Bingles
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television entertainment |
| Founded | December 1992 |
| Founder | Ian McFadyen (concept developer) |
| Fate | Cancelled |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Television sitcom |
Number of employees | 23 episodes produced (1993) |
Bingles is an Australian sitcom that was broadcast on Network 10 from December 1992 until June 1993. The narrative takes place in a suburban smash repair shop named Bingles, which is owned by Ron Bignell (portrayed by Cliff Ellen).
Production
The concept for the series was developed by Ian McFadyen in 1989 as a platform for male performers from The Comedy Company. Following this, Network 10 greenlit the project, with production commencing in August 1991. Filming of all 23 episodes was completed by August 1992. The storyline centers around Ron Bignell's challenges in overseeing his employees.
The show's title, Bingles, is derived from Australian colloquialism for minor vehicle collisions. Prior to its premiere, Network Ten had already commissioned a second season consisting of 13 episodes; however, the program encountered commercial difficulties. Its placement in a Saturday 8pm timeslot during the Summer non-ratings period hindered its audience reach.
Cast
- Shane Bourne as Barry
- Nicholas Bufalo as Tony
- Tammy MacIntosh as Stacy Bignell
- Cliff Ellen as Ron Bignell
- Dalibor Satalic as Oscar
- Tim Scally as Clive
- Sally-Anne Upton as Dierdre
- Andrew Maj as Lester
- Russell Gilbert as Kev
Episodes
'{'{' Episode\ \list '|' Episode Number\ \=\ \23 '|' Title\ \=\ The Holidays '|' Original Air Date\ \=\ \{\{ Start Date\|\1993\|\06\|\13\|\df=y \}\} '|' Line Color\ \=\ \DAA520 '}}
Reception
Robert Fidgeon of the Herald Sun included Bingles in his list of "Australia's All-time Top 50 TV Turkeys," labeling it an "unfunny sitcom set in a mechanic's garage" starring Shane Bourne, Russell Gilbert, Nick Bufalo, and Tammy Macintosh. Although thirteen episodes were produced and an additional thirteen ordered before airing, the series did not succeed commercially and was canceled soon after its launch.