It might seem like a FleaBag b side to start but stick with it. This show has substance and craft and characters that get under your skin. I didn't like it, ready to ditch it, then loved it. Celeste is fantastic. It's far far better than at first appears. This is long form storytelling, do not trust anyone that dumped it early because they haven't even entered act 2. From episode 5 we start to understand her trauma, and although it's story craft by numbers it's crafted exquisitely well, and performed beautifully. Stylistically it's fantastic, the flashbacks work so well, always maintaining the emotional impact we are after. Blah. Watch it. Stick with it.
54 Reviews
Funny but cringeworthy
Dunnarunna8 April 2023
I'll start this by saying that I'm a huge fan of Celeste Barber and her parodies of models. Her irreverent humour is brilliant.
I was excited to see that she was starring in this series and couldn't wait to binge it. I have to say that I almost stopped watching after a couple of episodes. I found the main character played by Celeste was so unlikeable and self-centred. She didn't seem to care much about anyone around her.
But I persevered. I saw the series out and am still in two minds about it. I loved the character played by Miranda Otto and thought she played the role beautifully.
Series 2? Hmmm....
I was excited to see that she was starring in this series and couldn't wait to binge it. I have to say that I almost stopped watching after a couple of episodes. I found the main character played by Celeste was so unlikeable and self-centred. She didn't seem to care much about anyone around her.
But I persevered. I saw the series out and am still in two minds about it. I loved the character played by Miranda Otto and thought she played the role beautifully.
Series 2? Hmmm....
Exactly what I expected
estonia-741-88416830 March 2023
As a huge fan of Celeste Barber, I initially knew that my opinion will be 100% bias. As an European Australian, I know the difference between Australian TV shows and others. This is a very Australian comedy with a heartbreaking side story, reasonably grotesque, well written characters, fast paced and binge worthy. Season finale promises 2nd season (hopefully). I would recommend people not to think much into it. Laugh when funny, cry when sad. Enjoy. For Celeste Barber that was her benefit performance. Very much her. Very real. Very relatable. Very Australian. Her character is not rude, but overcompensating, chaotic and hyper. Well, imho. The cast is well picked and organic together. However, I was surprised that a few actors were not credited. Yael Stone, for example. Or, Gaz's ex boyfriend. I stand with my initial resume: exactly what I expected and rated accordingly.
Easy and entertaining
gallagherkellie24 April 2023
I watched this hungover, and it was perfect for a hangover day on the couch. I have to admit I didn't laugh, the jokes were kinda cheap cringey ones, but I did enjoy the show. The acting was well done and I like the short episodes.
One thing I really liked is it wasn't too predictable. Every time I thought "oh this is about to happen" it actually wouldn't happen. I was pleasantly surprised!
I really like the premise for the show, and I love Celeste. She isn't afraid to make fun of herself.
As for the characters, not many of them are very likeable but that's ok, it's more realistic that way.
If there was a season 2 I'd watch it. I even shed a tear or two!
One thing I really liked is it wasn't too predictable. Every time I thought "oh this is about to happen" it actually wouldn't happen. I was pleasantly surprised!
I really like the premise for the show, and I love Celeste. She isn't afraid to make fun of herself.
As for the characters, not many of them are very likeable but that's ok, it's more realistic that way.
If there was a season 2 I'd watch it. I even shed a tear or two!
Grew on me. Fun, unpredictable, heartwarming ride
OlgaGorelik8 October 2023
The first time I tried watching Wellmania, I couldn't even make it through the first episode. I found the main actress annoying and her character, an Australian born New York food writer Liv Healy, even more annoying and obnoxious. It looked like the whole thing was going to be a trainwreck going nowhere good. Then I realized that the actress, Celeste Barber, was the same person, who created those hilarious videos mocking social media posers, and decided to give it another try. It turned out I stopped just as the show was about to come together. And Liv Healy grew on me. In the beginning she tried to tell the American consulate official (and us) that she "really is a lovely person", but was utterly unconvincing. But as she was forced to slow down from her "fly from New York to Australia for the weekend" lifestyle, she gave herself a chance to reveal, gradually, that she is just that. Smart, talented. And driven by fear of screwing up her life. Her fear is far from unfounded. She appears to have no filter and no impulse control, leading to screwups pretty much daily. And the last episode reveals that she's nursing a trauma of a screwup from her early teens that was so terrible, I felt the show was ill equipped to deal with it.
I really liked Liv's brother Gareth, played wonderfully by Lachlan Buchanan. He got the show's most enjoyable story arc. But Liv's best friend from childhood, now an uptight investigative reporter Amy Kwan (JJ Fong), whose 40th birthday was what brought Liv back to Australia, seemed over the top. And is it too much to ask for the show's set up to be something that can actually happen? Liv gets stuck in Australia after her green card is stolen and then revoked "until she can pass the physical exam", sending her on a literal "get well soon" mission. I found it hard to believe that one's green card can be revoked for health reasons, so I actually googled it. All I found was that maybe, if a person contracts something contagious. But not for passing out at the consulate and having high blood pressure. But oh well, in the end, it was a fun, unpredictable, heartwarming ride.
I really liked Liv's brother Gareth, played wonderfully by Lachlan Buchanan. He got the show's most enjoyable story arc. But Liv's best friend from childhood, now an uptight investigative reporter Amy Kwan (JJ Fong), whose 40th birthday was what brought Liv back to Australia, seemed over the top. And is it too much to ask for the show's set up to be something that can actually happen? Liv gets stuck in Australia after her green card is stolen and then revoked "until she can pass the physical exam", sending her on a literal "get well soon" mission. I found it hard to believe that one's green card can be revoked for health reasons, so I actually googled it. All I found was that maybe, if a person contracts something contagious. But not for passing out at the consulate and having high blood pressure. But oh well, in the end, it was a fun, unpredictable, heartwarming ride.
This is not a stand up gig
simonaphoenix30 March 2023
Why is everybody expecting this to be a hilarious comedy? Just because Celeste is in it?
It is a heartwarming movie about family, friendship, about unresolved traumas and various journeys. Please stop saying it is predictable after watching 1 or 2 episodes.
The world of Liv is everybody's world at some point and I looooved that she tries to get better and her journey is not predictable. She is not choosing the easy way, as you may see for yourself after the interview where she may or may not expose the fraud.
She may seem selfish, but it is clear that her unsolved issues with her family or men make her sound ungrateful sometimes.
I looooved this show and I love australian series, soo down to earth and revealing such an intelligent sense of humour.
It is a heartwarming movie about family, friendship, about unresolved traumas and various journeys. Please stop saying it is predictable after watching 1 or 2 episodes.
The world of Liv is everybody's world at some point and I looooved that she tries to get better and her journey is not predictable. She is not choosing the easy way, as you may see for yourself after the interview where she may or may not expose the fraud.
She may seem selfish, but it is clear that her unsolved issues with her family or men make her sound ungrateful sometimes.
I looooved this show and I love australian series, soo down to earth and revealing such an intelligent sense of humour.
Proper Aussie comedy
lolita-rose228 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Hooray for Proper Australian humour! She's rude, she's real and it's a woman just trying to get through life trying to please everyone but in reality pleasing no one at all. The main character is trying to do everything she can to escape her past where she feels that she is a disappointment to all. She doesn't want to face the reality's of her own behaviour as she doesn't think she is part of the problem. It's a good binge worthy show, a lot of diversity in cast and we get to explore each main characters storyline's on the side. Celeste has been able to shine as the main character, she feels different to her social media platform in a very refreshing way. Definitely recommend to fellow aussies who will understand this type of humour.
Refreshing Aussie produced TV
em_warburton31 March 2023
I enjoyed this, it's rude and hilarious. Very modern and relatable as a 30-something Aussie. There is swearing, potentially non-Aussies might be alarmed we can talk like this to each other.
Celeste is very talented and kept me amused for the 8 episodes. Yes she's not always likeable but I'm sure everyone knows someone in their life that has elements of her about them.
The wellness journey is a tongue in cheek laugh at pretentious Sydney middle upper class women and what they put themselves through to be healthy.
The only unrealistic element was being able to get a direct flight from Sydney to New York.
Celeste is very talented and kept me amused for the 8 episodes. Yes she's not always likeable but I'm sure everyone knows someone in their life that has elements of her about them.
The wellness journey is a tongue in cheek laugh at pretentious Sydney middle upper class women and what they put themselves through to be healthy.
The only unrealistic element was being able to get a direct flight from Sydney to New York.
Great love letter to Sydney
elisa-grant14 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
There is lots of sweating and drug use and the humour is very Australian and that doesn't necessarily appeal to all but it's a great love letter to Sydney.
Beautiful scenes throughout including many around our area my home. In episode 7 @16mins in there's a wedding at the Breakfast Point Country Club and then the reception is in the hall where I got married too!
The drs surgery is my drs office, the family home is in Wellbank street and there are lots of Concord shots. Plus the drone footage over the harbour is wonderful as are the beach scenes.
Not the greatest of shows but enjoyable enough and really well shot.
Beautiful scenes throughout including many around our area my home. In episode 7 @16mins in there's a wedding at the Breakfast Point Country Club and then the reception is in the hall where I got married too!
The drs surgery is my drs office, the family home is in Wellbank street and there are lots of Concord shots. Plus the drone footage over the harbour is wonderful as are the beach scenes.
Not the greatest of shows but enjoyable enough and really well shot.
HellMania
aleeward2 July 2023
Ive never watched a show where I've hated the protagonist more.
She's a self centred, obnoxious, horrible person with no redeeming qualities - apart from being able to party (if thats even a quality).
The show alludes to this on several occasions and the supporting cast are aware of how terrible she is. Some reviews say stick with it, as by the end you'll realise why she is the way she is. However, the realisation is not worth the justification.
If they mitigated some of her awful characteristics and made her a little less of a narcissist, this would be a decent show as the other characters are very likeable.
Very watchable, but only if you like to hate the main character.
She's a self centred, obnoxious, horrible person with no redeeming qualities - apart from being able to party (if thats even a quality).
The show alludes to this on several occasions and the supporting cast are aware of how terrible she is. Some reviews say stick with it, as by the end you'll realise why she is the way she is. However, the realisation is not worth the justification.
If they mitigated some of her awful characteristics and made her a little less of a narcissist, this would be a decent show as the other characters are very likeable.
Very watchable, but only if you like to hate the main character.
Absolutely lovely
DonaldWinkler1 April 2023
A friend told me to watch this and I just binged through 6 episode while being on an endless bus ride through Europe. Never heard of Celeste or anybody involved in this, except Miranda "Eowyn" Otto of course, (who's role in this is an absolute highlight) and I was entertained greatly.
What starts of as a typical "woman struggling in her 40s" plot, soon surprises with sudden twists, incredibly lewd jokes, hilarious characters and a very sweet and heartwarming journey to self-discovery, lifelong friendships and about dealing with family affairs and the courage it takes to become a better person even when the odds are all against you.
Very clever, very funny and very mean in the best possible and charming way.
Definitely would watch a second season!
What starts of as a typical "woman struggling in her 40s" plot, soon surprises with sudden twists, incredibly lewd jokes, hilarious characters and a very sweet and heartwarming journey to self-discovery, lifelong friendships and about dealing with family affairs and the courage it takes to become a better person even when the odds are all against you.
Very clever, very funny and very mean in the best possible and charming way.
Definitely would watch a second season!
It didn't develop into anything, and it's not comedy at all
bemelius7 April 2023
To me this is one of those shows where the producers and directors and writers think their inside jokes have a broad appeal, but it's probably just funny to them, if an aging, unhealthy woman exhibits clumsy body "humour" and being extra disgusting. I finished the show and didn't smile once. It's not funny. You're not taken on a journey as a viewer. There are no peaks nor valleys in storytelling and it was a bit of a waste of time to me. I was hoping for someone taking the steering wheel and turn this somewhat around, but it won't happen. It's forced, unrelaxed and just doesn't have any jokes.
Not a fan of Celeste on Insta but LOVED this!
sam_burgess30 March 2023
I've never really followed Celeste on Instagram, I don't really get the humour of impersonating other influences and models, and essentially taking the Mickey. However, I absolutely love wellmania! Yes, Liv, is a hard character to like, but by the end, you'll understand why she is the way she is. I thoroughly enjoyed the backdrop of Sydney, and the cast of other characters with their own back stories. Season one certainly sets up for season two and I really hope this isn't another show, that gets cancelled well before it should. I'd say, ignore the bad reviews and give it a go. I binged four episodes in one night and the last for the next day. Easy watching!
Celeste at her best !!
saradavies-6616229 March 2023
If your looking for an off the wall funny and easy to watch show this is the one. Although the plot is sometimes predictable this can be forgiven as the comedy and slapstick shines through. A great supporting cast in her brother and her best friend help bring family issues to the surface. And I can certainly relate to a number of her issues and problems ! With a beautiful backdrop of Sydney, the NSW tourist board should be paying her commission! Loved it and Celeste shows her outstanding comedic acting ability. Always been a fan of Celeste and this should be the show that will rocket her to international
Stardom. Couldn't stop watching.
They said to wait for episode 5 and it would get better
cledakling20 June 2023
Well I waited for episode 5 and didn't see any improvement. It wasn't an uneasy mix of humor and drama, it was neither.
The lead character was so incredibly selfish and manipulative and never stopped making everything all about her - even after everyone told her "stop making everything all about you." The disasters were all self-induced.
There were some funny lines. There were shades of Crazy Ex Girlfriend with a self-absorbed lead character, but this didn't work for me. Waiting through 8 episodes for a heart warming speech and dramatic reveal didn't make up for the time spent.
If she were my sister I would have paid to get her out of the country.
The lead character was so incredibly selfish and manipulative and never stopped making everything all about her - even after everyone told her "stop making everything all about you." The disasters were all self-induced.
There were some funny lines. There were shades of Crazy Ex Girlfriend with a self-absorbed lead character, but this didn't work for me. Waiting through 8 episodes for a heart warming speech and dramatic reveal didn't make up for the time spent.
If she were my sister I would have paid to get her out of the country.
Amusing.
soezaan31 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I was very exited to hear about Celeste Barber doing Wellmania. Her IG is incredibly amusing and means a lot for woman all over the world. She plays a character just as comfortable in her own skin as she is. Although it's a character that takes time to grow on you - I'd never tolerate someone like her in real life, but seeing that this isn't real life, her rudeness/ selfishness/ carelessness does allow for amusing situations. Mostly unpredictable - but let's face it, a lot of situations in life play out in a predictable anyway.
Barber a natural actor and does this character justice. Well done!
Barber a natural actor and does this character justice. Well done!
It's not funny to be rude
camillaprado30 March 2023
I absolutely love Celeste Barber on Instagram, she's super funny and irreverent. But I hate it when the full premise of the comedy is for the main character to be rude and insufferable. To treat people as garbage and only be half nice when they need something. This is not funny.
So Liv is very unlikable, just the opposite of Barber herself. I watched only the first episode and it was enough to make me angry that rudeness and self entitlement are being treated as comedy. So far there's no reason for her family and friends like her and want her to be back to Australia.
I'll keep an eye here for other reviews, to see if I could be wrong. If so, I'll go back to watch the rest of the season.
So Liv is very unlikable, just the opposite of Barber herself. I watched only the first episode and it was enough to make me angry that rudeness and self entitlement are being treated as comedy. So far there's no reason for her family and friends like her and want her to be back to Australia.
I'll keep an eye here for other reviews, to see if I could be wrong. If so, I'll go back to watch the rest of the season.
Enjoyed it
tweenieplop30 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I've been following Celeste Barber on Instagram for a few years and I find her hilarious. She didn't disappoint in this programme. Her character does seem quite rude and annoying to begin with, but that's just because of the stage of life she is in. She doesn't want to be in Australia and she really doesn't want to have to deal with unfinished business, both emotionally and in her relationships. Her character is on a journey and you have to stick with it.
I found Celeste funny, but she also showed a range of emotions throughout the series. Great supporting cast and well written. The episode with the death doula was very poignant, especially when they were singing.
I truly hope to see Celeste in more shows in the future.
I found Celeste funny, but she also showed a range of emotions throughout the series. Great supporting cast and well written. The episode with the death doula was very poignant, especially when they were singing.
I truly hope to see Celeste in more shows in the future.
Great tv
naomimuldrew2715 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Very pleasantly surprised by this. Went in with absolutely no idea what it was about and can honestly say, before the end of the first episode, I knew I was going to enjoy it. Livs character is so complex. She's a mess, a party girl. Drugs and booze galore. Her mum is worried about her, so when she comes home to Australia for a friend's birthday, she hides her green card to stop her going back to New York. When she tries to get a new one, she fails the medical because her lifestyle has caught up with her, so Liv makes it her mission to get healthy. Her brother, Mum and friend are all great characters, it's just such a well made programme with people you end up caring about. Great stuff!
Terrible script
lisbethinsydney9 April 2023
Predictable, unimaginative, repetitive. Not a bad idea for a series but it fails to deliver. We don't like these people. We don't care about these people. And it's just not funny. The script is terrible and relies on crude jokes to get by. A friend who usually has great recommendations urged me to watch Wellmania but I could only last into the second episode. Remember this is based on Instagram posts and not much else. It doesn't go anywhere or get any better. There is no guiding hand to set up dramatic structure or tension, only a cringeworthy immaturity not even worthy of an undergraduate's first draft. Besides, Absolutely Fabulous has done all this before and was so much better at sending up ridiculous fashion trends. That's the standard to reach and Wellmania is a product of some impressive blagging but not much talent.
You do not have to love it to find value in the story.
lcharlesandre14 October 2023
On my wife's suggestion, I watched the show. Normally, in a show where the main character is so self destructive, e.g. "You Better Call Saul," I dislike the slow evolution into chaos, and, as another reviewer put it, "cringe moments." Saying that, there are some small redeeming qualities to the main character as she, very slowly, emerges from this vortex. Perhaps, the show is unpredictable in that we expect the process to be faster, but perhaps we also know from real life that such process will be all life consuming for someone as "damaged" as her. We also should know from real life that family and friends are also caught in this vortex. If you read this far, I would say, stick with it, it is not a comedy as "full of laughs;" it is a comedy of life happening in a moment for this person and we are just there to view the ride.
Predictable and not very funny
msmumbo30 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I liked this at first but then the obvious 'make the main character look like a cute mess' became unrealistic and unfunny really quickly.
I only watch 2 episodes but am sure enough of where this series will go so dont need to watch anymore.
Also, who takes their green card to the beach???? She is staying with her mum so why take anywhere at all, just stupid. I know that losing it all was vital to the plot but that was just insulting to the intelligence of the viewer.
I may be biased as I do not see the appeal of Celeste Barber but I love Australian TV and movies, and this was a disappointment.
I only watch 2 episodes but am sure enough of where this series will go so dont need to watch anymore.
Also, who takes their green card to the beach???? She is staying with her mum so why take anywhere at all, just stupid. I know that losing it all was vital to the plot but that was just insulting to the intelligence of the viewer.
I may be biased as I do not see the appeal of Celeste Barber but I love Australian TV and movies, and this was a disappointment.
S1 Episode 6 is a masterpiece
miguelitos16 April 2023
Wellmania is the must see show of the year. The writing is incredible, the acting is top tier and the casting captures a rare spark/chemistry between characters that is like winning the lottery.
Wellmania has a great mixture of comedy, tragedy and lessons learned and once again .. the writing is unbelievable... as the viewer gets to realize the answers before LIV does and gets to experience catharsis in seeing LIV find the answers.
Wellmania is laugh out loud funny and has true grit. .. This show takes risks and digs deep into those underlying factors that drive us all but that we rarely get to see or understand in ourselves.
The truth about ourselves is not always the voice that we present in public... the truth is that inner voice that we argue with and attempt to alter to justify what we think we want... and this show demonstrates this well.
Wellmania has a great mixture of comedy, tragedy and lessons learned and once again .. the writing is unbelievable... as the viewer gets to realize the answers before LIV does and gets to experience catharsis in seeing LIV find the answers.
Wellmania is laugh out loud funny and has true grit. .. This show takes risks and digs deep into those underlying factors that drive us all but that we rarely get to see or understand in ourselves.
The truth about ourselves is not always the voice that we present in public... the truth is that inner voice that we argue with and attempt to alter to justify what we think we want... and this show demonstrates this well.
Loved it - stick with it!
rrqpgknrz9 April 2023
Not my typical watch, but loved it. As a few others have said, you really do have to stick with it past the first few episodes. Once you give it a chance, it reminded me a little bit of Back to Life with Daisy Haggard, combining the silliness with a more gritty backstory. Beyond the silliness and chaotic annoying character (which is part of the charm), the serious moments provide more depth to the series and you start get to understand why Liv is the way she is - something that will likely resonate with anyone who has gone though similar in their lives, even if they don't deal with it in quite the chaotic way Liv does lol. I hope they make a second series, as there is plenty of room to develop Liv and the other main characters in several different ways.
Really?????
kschles-679053 April 2023
I really hated the couple of episodes I managed to watch. The humor wasn't very funny, Some of the actors were OK, but others, including the star, were pretty bad. The main character was so unlikeable I had no desire to follow what I assume would be her redemption story.
The writers and the director missed the mark by a wide margin. You have to give us someone to root for.. it's hard writing a shallow character that still has some appealing characters. That's why everyone can't do it.
Another actress and director may have been able to make something of the two dimensional script. Barber seemed oblivious to her awful personality. The hasn't got a clue attitude really irritated me.
The writers and the director missed the mark by a wide margin. You have to give us someone to root for.. it's hard writing a shallow character that still has some appealing characters. That's why everyone can't do it.
Another actress and director may have been able to make something of the two dimensional script. Barber seemed oblivious to her awful personality. The hasn't got a clue attitude really irritated me.
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