800 Words

800 Words (stylised as 800 words) is a comedy-drama television series, co-produced by South Pacific Pictures and Seven Productions for the Seven Network.

Premise

George Turner is a popular columnist for a top-selling Sydney newspaper, writing a weekly column which he insists must be exactly 800 words. After his wife dies, he buys (online and unseen) a home in a (fictional) small New Zealand seaside town called Weld, where his parents took him on holiday as a child. He then has to break the news to his two teenage children, Shay and Arlo. But the colourful and inquisitive locals in Weld ensure Turner's dream of a fresh start does not go exactly to plan.^[1]

Cast

Main

Erik Thomson as George Turner
Melina Vidler as Shay Turner
Benson Jack Anthony as Arlo Turner
Rick Donald as Jeff "Woody" Woodson, an Australian expat builder who moved to Weld for the surf
Bridie Carter as Jan, George's former boss and editor in Sydney
Emma Leonard as Tracey Dennis, an Australian expat and Shay and Arlo's form teacher at Weld High School
Michelle Langstone as Fiona, the owner-operator of the Weld Boat Club and a volunteer ambulance driver
Anna Jullienne as Katie Bell, a part-Maori artist and owner of the Weld arts and crafts gallery
Cian Elyse White as Hannah, a surfer who works part-time at the Weld Boat Club and the local surf shop

Recurring

Jonathan Brugh as Monty McNamara, a real estate agent who sold George his new home in Weld and is a volunteer firefighter
Peter Elliott as Bill "Big Mac" McNamara, the financial kingpin of Weld and father to Bill Jr., Monty, and Robbie
Paul Glover as Bill McNamara Jr., father to Lindsay and Jared
Manon Blackman as Lindsay McNamara, Bill Jr.'s daughter.
Matt Holden as Jared McNamara, Bill Jr.'s son
Olivia Tennet as Siouxsie McNamara, Monty's daughter and secretary
John Leigh as Constable Tom, Weld's local police officer and photographer
Alex Tarrant as Ike, one of Zac's children and love interest of Shay
Reon Bell as Billy, Katie and Zac's son
Rob Kipa-Williams as Zac, Katie's ex-partner and father to Ike, Hannah, and Billy
Renee Lyons as Brenda, runs the supermarket
Jesse Griffin as Sean, works for the local council
Henry Beasley as Ollie, works at the petrol station, has a crush on Shay
David Fane as Smiler
Tandi Wright as Laura Turner (flashbacks), deceased wife of George and mother to Shay and Arlo
Elizabeth Hawthorne as Trish, Laura's mother
Peter Hayden as Roger, Laura's father
Jackie van Beek as Gloria (season 2), production manager of the local newspaper, News of the Weld
Millen Baird as Robert "Robbie" McNamara (season 2), Fiona's ex
Ditch Davey as Terry Turner (season 2), George's younger brother, a chef
Jamaica Vaughan as Emma (season 2), Fiona's niece and summer love interest of Arlo
Jessica Redmayne as Poppy (season 3), Woody's 16-year-old daughter
Rachael Carpani as Mary (season 3), Woody's ex and mother to Poppy
Miriama Smith as Ngahuia (season 3), Zac's ex and mother to Ike

Production

The series was first announced on 29 October 2014 with the Channel Seven 2015 highlights.^[2] The CEO of South Pacific Pictures, Kelly Martin said "Seven loved the scripts from the start and we're thrilled to have this project underway. It enables South Pacific Pictures to broaden our horizons and it'll open up some great opportunities for our local actors and crew."^[3] Of the series' tone, the Program Chief of Seven, Tim Ross stated, "If you think this show has a bit of the same feel and vibe as Packed to the Rafters, you're dead right—and we make no apologies for that."^[4] Filming for the series began on 2 March 2015.^[1]

On 19 October 2015, the Seven Network and South Pacific Pictures renewed the show for a second season.^[5] It premiered on 23 August 2016 in Australia.^[6] On 24 January 2017, the Seven Network announced that the series had been renewed for a third season.^[7] It screened from 12 September 2017^[8] with a mid-season finale after eight episodes.^[9]

On 17 August 2018 Seven Network cancelled the series after three seasons.^[10]

Episodes

Series overview

Season 1 (2015)

Season 2 (2016–2017)

Season 3 (2017–2018)

Release

Broadcast

The series premiered in Australia on 15 September 2015 on the Seven Network^[42] and premiered in New Zealand on 5 November 2015 on TVNZ 1.^[43] In the United States, the series premiered on Acorn TV in 2016^[44] and PBS in March 2017. UPtv acquired the series and will air it later this year.^[45] The series premiered in Finland on YLE TV1 in June 2017.^[46] In the UK, the first two series were broadcast on BBC One in April/May 2018. The third series was shown in the UK on BBC One in July/August 2019.

Home media

Season one^[47] along with part one^[48] and two^[49] of season two are available on iTunes in Australia.

Compilations

Ratings

800 Words : Australia viewers per episode (thousands)

Source: Audience measurement performed by OzTam^[56]

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Remake

On 8 January 2018, Zomer in Zeeland (translated: Summer in Zeeland) premiered on the Dutch channel SBS6. The show stars Daniël Boissevain as Sjors Mulder, Pip Pellens as his daughter Fenna Mulder and Tonko Bossen as his son Jurgen Mulder. The remake follows the same storyline, but changes the setting to the Dutch province of Zeeland, after which the country of New Zealand was named.

References

^ a b Knox, David (2 March 2015). "Cameras roll on Aus / NZ dramedy 800 Words". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
^ Knox, David (29 October 2014). "Seven 2015 highlights: House Rules x 2, Restaurant Revolution, Gibney / Thomson dramas". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
^ Knox, David (7 November 2014). "800 Words co-production with Seven, South Pacific Pictures". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
^ "Channel Seven wants Erik Thomson's drama 800 Words to be the next Packed to the Rafters". News.com.au. 2 March 2015. Archived from the original on 2 March 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
^ Knox, David (19 October 2015). "Renewed: 800 Words". TV Tonight. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
^ Knox, David (8 August 2016). "Wanted looks set for NZ filming". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
^ Seven, Channel (24 January 2017). "GREAT news @800.words fans, not only are new episodes starting 9pm next Tuesday but production will soon commence on Season 3! A whole lot more Aussie drama coming your way". Instagram. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
^ Knox, David (1 September 2017). "Returning: 800 Words". TV Tonight. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
^ Knox, David (23 October 2017). "800 Words mid-season finale". TV Tonight. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
^ Qazi, Basmah (21 August 2018). "Erik Thomson speaks out after 800 Words cancelled: "It didn't have to end"". Over Sixty. Australia. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
^ a b Knox, David (16 September 2015). "Tuesday 15 September 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
^ a b Knox, David (22 September 2015). "Tuesday 22 September 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
^ a b Knox, David (30 September 2015). "Tuesday 29 September 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
^ a b Knox, David (7 October 2015). "Tuesday 6 October 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
^ a b Knox, David (14 October 2015). "Tuesday 13 October 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
^ a b Knox, David (21 October 2015). "Tuesday 20 October 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
^ a b Knox, David (28 October 2015). "Tuesday 27 October 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
^ a b Knox, David (4 November 2015). "Tuesday 3 November 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
^ a b Knox, David (24 August 2016). "Tuesday 23 August 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
^ a b Knox, David (31 August 2016). "Tuesday 30 August 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
^ a b Knox, David (7 September 2016). "Tuesday 6 September 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
^ a b Knox, David (14 September 2016). "Tuesday 13 September 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
^ a b Knox, David (21 September 2016). "Tuesday 20 September 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
^ a b Knox, David (28 September 2016). "Tuesday 27 September 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
^ a b c d Knox, David (5 October 2016). "Tuesday 4 October 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
^ a b Knox, David (1 February 2017). "Tuesday 31 January 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (8 February 2017). "Tuesday 7 February 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (15 February 2017). "Tuesday 14 February 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (22 February 2017). "Tuesday 21 February 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (1 March 2017). "Tuesday 28 February 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (8 March 2017). "Tuesday 7 March 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (15 March 2017). "Tuesday 14 March 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (22 March 2017). "Tuesday 21 March 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (13 September 2017). "Tuesday 12 September 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (20 September 2017). "Tuesday 19 September 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (27 September 2017). "Tuesday 26 September 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (4 October 2017). "Tuesday 3 October 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (11 October 2017). "Tuesday 10 October 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (18 October 2017). "Tuesday 17 October 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
^ a b c d Knox, David (25 October 2017). "Tuesday 24 October 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Ratings". Retrieved 6 August 2023.
^ Knox, David (4 September 2015). "Airdate: 800 Words". TV Tonight. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
^ Jenkin, Lydia (31 October 2015). "Erik Thompson in 800 words". The New Zealand Herald. New Zealand Media and Entertainment. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
^ Hale, Mike (4 September 2016). "Review: In '800 Words,' a Widowed Father of Teenagers Uproots the Family". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
^ "UPtv SETS OUT TO CHANGE THE FACE OF TV ENTERTAINMENT WITH NEW EMOJI-FOCUSED BRAND CAMPAIGN AND SLATE OF PROGRAMMING AIMED TO UPLIFT VIEWERS".
^ "Piikkejä paratiisissa". yle.fi. 20 September 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
^ "800 Words, Season 1". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
^ "800 Words, Season 2 Pt. 1". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
^ "800 Words, Season 2 Pt. 2". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
^
Region 1 DVD sets:
- Lambert, David (26 September 2016). "800 Words – Date, Cost Front Box Art for 'Season 1' on DVD". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2016. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
- Lambert, David (27 January 2017). "800 Words – Press Brief Announces 'Season 2, Part 1' on DVDs". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
- Lambert, David (10 August 2017). "800 Words – RLJ/Acorn's Press Release for 'Season 2, Part 2' on DVD". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on 7 September 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
^
Region 2 DVD sets:
- "800 Words – Series 1 [DVD]". Amazon. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
- "800 Words – Series Two [DVD]". Amazon. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
^
Australia DVD sets:
- "800 Words: Season 1". Beyond Home Entertainment. Archived from the original on 16 May 2018. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- "800 Words: Season 2 Volume 1". Beyond Home Entertainment. Archived from the original on 9 April 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
- "800 Words: Season 2 Volume 2". Beyond Home Entertainment. Archived from the original on 9 April 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
- "800 Words – Season 3 Volume 1". JB Hi-Fi. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
^
New Zealand DVD sets:
- "800 Words – Season 1". Mighty Ape. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
- "800 Words – Season 2". Mighty Ape. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
^
Region 2 compilations:
- "800 Words – Series One and Two Box Set [DVD]". Amazon. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
^
Australia DVD compilations:
- "800 Words: The Complete First & Second Seasons". Beyond Home Entertainment. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
^ "OzTAM Home". OzTAM. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
^ Knox, David (24 September 2015). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 15 September 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
^ Knox, David (2 October 2015). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 22 September 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
^ Knox, David (7 October 2015). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 29 September 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
^ Knox, David (14 October 2015). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 6 October 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
^ Knox, David (21 October 2015). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 13 October 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
^ Knox, David (28 October 2015). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 20 October 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
^ Knox, David (4 November 2015). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 27 October 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
^ Knox, David (3 November 2015). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 3 November 2015". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
^ Knox, David (4 September 2016). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 23 August 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
^ "Timeshifted: Tuesday 30 August 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. 10 September 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
^ "Timeshifted: Tuesday 6 September 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. 18 September 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
^ "Timeshifted: Tuesday 13 September 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. 21 September 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
^ "Timeshifted: Tuesday 20 September 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. 1 October 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
^ "Timeshifted: Tuesday 27 September 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. 8 October 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
^ a b "Timeshifted: Tuesday 4 October 2016". OzTAM. TV Tonight. 15 October 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
^ Knox, David (12 February 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 31 January 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
^ Knox, David (19 February 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 7 February 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
^ Knox, David (24 February 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 14 February 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
^ Knox, David (4 March 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 21 February 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
^ Knox, David (11 March 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 28 February 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
^ Knox, David (26 March 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 7 March 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
^ Knox, David (26 March 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 14 March 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
^ Knox, David (1 April 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 21 March 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
^ Knox, David (27 September 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 12 September 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
^ Knox, David (1 October 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 19 September 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
^ Knox, David (4 October 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 26 September 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
^ Knox, David (15 October 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 3 October 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
^ Knox, David (23 October 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 10 October 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
^ Knox, David (31 October 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 17 October 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
^ a b Knox, David (4 November 2017). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 24 October 2017". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
^ Knox, David (25 August 2018). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 14 August 2018". OzTAM. TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 August 2018.

External links

800 Words on 7plus at 7plus in Australia
Official New Zealand website at TV NZ
800 Words at South Pacific Pictures
800 Words at IMDb