Despite a comedic surface, this entertaining romp is fundamentally a crime story that prioritises fun over plausibility. The new series stars Will Forte and D'Arcy Carden as American siblings Martin and Vicki, who arrive in Sydney to launch a spray tan business.
Created by Nick Keetch and Ty Freer, and directed by Trent O'Donnell, the show initially presents itself as a frothy comedy. However, beneath the playful banter lies a crime narrative, told with a light touch that nudges emphasis away from realism to sheer enjoyability.
The title refers to a rundown motel where the siblings are staying. Their business pitch is failing, Martin's wife wants a divorce, and they are out of cash. A one-night stand leads to blackmail, forcing them to involve loan sharks and other disreputable characters, making their situation worse.
Forte and Carden have fun chemistry, convincingly portraying a brother-sister duo. Carden's Vicki is loud and irreverent, while Forte's Martin is a deflated decent person making bad decisions. The show's arc is well-paced, though it feels stretched at times and leaves the door open for another season.
Realising Sunny Nights is a crime story first helped make sense of its hour-long episodes, typical of thrillers rather than comedies. The light humour gives leeway for incredulous moments and well-worn tropes, making the series a comedy bent like a thriller, and a thriller tinged with comedy.
