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. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    50
    In the end, while its outrageous characters are often amusing, their palate of jokes runs thin.
  2. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    50
    Much as I admire Lilley's ability to pull off a sort of one-man Christopher Guest movie, only one of the three Summer Heights High leads is funny on a consistent basis.
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    40
    It’s easy to admire Mr. Lilley’s writing and performing talent, and some jokes work anywhere. But if he’s interested in really connecting with audiences here--something HBO probably has in mind for the future--he needs to do some more research.

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

All reviews »
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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