In the ever-expanding world of television, from free-to-air broadcasts to streaming giants, it's easy for quality programs to slip under the radar. This week's TV guide brings a spotlight to three distinct series premiering across Australian networks, each offering a unique blend of ambition, travel, and dark humour.
Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois: A Dream Built on Hope
Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois airs on ABC at 8.30pm this Tuesday, presenting a two-part series that follows an unlikely candidate with celestial aspirations. Francis Bourgeois, an engineer who gained internet fame through his earnest and awkward trainspotting videos on TikTok, now sets his sights on becoming an astronaut.
The premise, while charmingly optimistic, reveals its thin veneer quickly. Bourgeois utilises social media to connect with individuals who can assist in his "training," a term used loosely as the series progresses. It becomes painfully apparent to viewers that the path to space is not one easily walked by an amateur, especially as Bourgeois encounters repeated failures at every simulated hurdle.
His persistent, almost ridiculously hopeful demeanour drives the narrative forward. One must wonder if this unwavering optimism is genuine or a production directive to maintain the series' momentum. Without it, the show would risk collapsing after the first setback. The result is a curious watch, blending cringe-worthy moments with a strange, endearing persistence that questions the very nature of having "the right stuff."
This Tastes Funny: A Comedic Culinary Tour of New Zealand
Over on SBS Food at 8.30pm Tuesday, US comedian Iliza Shlesinger serves up This Tastes Funny, a four-part travel series with a culinary twist. The show was filmed during Shlesinger's stand-up tour in New Zealand, where she and her chef husband, Noah Galutan, embarked on a motorhome journey across the country.
The series offers a dual payoff for Shlesinger, combining professional performance with televised travel, yet the viewing experience proves somewhat patchy. Shlesinger earns points for authenticity, notably in scenes where her reluctance is on full display, such as refusing to dive into frigid, potentially shark-infested waters. This raw moment, left unedited, adds a layer of realness often absent from polished travelogues.
However, segments can feel self-indulgent, including an extended chat with a local comedian that may interest the hosts more than the audience. Where the show truly succeeds is in its ability to inspire wanderlust and culinary curiosity. A highlight is their visit to Auckland's iconic White Lady food truck, operational since 1948. The simple, delicious-looking burgers featured are compelling enough to make any viewer add this spot to their future travel itinerary.
Brassic: Gritty English Crime with a Comedic Edge
Discovering a hidden gem in today's saturated television landscape is a rare pleasure. Brassic, airing on SBS Viceland at 10.05pm Thursday, is precisely that. Now in its seventh season, this comedy crime series has flown under the radar for many, offering a fresh binge opportunity with six prior seasons available.
Set in the fictional English town of Hawley, the show centres on Vinnie and his best mate Dylan, who are drawn into a world of small-time criminal schemes. The dialogue is peppered with robust swearing and general rudeness, yet it feels authentic to the characters and their gritty environment rather than gratuitous.
Imagine the tense, character-driven dynamics of Reservoir Dogs but infused with distinct English accents and a darker comedic sensibility. Brassic delivers sharp writing and compelling performances, making it a standout for viewers seeking something beyond the mainstream offerings.
These three series exemplify the diverse content available to Australian audiences, from heartfelt quests and culinary adventures to gritty narratives, all waiting to be explored on your television screen this week.
