and comedic presence completely compliment each other.
I would highly recommend this series and expect that it will also become a classic of Australian comedy.
Quality character-based sitromcom. Good balance of jokes and pathos.
joachimokeefe23 June 2020
Luke McDonald as a confidence-lacking ginger wimp and Celia Paquola as his determinedly cheerful 'best friend' in the only estate agents (his mother's) in the tiny town of Rosehaven, Tasmania.
They've cleverly maintained the 'why don't these two get together' tension over three seasons (a fourth coming), as Emma (Celia) and Daniel (Luke) get used to their possibly permanent relocation to a town where you can count the number of eligible singles on one hand.
A definite theme of affection for one's fellow human beings makes Rosehaven soft-centered, but it's never over sweet, and there's enough character-driven plot to prevent it getting stale.
One wrong note, I feel, is the characterisation of Daniel's domineering mother Barbara (Kris McQuade). They seem to rely on the character as a source of comfort, wisdom and security, not conflict; she doesn't do or say anything funny at all, just goes around smiling inscrutably and being a smart*ss. On the other hand, Mrs. Marsh (Noela Foxcroft), as the elderly receptionist who goes in unpaid just for something to do, and occasionally gets to cut everybody off at the knees, is the best minimal comedy character in years.
Far more rooted in reality than, say, 'Father Ted', and never satirical, but the same sense of a small rural community is of what makes Rosehaven tick.
They've cleverly maintained the 'why don't these two get together' tension over three seasons (a fourth coming), as Emma (Celia) and Daniel (Luke) get used to their possibly permanent relocation to a town where you can count the number of eligible singles on one hand.
A definite theme of affection for one's fellow human beings makes Rosehaven soft-centered, but it's never over sweet, and there's enough character-driven plot to prevent it getting stale.
One wrong note, I feel, is the characterisation of Daniel's domineering mother Barbara (Kris McQuade). They seem to rely on the character as a source of comfort, wisdom and security, not conflict; she doesn't do or say anything funny at all, just goes around smiling inscrutably and being a smart*ss. On the other hand, Mrs. Marsh (Noela Foxcroft), as the elderly receptionist who goes in unpaid just for something to do, and occasionally gets to cut everybody off at the knees, is the best minimal comedy character in years.
Far more rooted in reality than, say, 'Father Ted', and never satirical, but the same sense of a small rural community is of what makes Rosehaven tick.
Luke is hilarious
gallagherkellie13 August 2020
A show to watch if you need to sleep
blackshaw-graham19 November 2016
I love to support Australian productions especially our local comedy. When Rosehaven started I watched the first couple of episodes because the two main characters had been so entertaining in Utopia. I thought that their natural talent might have pulled it off regardless of any script and production deficiencies. There is no doubt that Celia and Luke are funny and talented but this show just doesn't cut it for me. There is only one real star in this presentation and that is the beautifully photographed Tasmanian locations. I still catch parts of the show as it is left on while waiting for the next program to begin. Sorry Celia and Luke, I love your work but not this time.
Best Australian comedy EVER!
john-kenney5510 October 2021
I have watched every episode (Series 1-4 three times) since the start and have just watched the final episode of Series 5. This is my favorite Australian show of all time. I waited with baited breathe to see how Luke & Celia would conclude the show and laughed & cried. A brilliant piece of work - thank you and congratulations.
Beautiful
NosworthyG18 August 2021
Rosehaven is one of those rare shows that just has a unique emotional feel to it. Its jokes are well written, well delivered and executed perfectly. The directing is stylish, subtle and stunning. More than anything, the show has a happy/sad feel to it that makes it so much richer than your average show. I love this show.
A rose among thorns.
videorama-759-8593911 January 2021
Rosehaven is one of those especial Aussie shows, which grows on you like Redfern Now. It's so much fun to be part of the sleepy Rosehaven community. I really like that this kind of show, borders so much on reality, the main characters or the ones who pass through here, are the kind of people you've actually met. Flawed characters work so well, almost like real life is playing n front of you, but here in this great series, they work wonderfully well. Characters like this or ones in Redfern Now, are human and real. Much success has to go to the fantastic Luke McGregor. He's an ultimately engaging actor to watch, how could you not hire this guy for more of this kind of stuff. Kris Mcquade is great as his direct and opinionated mother. I find the humor in this show, so clever and original, and it's a humor I like. Well, realistically acted, wonderful show, with an awesome instrumental. Make Rosehaven your show of show. Like it's characters, primarily McGregor of course, It'll addict you. Another wonderful hit, from a part of Australia we look at, as just a piece of triangular crust, which has fallen off our beloved land, but offers so much more, this show, evidence of that.
Perfect Television
crw131 July 2021
It's brilliant in every respect. Funny, perfectly scripted and acted, and the the actors' interplay timing is flawless. Lovely settings too. Just a delight from beginning to end. IF the plots are a bit thin it matters not one jot it's so utterly enjoyable. Please don't use the 'F' word (Final).
The Best Comedy Series ever made in Australia
andrewbakkers17 May 2023
Australia has never produced a comedy that is as genuinely funny as this one. It is brilliantly scripted and acted. It is funny for all the right reasons, and you can invest in every character in the show. The acting is superb, and it is obvious that the two main characters are very good friends away from the camera. The series showcases Tasmania at its best. Its a great feel good comedy that doesn't rely on major problems or shock value to entertain. The casting is just amazing. Having lived in Tasmania, I can tell you that its not that far removed from reality. If you want a show you can just sit down and enjoy, this is the one for you.
Easy, Easy Watching
mavis_gary_mavis7 January 2022
During the pandemic (which is still ongoing as I write this), I binged all of Rosehaven and it was just the ticket. Huge credit to Luke McGregor and Celia Pacquola, who make exceptionally likeable leads. The show really makes you wish you lived in the relaxed Tasmanian town of Rosehaven. Quirky, funny and genuine, Rosehaven is one of the best comedies Australia has produced in the last two decades.
By far one of the best comedy series
hmahindroo14 September 2021
Local humor with limited global appeal
qui_j11 May 2020
This is about 2 best friends, the type that have a platonic relationship but know everything about the other. Subtitles are essential for some of the episodes to understand the lead actor's mumbling and muffled speech through a profound overbite. The humor is very local but if one understands the culture of the area, it does translate well. The problem is that after a while, the show and humor become repetitive and formula driven....just like any other sitcom! The lead actress's Hebephrenic behavior also becomes annoying after a while. It's a good series to watch while laying in bed as it does help to help you nod off!
Bingzactly.....
dhop-4468330 September 2021
I LOVE this show so much. Each episode leaves me smiling for ages, something that is really welcome in 2021 particularly. Celia Pacquola and Luke McGregor are amazing together. If you want a genuine, feel good show, do yourself a favour.
Feelgood medicine
tinyraymond27 August 2020
Very funny
peterbradleyphd24 July 2021
Feel good giggle
shecarriedthesea10 August 2021
Season 4 is the best yet
kimmgould4 September 2020
I've been watching and loving this show from the beginning. It's so real, quirky, warm, funny. I love the awkwardness of the two main characters. Perfect dialogue. And it captures small country towns in Australia so well, with all their eccentricity. I thought I'd watch an episode or 2 of season 4, but stayed up late and watched the lot. I couldn't turn it off. Laugh out loud funny, characters continuing to develop, engaging plots, just wonderful.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
