Now having just finished doing a review for We Can Be Heroes this might sound a little samey but this is a great comedy that Chris Lilley has really put his all into. The show is about 3 people at Summer Heights High. The first is Ja'mie who in this series has been transferred to Summer Heights High from her private school, Mr G the music and drama teacher who is gay but I do not think he knows it yet and Jonah the Grade 9 delinquent who has been expelled from 4 schools in 3 years. The show is not as good as We Can Be Heroes but is definitely better then a lot of shows out there and I certainly hope Chris Lilley makes a third show as he is that clever to make it good. Overall this show is another classic from the likes of Chris Lilley and this is a must watch for all fans of comedy. I rate this great show 92%.
18 Reviews
Heights of Summer.
morrison-dylan-fan28 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
With Easter coming up I started looking for films/TV shows that friends would enjoy watching over the holiday season. After hearing from a friend about how much she has enjoyed visiting family in Australia,I began looking for Aussie films/TV,and I remembered an Aussie TV Comedy program that I heard praised when shown on the BBC,which led to me attending the Summer school.
View on the program:
Going to school to play all three leading roles, Chris Lilley gives outstanding performances as Mr. G, Ja'mie and Jonah Takalua. Finely-tuning the characters in his stand-up gigs for years, Lilley keeps any of the trio from blending in with each other via unique characteristic, from the delusional aggression of Drama teacher Mr. G and the juvenile frustrations and swearing of teenager Takalua,to it-girl snub Ja'mie. Spending time doing research in real schools, the scripts by Lilley find hilarity by pushing realistic school situations out of their comfort zone,as Mr.G's ego goes wild over his grandiose staging of a show based on the recent drug overdose of a student,Ja'mie making posters with her real view on her new "friends",and Jonah disrupting every class. Following the trio at school, director Stuart McDonald goes for a fake documentary-style,which along with placing the show in a grounded atmosphere, also gives the jokes a richness,thanks to McDonald capturing all the awkward reactions at each lesson of Summer Heights High.
View on the program:
Going to school to play all three leading roles, Chris Lilley gives outstanding performances as Mr. G, Ja'mie and Jonah Takalua. Finely-tuning the characters in his stand-up gigs for years, Lilley keeps any of the trio from blending in with each other via unique characteristic, from the delusional aggression of Drama teacher Mr. G and the juvenile frustrations and swearing of teenager Takalua,to it-girl snub Ja'mie. Spending time doing research in real schools, the scripts by Lilley find hilarity by pushing realistic school situations out of their comfort zone,as Mr.G's ego goes wild over his grandiose staging of a show based on the recent drug overdose of a student,Ja'mie making posters with her real view on her new "friends",and Jonah disrupting every class. Following the trio at school, director Stuart McDonald goes for a fake documentary-style,which along with placing the show in a grounded atmosphere, also gives the jokes a richness,thanks to McDonald capturing all the awkward reactions at each lesson of Summer Heights High.
True comedy At It's Best
frosty-444316 February 2021
A realistic, sometimes touching and extremely funny show
LoneWolfAndCub1 November 2007
Chris Lilley is a comedic genius. His first series, "We Can Be Heroes" was a excellent slice of humour and realistic satire. He has pulled it off again with Summer Heights High, a mockumentary following three different people who attend the high school Summer Heights High.
We have Jonah, probably the most loved character, a 13 year old boy from Tonga who has some big issues. He has no respect for his teachers and he constantly swears and graffitis. His only joy seems to come from Gumnut College where is is developing his own personal story.
Ja'mie is a transfer student from Hillford Girls Grammar School, an extremely upper class school which is totally different from SHH, which is your average public school. She befriends a group of girls and is constantly looking down on everyone and trying to organize events that will lift school spirit.
Finally, there is Mr. G (my personal favourite), an eccentric and very feminine Drama teacher. His methods are odd, he is extremely full of himself and his new musical "Annabel: The Musical" is about ecstasy.
We follow these characters and all their misfortunes and aspirations. The show is always funny but it is always realistic. It captures everything perfectly from the state of public schools (no offense), students with ADD, what people from private school are like and how teachers cope with hardships. Chris Lilley is an immensely talented man and I cannot wait to see what he does next.
5/5
We have Jonah, probably the most loved character, a 13 year old boy from Tonga who has some big issues. He has no respect for his teachers and he constantly swears and graffitis. His only joy seems to come from Gumnut College where is is developing his own personal story.
Ja'mie is a transfer student from Hillford Girls Grammar School, an extremely upper class school which is totally different from SHH, which is your average public school. She befriends a group of girls and is constantly looking down on everyone and trying to organize events that will lift school spirit.
Finally, there is Mr. G (my personal favourite), an eccentric and very feminine Drama teacher. His methods are odd, he is extremely full of himself and his new musical "Annabel: The Musical" is about ecstasy.
We follow these characters and all their misfortunes and aspirations. The show is always funny but it is always realistic. It captures everything perfectly from the state of public schools (no offense), students with ADD, what people from private school are like and how teachers cope with hardships. Chris Lilley is an immensely talented man and I cannot wait to see what he does next.
5/5
Thank you Australia!!!!!
Beanie7229 January 2010
Thank you Australia and Chris Lilley for creating the funniest show on television!!!!!!
I saw Summer Heights High on HBO, here in the states and I thought "This looks dumb". Dumbest thought ever. This is the funniest show. The realism, the quirkiness, the pure genius of Lilley! It honestly feels like a real documentary- only freaking hilarious. I cannot even pick a favorite character, they are all so hilariously brilliant in their own way! And I love how Lilley used non-actors because it just made the sense of realism even greater. But the characters themselves are relatable! Everyone knows a Ja'mie, a Mr G, and a Jonah. Maybe they are exaggerated but we all know them.
If your like me and your not sure whether to watch it....WATCH IT! You will NOT regret it, that is unless your sense of humor is unfortunate.
I saw Summer Heights High on HBO, here in the states and I thought "This looks dumb". Dumbest thought ever. This is the funniest show. The realism, the quirkiness, the pure genius of Lilley! It honestly feels like a real documentary- only freaking hilarious. I cannot even pick a favorite character, they are all so hilariously brilliant in their own way! And I love how Lilley used non-actors because it just made the sense of realism even greater. But the characters themselves are relatable! Everyone knows a Ja'mie, a Mr G, and a Jonah. Maybe they are exaggerated but we all know them.
If your like me and your not sure whether to watch it....WATCH IT! You will NOT regret it, that is unless your sense of humor is unfortunate.
Funny But True
bug5666 December 2008
Chris Lilley, who has acted as several different characters in other shows like Big Bite and We Can Be Heroes, demonstrates his great acting ability. He has researched students and teachers at schools, which was good move. Just go to any school and you can see Ja'mie and Jonah and maybe even Mr. G!
This mockumentary does not only demonstrate realistic characters but some hilarious scenes! Perhaps Mr. G gets the best ones, but although also some scenes are a bit painful to watch (mainly Ja'mie) this works well in the recipe of the show because of its humour.
I would recommend this to anyone who can stand listening to a bit of swearing-and the ending is one that will not be forgotten. Even if you are not remotely interested in public high schools it is a fantastic and highly enjoyable watch.
10/10
This mockumentary does not only demonstrate realistic characters but some hilarious scenes! Perhaps Mr. G gets the best ones, but although also some scenes are a bit painful to watch (mainly Ja'mie) this works well in the recipe of the show because of its humour.
I would recommend this to anyone who can stand listening to a bit of swearing-and the ending is one that will not be forgotten. Even if you are not remotely interested in public high schools it is a fantastic and highly enjoyable watch.
10/10
Hilarious!
lambiepie-221 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I see great things in America for Chris Lilley. I'm watching Summer Heights High in America on our HBO cable network and this show is hilarious! Chris Lilley's characters are indicative of high school personalities we've all know/known no matter what part of the world you're in. I'm especially fond of the "head of dramatic arts". It doesn't matter what the title is - people like this go power hungry with very little power given. This is a perfect example.
Ja'mie, well, you just want to slap her she's so pretentious. And my other favorite Jonah - you just know he's going to grow up to be Governor-General someday. So its fun to see those high school days.
I'm enjoying this show and I'm looking forward to the weekly episodes. Besides that, I'm looking forward to see what else Chris Lilley has up his comedic sleeve!
Ja'mie, well, you just want to slap her she's so pretentious. And my other favorite Jonah - you just know he's going to grow up to be Governor-General someday. So its fun to see those high school days.
I'm enjoying this show and I'm looking forward to the weekly episodes. Besides that, I'm looking forward to see what else Chris Lilley has up his comedic sleeve!
Extremely down-to-earth and undeniably hilarious.
claudiamcc14 December 2007
When I've heard about this when it first appeared,I was thinking it was going to be as pathetic and dumb like 'Neighbours' on TV(if you're a foreinger who hasn't seen the TV show Neighbours,don't watch it anyway, it's very horrible),but when I got Summer Heights High on DVD,I was completely wrong,it was excellent.
Reasons why: 1.The main characters,Jonah,a delinquent break dancing problem child, Mr.Gee,an ego-driven gay Drama teacher with delusional showbiz dreams,and Ja'mie,a high-class bitchy private school girl on a student exchange were VERY clever,witty and laugh-out-loud funny.Non of their talents in the show have declined,they were just perfect.
2.The humour.Greatly hilarious.The jokes never got old,they were modern.
I definitely recommend this show to anyone who loves Australian comedy and something realistic.
Reasons why: 1.The main characters,Jonah,a delinquent break dancing problem child, Mr.Gee,an ego-driven gay Drama teacher with delusional showbiz dreams,and Ja'mie,a high-class bitchy private school girl on a student exchange were VERY clever,witty and laugh-out-loud funny.Non of their talents in the show have declined,they were just perfect.
2.The humour.Greatly hilarious.The jokes never got old,they were modern.
I definitely recommend this show to anyone who loves Australian comedy and something realistic.
Summer Heights Reaching New Heights at High School
miriam_eryan18 April 2008
Taking a Borat approach to High School here is a tongue-in-cheek series brilliantly directed and performed by Chris Lilley. In a hilarious no-holds barred representation of 'school these days with boys and perves and sex and drugs (where) it's not like it used to be ...' Lilley's theatrical vividness comes to life. Three characters equivalently blunt in their opinions co-exist at Summer Heights High School. The three main characters all acted by Lilley; Mr G the eccentric, 'camp' drama teacher, Jonah Takalua the Polynesian school scapegoat and smart-arse and Ja'mie the pretentious and elitist Hilford Girls exchange student all guarantee a laugh in the series. This is a satirical look at public schools, 'the worst place in Australia, where you can go get anorexia.' Playing on various truths and myths about public education, the school has all the necessary ingredients to prove microcosmic of schools today. There is Mr G's drama production, where a school play is written, directed and performed about the dangers of public education, discrimination towards Jonah and attitude to counter attacks made on him. There is also discrimination in Mr G's casting of his play towards disabled and less talented children , and bitchiness within Ja'mie's friendship group of 'public school skanks,' as well as the typical unruly classroom environment created by the class clown - Jonah. The show offers a students view of school as we know it. Though satirical, it makes a serious point about the need for change in public schools and public perception of public schools as seen through Ja'mie's character. Mr G in his musical production composes the song 'School these days (stating) you'd have to be a fool these days, to wanna go to school these days.' Just one of the many musical scores bound to sound in your head for days and even months after viewing the series. This is a show that resonates with its audience while having us in stitches. With the suggestion of it being integrated into schools' syllabus, it may also stitch up school wrongs in time to save nine before a 'puck you with a P' revolution. For those who can't handle the candor of the series, in the words of Ja'mie, need to 'learn what a sense of humour is and just build a bridge and get over it.' This is a must see for adults and children alike.
Humour at its best
dmckenzie198129 October 2018
Summer Heights High is pure comedic and satirical genius, but also a throwback to a time we could have a laugh and poke fun at ourselves without taking said selves to seriously.
This show is the antithesis of lame modern comedy that's based around slapstick humour and talking really loudly.
In modern times, rarely does a show dare to touch on stereotypes, race and other "sensitive" issues, but Summer Heights High does it perfectly while sharply reminding society of a time when the rage machine didn't find a way to be insulted or triggered by anything and everything.
Perfect characters, perfect script and intensely funny.
As good as it gets.
Watch for Mr. G -- Somewhat enjoy the rest!!!
killblue9 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I don't understand why this is being hailed as "The Next Office": this show is disgustingly terrible. The premise, though intuitive, features three characters, two of which are just downright unpleasant and unenjoyable. Jonah is downright unenjoyable and unfunny. The character is just plain stupid and juvenile. Ja'mie is a bit predictable but still brings a few cheap (forgive the irony) laughs to the show. She is a mockery of characters like Cordelia ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer") and the cast of "The Hills." The drama teacher, Mr G, is the only bright part of the show. He is coarse, cold, and hilarious. This show has a lot of potential. Axing Jonah and replacing (or just generally removing them and making Mr G the central focus) is a great way to turn a mediocre comedy into a absolutely enjoyable and downright hilarious comedic adventure.
Am I slow or what.........
PHASEDK3 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I caught this show by complete accident, hadnt a clue what to expect. Yes, three main characters.. all played so well I didn't think about it apart from how true to life they were. I think its BBC3 that showed them, some back to back, so I caught up as I watched, and.. how very clever. Never heard of the star, but hes obviously very talented. Someone has knocked Neighbours in this section, it may be a generation thing. Yes, this is a mockumentary, but likely very real. I'm not sure when I started to suspect similarities, but I think it was the eyes. The girl, taller than the others, an obvious leader of girls..absolutely spot on, the class rebel of I presume 'abo' origin.. so hes going to be fighting back all the time, and the Drama teacher with ideas above his station, who has to be a child star who never made it... everything about them to me worked. Yes, the eyes.. I had to read the credits to confirm my suspicions. Well, thanks late night BBC multichannel, or I may never have seen it.Or was it on before, I don't know. But so well done? The school production, better than your average I would have said, and the attempt at making the head teachers squirm.. but they didn't. I was very impressed, saw one twice. It just works? 'She' works.. it all did. So, clever man. Pulled it off completely. Maybe there is such language spoken in school these days, but it seemed in place. Thats why I get annoyed at warnings of bad language before some programmes. And sometimes its pathetic. If its late night, its become acceptable in the UK. My query is with the mid evening series being shown earlier with the odd questionable word in there.. no one seems to mind. Maybe no ones watching.
Absolute joy from beginning to end
emmarosepollard23 April 2019
I first watched Summer Heights High when it first came out and have watched it semi-regularly ever since. SHH is by far one of the funniest things I have ever seen - the characters are so varied but timeless. Perfect if you have a wicked sense if humour whilst giving an insight into Australia.
Wow!
heidivonboss2 September 2021
Absolutely brilliant! Haven't laughed this hard in a loooong time and it's not just funny here and there- it's funny constantly throughout! Definitely encouraged me to check out the creator's other shows and We Can Be Heroes is awesome too!!! Can't wait to find Angry Boys for sale literally anywhere!! Seems to have disappeared, but hoping it returns to any of the main streaming channels or even for sale as blu-ray or even dvd for region 1 like anywhere
Best show I've seen in a long time and while waiting to find Angry Boys somewhere, definitely would recommend two other Australian comedies I came across in the pursuit - The Librarians and Upper Middle Bogan
Thank you, Chris Lilley, for making these home bound days easier and much more fun!
The Greatest
jacobmoon-com4 September 2019
I am a big fan of mockumentaries, starting with Spinal Tap. Hard to beat this one for cringe-worthy moments and hilarious quotables. Chris Lilley is a straight up genius, and effortlessly pulls off 3 different characters on this funny and addictive show. It's so packed with moments that you'll want to watch it over and over just to catch it all.
It left me with so many questions about Lilley, and it's been tricky to get any answers about the man behind the madness, on the internet at least. If you dig the Office or Chris Guest, this is for you. You're welcome!
Okay for a few times
Simon_J_Rodgers13 August 2012
This is quite an interesting spoof documentary and it does have its little moments of humour where the children misbehave and start swearing and all sorts. It's not the sort of thing that people associate with Australia, although of course trouble and distractions occur everywhere and have done since the start of time.
I find sometimes it can be quite funny where the school bullies are playing up again and just can't bring themselves round to genuinely apologising to their victims even though they do try, or do they? Some times it can be a little silly with that Ja'mie character and her friends, even though she is quite clearly played by a man and everyone can tell and it's supposed to add to the humour but to me it really dumbs it down.
Okay to watch a few times but I wouldn't rush out and buy the whole series or anything.
I find sometimes it can be quite funny where the school bullies are playing up again and just can't bring themselves round to genuinely apologising to their victims even though they do try, or do they? Some times it can be a little silly with that Ja'mie character and her friends, even though she is quite clearly played by a man and everyone can tell and it's supposed to add to the humour but to me it really dumbs it down.
Okay to watch a few times but I wouldn't rush out and buy the whole series or anything.
This is was a banger and relates to a lot of stuff in my school.
sherkfan12 March 2024
Summer Heights High is the funniest show I think if of by Chris Lilley, just imagine having a drama teacher like Mr G(AKAGreg Gregson) and just him making people laugh is the greatest thing ever and Jonah is exactly every single teenage boy ever just calling teachers homo's and gay and tagging and doing the ranger round up to red heads. That is amazing and just saying how hot you're female school teacher is, is straight up facts. And, I absolutely think Mr G is another one of Chris Lilley's favourite characters he is truly good as that character, I would always wish how I would my drama teacher to be like. Love Summer Heights High. Best show ever.
Very relatable
briancham199410 August 2020
I watched this TV show when I was in high school in New Zealand and it was like a mirror to everything that was happening! It was so authentic rather than a glossy Hollywood production. There were people like these characters in all our school and that made it even funnier. They are all outrageous but are not one-dimensional as they are explored and developed throughout the series.
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