If, like me, you went HAM on the corny Christmas movies in early December, you’re probably wondering what the hell there is left to watch while you’re in a turkey food coma on Chrissy Day.
Never fear, mates, ‘coz the big legends over at Stan have you sorted with their sick new Stan Original Series The Commons.
With just over a week left until the series drops, here’s a list of reasons why we can’t bloody wait to check it out.
1. It shows why we should give a damn about the planet
Set in the not-too-distant future, the epic new thriller series paints a scarily realistic picture of what could go down after the next wave of climate change hits.
While sci-fi shows and flicks usually paint an absurd picture of what the future will look like for dramatic effect, The Commons is set 10 years down the track and therefore believable which makes it all the more poignant.
Not enough people give a damn about the planet, The Commons shows us exactly why they should.
2. The stacked cast
The series stars David Lyons, Ryan Corr (Stan’s TV Week Logie Award-winning Bloom) and Rupert Penry-Jones, alongside three-time Emmy Award-nominee and Golden Globe winner Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey) and AACTA Award-winner Damon Herriman (Stan’s Perpetual Grace, LTD.).
3. It’s filmed here in Oz
One of my fave things about the epic crop of Stan Original Series is that they showcase the gorgeous Aussie landscape.
The Commons is filmed in Sydney, NSW and fans very well may recognise locations from around town.
4. You’re guaranteed to form an attachment to the characters
It’s been described as a character-driven series as it follows the lives of a bunch of folks who are trying to navigate the environmental crisis with their personal struggles.
Prepare to become wildly invested in main character Eadie (Froggatt), a radical and gifted neuropsychologist.
Eadie and her husband Lloyd (Lyons) have been struggling with infertility issues for quite some time and their last ray of hope is a radical IVF technique that poses a poignant ethical question.
5. It’ll warm your frosty heart
The series highlights the best and worst of humanity as some folks are determined to help save the planet and others are happy to watch it burn.
While there are a lot of intense scenes and bad, bad dudes, there are also loads of heart-warming, tear-jerking moments that’ll have you feeling all of the feels.
6. It was created by an incredible team of creatives
The Commons was created by AACTA Award-winning showrunner Shelley Birse (The Code), who wrote the series in collaboration with an award-winning team of local telly writers, including Matt Ford (Hiding), Michael Miller (Cleverman) and Matt Cameron (Jack Irish).
AACTA Award-winner Jeffrey Walker (Riot, Lambs of God) directed the show along with Rowan Woods (Nowhere Boys, Rake) and Jennifer Leacey (Reckoning, The Secrets She Keeps).
7. It’s edge-of-your-seat viewing
If you’re in need of a palette cleanser after all the cheesy as hell Christmas content you’ve been viewing, The Commons is the perf pick for you.
Not only does it spread an important social and environmental message, but it’s just straight-up sick entertainment.
You’ll be sitting on the edge of the sofa, eggnog in hand, as you watch the series unfold over eight intense episodes.
The Commons arrives on Stan on December 25 (Christmas Day).
