Outrageous Fortune (2005–2010) User Reviews

Heck of a ride...

[gohmifune · 9/10 · 10 November 2010]

So, just watched the series finale. As an American it was experience. Not much in the ways of culture shock, there was a bit, but the ride itself, with the characters and their lives and loves, was amazing.

There are highs and lows, both emotionally and regards to quality, but all said and done, it was worth it. You love these characters. You love these actors. You feel what they go through. It was something I have looked forward to every week for all these years, and looking beyond what it can do to you personally, it really is a good show.

It is a worthy show.

Best hours of television for me in such a long time. I'm glad I saw it, it gave back to its audience. The show was choice, and let me leave it at that.

Timeless New Zealand show

[Benji2060 · 9/10 · 22 April 2019]

Re-watching this show makes me appreciate why it was such a hit in New Zealand and makes me wonder why it hasn't been more heavily promoted in the U.S. Binge watchable for sure.

All the cast is just perfectly cast.

A few of the main actors in the show have gone on to U.S. productions, like Antony Starr (Banshee, American Gothic), or Grant Bowler (Ugly Betty, Defiance), but leading lady Robyn Malcolm, has unfortunately not made the jump across the ocean.

.. hands-down.. just one all time best

[bjarias · 9/10 · 29 October 2014]

Totally 'choice'... this is an absolutely awesome TV series... outrageousfortune.co.nz/ ... One hundred and seven episodes that are near great as you can possibly get. There are so many staggeringly marvelous performances you could run down the list, close your eyes and pick any and all to bestow the highest praise. But it is in fact the characterization of the three West women.. binged.it/10yCW04 .. for the entire six season series that will captivate and take your breath away.. (Siobhan is just flat-out incredible.. bit.ly/1hjNO81 ..) You'll smile, laugh, and be emotionally moved again and again with 'OF.' There are no flaws... just TV comedy/ drama perfection.

Best Kiwi Drama Ever Created

[originalreplica05 · 3 September 2005]

This is undoubtedly one of the greatest Kiwi drama's ever created.

The acting is brilliant with a "who's who" of Kiwi actors (Robyn Malcolm, Frank Whitten) and also some great newcomers (Siobhan Marshall, Antony Starr) This show lets Kiwi's laugh at themselves, it's something that we can all relate to. An old 70's style house. A funeral party with a BBQ and heavy drinking.

Although it's hard to determine whether some parts of the show are comedy or drama, it's fairly easy and enjoyable to watch.

Thankfully it's been commissioned for a second season, a rare thing that happens with New Zealand TV. TV3 has finally seen that people enjoy homegrown shows, lets hope TVNZ does the same and would STOP CANCELLING ALL HOMEGROWN SHOWS! Overall - 9.5/10

One of the best !

[mamathomas · 10/10 · 25 July 2007]

We are lucky in the Solomon Islands to have Outrageous Fortune broadcast here on Australia Network on Monday evenings. This has become one of my favourite shows. This is the type of show that one either loves or loathes. It reminds me of what the late American/International film reviewer Pauline Kael would have fallen in love with. It is fresh and ultimately realistic comedy/drama. Realistic not in the moronic sense of a "reality show", not even in the not-lifelike continual effing. It is realistic in that the characters are deeply flawed human beings. Each one of the them bears deep scars from society, from family, from themselves. Everyone from Granpa to Loretta. This is so unlike most programes where the Good practically wear white hats and the Bad black. The director lets this paradox of the good in the bad show forth by centreing the show around the criminal Wolf and his wife Cheryl, their twin sons, one smart and one stupid--viewer has to decide who is the smart son and who the stupid (played by a look-a-like of a young David Cassidy), and two very lovely daughters, one acutely intelligent and one acutely sexually earthy. Again, the view has to decide who is who. In Outrageous Fortune, hasty character judgements are bound to leave the judge with egg on the face.

The Wests are a family of criminals, adulterers, whoremongers, safe-crackers, deceivers--just like you and me. They are the least judgmental TV family I have seen portrayed, and in my time I have seen many. They indeed are a model for every family. Again, first judgements can be deceiving.

This show borders on the theatre of the absurd, borders on isn't. I don't think they've come up with a name for this genre. It is bound to radically disappoint viewers who think TV should stay at the level of All Saints or Friends.

And not the least best parts of the show is that they producers and actors are outstanding in that they make middle aged people absolutely sexy! The characters of Cheryl, Wolf, Judd are brimming with sexuality, a rarity on television for motherly and fatherly characters. Most directors assume interest in sex stops around around age 30. Outrageous Fortune shows it doesn't. Happy viewing!

One of the very best things to happen to television, ever

[Jiji-3 · 10/10 · 29 April 2010]

There are about... 6 TV shows I value very, very highly. Of those, Outrageous Fortune is the only one I started watching again, from scratch, as soon as the last episode of season 5 was over. I've done that about 3 times now, and I'm not planning to stop at 4. It amazes me I don't get tired or bored of it. Nor do I ever start feeling like my initial "wow" reaction was misplaced. It really is as brilliantly written as I thought the moment I first laid eyes on it, which was 2 years ago.

I translate TV series and movies for a living, and as such, a lot of crap has gone through my hands. Outragous Fortune is solid gold. It comes once in a few decades, if that. It follows the lives, tribulations and evolving personalities of a family of career criminals, a handful of their friends, and a cop who falls in love with the strong, stubborn, ever caring matriarch, Sheryl West. I'd say the show falls into the comedy-drama (dramedy?) genre, and even though it's deliberately over the top at times, it feels amazingly true to life.

The writing is very brave, not only in its bluntness and razor-sharp wit, but in its treatment of social norms we've been struggling to alter for years. For example, I've yet to see another show where people in their late 40s and 60s are represented not just as somebody's parents /grandparents, but as human beings with sex lives of their own (which are going splendidly well, too).

The male characters are beautifully multifaceted, each and every one of them (which men in television and real life are rarely allowed to be). The female characters also break taboos about how women "are supposed and expected to be" by being independent and tough as nails, each in her very own way. (Check out the magnificent Ngaire Munroe who's plain fierce.)

The acting is superb, and it's a pity that because of US's hegemony in every cultural sphere, audiences worldwide (minus Nz and Oz) aren't already familiar with these actors. We should have all known who some of them are long before the show aired. Many are no spring chickens, and are certainly brilliant enough to deserve the international recognition American stars get so easily, including those that are objectively mediocre.

With that said, it's the writers' work and specifically the character development that's the spark of genius making the show one of a kind. There's no flatness, no predictability, personalities grow and change, revealing sides the viewer was previously unaware of - some good, some terrible. Same as in real life, which is exactly where many writes fail (in books, too). To date, all story lines have been worth following and every single episode has been memorable, some to the point they shook me and stayed with me for days. I pray that Outrageous Fortune won't stop at 6 seasons. If it does, I'll try to move to New Zealand in hopes of living to see the day Kiwi television produces another gem like that.

Brilliant Show

[puddy_15 · 10/10 · 5 February 2010]

Australia doesn't get to see much New Zealand television, but when we do we are treated to brilliant drama and Outrageous Fortune is the best of the lot.Outrageous Fortune is huge in New Zealand, and for good reason, it is a brilliant show with fantastic actors and a story that reels you in and doesn't ever let you go.

Featuring prominent New Zealand actors Robyn Malcolm, Antony Starr(who plays identical twins who are polar opposite), Antonia Prebble, Siobhan Marshall and a few Aussies (the brilliant Grant Bowler)and fantastic writing crew that keep the show going. The only downside is Australian channels stuffing up the rights to the show (currently on Channel 10 on Friday nights)

The show starts of with the head of the West family, Wolfgang, going to jail and mother Cheryl deciding to go 'straight' to the dismay of her family.

From the beginning of the first episode till the end of the 5th season you will laugh and cry while watching this show, i know i did.

Simply put, the greatest TV show ever made anywhere in the world. From now to the end of time!

[tim-payne2010 · 10/10 · 9 April 2020]

Where do I start > The acting is extraordinary. The plot-line is both heart warming and heart breaking. There is not a single episode that rates less than an 8 in 6 years of shows. The story revolves around a NZ mother whose husband is going off to prison for 3 years, Fed up with the whole family being criminals, she decides to play it straight. Let the fun, high jinx and trauma ensue. There are 4 kids led by the oldest twins, Jethro and Van, Polar (both played by renowned actor Antony Starr) opposites 1 a clever lawyer , the other a sweet simpleton. Next is beautiful model Pascale and then the youngest the smartest, most devious of all the family Loretta. Throw in the multitude of hilarious side characters, Eric, Falini, Sparky to name a few and you have the best TV show ever created. Don,t believe me? I dare you to watch it and tell me I,m wrong!

Amazing and Surprilsing

[nicolehollander · 10/10 · 20 March 2013]

I am binging on this show. Of course I am ashamed of constant watching of TV when I could be reading all of the great books I have ignored these many years. The inventiveness and the freshness of the show mixing comedy and drama is amazing. I'm on episode 80 or 81 and it has turned dark and Shakespearian. I have never seen a comedy/drama show that didn't pale after 10 episodes. The acting is excellent and the enormous cast, each of whom are pitch perfect gives a base of characters to wrap ever new story lines around. The female characters are such a great blend of evil and wit, smart and amazingly thick. I welcome the variety and nuance in the women of the cast. Thanks New Zealand.

Surprised how good it was

[patrick-782-678023 · 10/10 · 23 May 2012]

I'll keep the review short. This is my first review but this show deserved it.

Every kiwi i've watched I eventually lost interest, possibly due to culture differences? I'm not sure. I work from home and usually turn some sort of show on from netflix while i work for background noise. So Outrageous Fortune was a show i was to leave on in the background, peak at here and there while i work.

The first episode caught my attention a little bit but i was distracted with work, second, then third came on and i was hooked. Paying more attention to the TV then my own work.

I in my entire life have never found a show that has such an amazing cast. You eventually begin to like the cast, then love them. Feel apart of their lives. The show just takes hold of you and doesn't let go until the very end. Not once did i find a single episode boring.

The highs, the lows, the emotional twists really take hold. Van and Loretta were my favourites. Loretta would smile and you knew something cheeky was going to happen. I won't give any spoilers but this show is a must for everyone.

I was truly sad when it was done. For the first time i really truly loved a show, and couldn't wait to watch the next one. What an amazing job the whole team involved did with it. Kudos to Antony Starr for his dual role. Bravo with an amazingly well done job, especially as Van.

In short: Give it a chance, this is one show that will grow on you and you won't regret watching. I wish it would come back for some more seasons, i'm already missing my daily dose of it.

How can you NOT love this show?

[Hoods77 · 10/10 · 1 March 2012]

It's hard to believe there are people out there who don't appreciate this avant garde show. I doubt they got past a few episodes - if they had they would know that it is just about the best series I have seen in a LONG time. Maybe it's the accent, the copious amount of sex and profanity that puts people off - I don't know. I do know I avoided it for a while myself as the previews and clips absolutely do not do it any justice, but I recently borrowed the series from a friend after much nagging, and have been watching it almost 24/7 since.

Highlights for me are: The character development is sensational. Anthony Starr's acting is beyond reproach, and Robyn Malcolm, Antonia Prebble and Frank Whitten are almost as excellent. The other thing that amazes me is how you can be crying real tears one moment then laughing to the point of crying moments later.

The whole show is just a roller-coaster of entertainment. Plot lines are on the whole plausible and engaging. Sometimes you have to suspend belief, of course, with some of the characters like Falani and Sparky being even more over the top than the others, but they absolutely add to the show.

There's no real way to describe this show because it IS unique. About the only similar show we have in Australia is Packed to the Rafters, which I enjoy, but it's really not a patch on OF. I can't think of a single US show that comes remotely close - but then anyone who has read any of my reviews would know that I am no fan of US television on the whole. Trying to think of a UK series that compares, but can't off the top of my head - I have a feeling some of the ones on my "to watch" list will be great, though.

Just do yourself a favour and get this series even if you have to beg for borrow or steal it!

the real relationship

[dasin6 · 10/10 · 26 November 2018]

Van and munters relationship is the best part a undying relationship is the best part

And a half

[Headturner1 · 7/10 · 29 August 2021]

I've been watching this on and off for about a week. I watch like 14 episodes at a time or so. I think I just finished 3 which had like double the episodes. I like Robin Malcom I've seen her in quite a few things. First time seeing Anthony Star in a non American series. He's ok. I love Siobhan Marshall( fiest time seeing her ) love grandpa and Munter. It's a very well done series. I have nothing to criticize it for. It just gets kind of old after 14 episodes and I need a break. Lol. I'm not a big fan of NZ stuff. Not sure why because most of it's done quite well but I find my mind wandering during most of it except this series. I've got a ton more seasons so If anything changes I'll update.

Entertaining but not great!

[qui_j · 5/10 · 27 April 2019]

This is entertaining, and better than the British copycat show that ran for one season only. However, it's not that great. After a while the characters become very stereotyped, and the outdated concept of using one actor to play twin brothers is really now very annoying. It's just not very clever in today's digital age. The only difference between the "twins" that the actor manages to get across is that one character does a weird thing with his tongue, while the other speaks normally.

It's useful to fill one's streaming queue when there isn't much to watch. It does help to pass the time.

New and Refreshing Kiwi Programme

[Born_In_a_TransAm · 21 July 2005]

The Actors are recycled, but don't let that put you off! Robyn Malcom plays a great Cheryl West, she has certainly moved on and upwards from her days as nurse Ellen Crozier on Shortland Street. Malcom certainly does justice to the character the creator wanted to portray. Rachel Lang first came up with the idea after discovering the daunting income statistics in New Zealand. Malcom's character Cheryl is a fine example of many women in New Zealand - she is the glue that holds the family together, however her family often under-estimate her abilities and importance in the everyday family unit. Grant Bowler who appeared in 'Always Greener' adds to the shows hilarity providing a Male typecast-the New Zealand Bloke. Wolfgang 'Wolf' West only wants the best for his family, even if following the West way of life may not be the best way of life. The biggest surprise in the show has to be Antonia Prebble who plays Loretta West, a rebellious 15 year old. Although 21, Prebble manages to pull off the baby West. Clever, witty and motivated - so long as there is something in it for her.

The story lines may not be completely original (ahem *clears throat* think Desperate Housewives), but rest assured, it all has a nice little Kiwi twist, not to mention the endless one liners that will leave you thinking "Is this really a New Zealand show?"

Outrages fortune has a 'trailer trash' feel to it which guarantees some non-PC humour, however don't be blanketed by this cover, there is a moral in there somewhere, after all it is a comedy/drama.

Incredibly underrated

[leeleejensen · 10/10 · 19 September 2020]

I'll start by saying the only reason I came across this show is because I watch too much TV and was enticed by the prospect of Antony Starr playing twins. I'm not a New Zealander and I've never heard anybody mention the show, but I thought given the high rating on here it was worth a shot. Boy was it. The show blends uproarious humour with characters that are surprisingly easy to get attached to, with brilliant acting (particularly from Antony Starr of course) making this one of the best niche tv comedies you'll find. Definitely worth a watch.

...the wacky NZ accent...

[nate-car · 10/10 · 26 July 2018]

Not the 'only' NZ show I like, but one of a select few (Flight of the Concords, Bro Town), OF is a hilarious at times, shocking, revolting and sometimes heartwarming show about the worst family in a small town (a bit like a NZ Shameless). The characters are rich and realistic, disgusting and terrible, but lovable and most of all unforgettable. Antony Starr of 'Banshee' fame deserves special mention for playing the slick huckster brother and his slow but sweet twin. Anyone who can handle the wacky NZ accent will binge it easily!

Anthony Starr is a certifiable STAR!

[sunnydale2004 · 10/10 · 14 March 2022]

I really hope Anthony Starr won many awards for his dual role. Playing Van I cried my eyes out in laughter and then pain. Fantastic actor! I actually watched Westside first and was thrilled when I found Outrageous Fortune.

Funny and authentic

[danodiving69 · 9/10 · 4 August 2019]

This is a series worth watching. Filmed in NZ with a NZ cast. Well written, funny and good acting.

Best Show EVER!!!! .... Choice!!!!!!!

[innakirichuk · 10/10 · 18 April 2019]

I absolutely fell in love with this show. Six seasons was not enough. I would run home after work so That I may watch this show. Definitely Binge worthy. Great acting, fantastic writing- AMAZING CAST!

A great kiwi classic

[ccampbellnz · 10/10 · 13 September 2021]

Have just spent lockdown watching this serious again. Such a good kiwi classic!

Outrageously brilliant.

[tylerstretch · 9/10 · 29 March 2024]

Firstly I just want to complement the creator and writers of this amazingly brilliant prequel/sequel to westside, which ever way you look at it.

Strictly speaking its a sequel to westside but was released about 10 years before the the great "westside" had even aired... It's a shame because that is one of my strongest downfalls, of what is a truely funny and so easy to watch tv series, full of laughter.

Now if had they produced and aired westside first, then this 10 years later it would have made it so much better for viewers with the timing of the characters instead of going back in time with westside later on if that makes sense.

Overall I will always recommend this series I binged all 6 seasons and laughed the whole way through it, sort of reminded me of shameless and grandpa Ted will always be my favorite west 😂. Pascall's voice did get abit annoying after a while but that could just be me being British lol I gave this a solid 9! Would say 9.5 but no half measures here... Would of been 10/10 if it's was aired in order and pascall voice wasn't to draining. (sorry pascall nothing personal if you ever read this great acting)

If only HollyWeird could produce a gem like this!

[joeygirl-52-332767 · 9/10 · 17 October 2021]

I'm really enjoying working my way through this cleverly written series (about half way through Series 4 as I write this)! As an American, I cant stand the utter drivel and rubbish Hollywood spews out these days, and generally, the last three decades...I've developed a real penchant for Aussie and Kiwi TV. :o) We do see many of the same actors among the shows, but to me, that adds to the charm - many of them are excellent! I really appreciate the fact that they don't hold back - with the foul language, the sex & nudity, and the constant drinking, LOL. It may be a turn-off for many prudish yanks, but they should feel free to kindly piss off, and exercise their option to not watch.

I've been a fan of Robyn Malcolm, as Ive seen her in many things, and she definitely does not disappoint here! I first encountered Antonia Prebble and Sioban Marshall in "The Blue Rose", and was thrilled to see that they were both in this. Not sure whether OF was not available before, or if I just ignored it, but I'm happy I finally started watching! I have the feeling I first "rejected" it due to the absolutely HORRENDOUS Hollywood 80s movie of the same title with the monumentally UNTALENTED Shelly Long and Bette Midler. I'm a huge fan of Shane Cortese and Nicole Whippy (both from Nothing Trivial...Shane was also in Step Dave and Nicole in Jackson's Wharf), and Craig Hall (A Place to Call Home, and the Doctor Blake Mysteries). TBH, I just DO. NOT. LIKE Grant Bowler (Wolf) - I first encountered him in the never-ending Aussie series All-Saints - he repelled me then, and in every other bloody show I've seen him in...I personally think the episodes of OF where he is absent are better than the ones he's in. YUK! I find myself constantly hoping he'll get busted again so he can go back inside... On second thought, perhaps that's a nod to his acting chops - getting the desired reaction to his loathsome characters, LOL. I was not familiar at all with Antony Starr, despite his apparent participation in American productions that others know him in...I think he does a very fine job here, playing the twins. Yes, they are all basically "white trash", but that adds to the "charm" of the story, IMO...Van has really grown on me, despite his complete idiocy (explained by a childhood trauma/accident). He and his BFF Munter are actually quite adorable and sweet together, in their own way - these guys make Beavis and Butthead look like MENSA members, LOL.

I had actually decided to start the journey by starting with Westside, as I knew it was a prequel (by this point, as mentioned, I was already familiar with Antonia, who plays the ever-present Rita as well as her granddaughter Loretta)...that is making watching OF more of a joy, as they reveal over time, the characters I'd gotten to know from WS...the only issue is - I had to stop after Series 3, as 4-6 are STILL not available in the US for unknown (to me) reasons, so I'm forced to wait to complete that series. Hope the 'powers that be' release it in this region soon!!

Give this one a go...it may take a few episodes to get going, but if you enjoy OZ and NZ TV like I do, you won't regret it...!

Started great, then broke this Hollywood rule

[johnnymonsarrat · 6/10 · 11 March 2024]

Okay, this wasn't made in Hollywood. :)

Season 1 had a lot of antics. The characters are always trying to deceive each other, with crazy spirals and really great acting. Season 2 was pretty good too, but then they broke a rule of Hollywood.

The rule is, in a comedy, even a dramedy, everything has to be okay in the end. You can't have real pain. This show began as a dysfunctional family but ultimately they love each other. Then it just became fighting, real pain, and if characters are willing to cause each other real pain, that makes them unlikable.

Of course the mother should complain. She has a lot to complain about. But she's also the normal one, the "everyman" that the audience can identify with. If she's complaining, the audience feels like they're unsatisfied too.

I'm sorry. I absolutely saw the genius of this show, but after a while it became repetitive to me and it just didn't cheer me up to have them go through so much heartache. By the middle of season 3, it seemed to be a pretty straight drama with essentially no comedy remaining.

6 stars, a pretty high rating considering that I stopped watching the series.

Very disappointing series...perhaps due to a limited resources?

[scutfargus-1 · 4/10 · 4 April 2019]

Not sure if there will be any spoiler alerts, but after having a review not posted, I put that in there just in case.

I get the impression that this series is supposed to be funny...or at least have moments of humor. I have begun the 3rd season (I bought a box set), and I don't think that I have laughed yet. I don't know that I will complete this 3rd season.

There are a lot of sex scenes, but little nudity. A recent episode in the 3rd season had sex scenes between 3 pairs of the principle characters going on simultaneously. As this 3rd season meanders on, I am becoming less and less interested in the characters who remain.

I believe that this is a New Zealand series, and my guess is, they have very limited resources to draw from. Maybe this is the best of NZ; but it is not very good.

My biggest regret is buying the box set without reading the reviews first.