Summer Heights High

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Season 1
  • Network: HBO , ABC1
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 5, 2007
Season #: 3, 2, 1
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
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Critic Reviews

  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    30
    Cultural distinctions notwithstanding (will U.S. viewers double over at a Tongan accent?), Summer Heights High seldom rises above silliness and mostly proves just plain irritating.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best TV Season of 2007
56
#56 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007
44
#44 Most Shared TV Season of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 60
  3. Negative: 6 out of 60
  1. Judddy
    Apr 22, 2011
    10
    An exceptionally funny and clever Australian comedy series by master comedian Chris Lilley.
  2. Kellym.
    Dec 3, 2008
    10
    So smart and funny.
  3. OpinionatedGuy
    Jul 23, 2014
    7
    Even though I liked Chris Lilley’s effort on Ja’mie’s stand-alone show, I felt like Chris Lilley needs to do a show with ensemble charactersEven though I liked Chris Lilley’s effort on Ja’mie’s stand-alone show, I felt like Chris Lilley needs to do a show with ensemble characters again.

    Summer Heights High was the show that launched Chris Lilley’s career outside Australia.

    First of these reasons was the sarcastic harsh humor. The humor was served well thanks to Chris Lillley’s performances as Mr. G, Jonah and Ja’mie. Sometimes, I forgot that these three characters were played by a same man.

    Second of these reasons was the school setting. This isn’t like any typical high school dramas/comedies shown right now. It’s different, realistic and over the top.

    Third of these reasons was the character driven plot. It keeps us interested on what happens next to Ja’mie’s journey as an exchange student and Mr. G’s journey to make the best musical he has ever made.

    One minor drawback was Jonah. He was very annoying and unfunny. He doesn’t have a proper plot to be honest. But Chris Lilley did a good job portraying him that I forgot it was Chris Lilley playing Jonah. So this can be easily overlooked.

    Summer Heights High was the reason why Chris Lilley’s fame has expanded outside Australia thanks to its humor, characters, plot and Chris Lilley’s performance.    … Full Review »
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