Cleverman (TV series)

Cleverman
Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	June 1, 2016; 10 years ago
Founder	Ryan Griffen
Area served	Australia, United States
Products	Television drama series

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Cleverman (TV series), available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 11 August 2025

Cleverman is an Australian drama series conceived by Ryan Griffen. Its initial broadcast occurred on 1 June 2016 via SundanceTV in the United States, followed by a premiere on ABC in Australia on 2 June.

This six-episode narrative reinterprets Aboriginal Dreamtime legends within a contemporary superhero framework, engaging with issues such as racism, asylum seekers, and border control policies. The storyline follows two Gumbaynggirr brothers who have been estranged but are compelled to reunite when one inherits the role of the "Cleverman". The series incorporates Dreaming beings into a dystopian version of the real world.

Following its launch, the series was renewed for a second season on 2 June 2016, supported by a $450,000 grant from Screen NSW. The subsequent six episodes aired in 2017, completing the series with a total of twelve installments.

Cleverman

Within numerous Australian Aboriginal cultures, the Cleverman holds substantial importance. Ryan Griffen, the show's creator, characterizes the Cleverman as "akin to the Pope of the Dreamtime ... serving as a bridge between present times and the Dreaming". The television adaptation synthesizes various Cleverman traditions from multiple Aboriginal groups to craft a superhero figure endowed with powers linked to the Dreaming's temporal connections. The main character, Koen West, displays abilities such as rapid healing, near immortality (with vulnerabilities limited to spiritual entities like the Namorrodor or a specialized tree sap dagger), prophetic visions, avian shapeshifting, and emitting a spiritual energy blast called the 'Blue Blast' capable of separating souls from bodies. Additionally, Koen can consume or restore souls by killing and reviving hosts. As Cleverman, he wields the traditional Aboriginal War Club known as the Nulla Nulla, which is also used by the Hairies.

Hairypeople

The Hairypeople—referred to as "Hairies"—were conceptualized by Jacob ("Jake") Nash, production designer for Australia's Aboriginal Bangarra Dance Theatre, and brought to life by Weta Workshop, renowned for their work on The Lord of The Rings and other fantasy projects. Drawing inspiration from Aboriginal mythology of groups such as the Gamilaraay and Bundjalung from northern New South Wales, Hairies communicate in Gumbaynggirr, another language native to northern NSW.

In Cleverman, Hairies are depicted as physically stronger and more resilient than humans; they are covered with thick hair, possess sharp fingernails, and enjoy extended lifespans. They share cultural knowledge concerning land and Dreaming traditions with Aboriginal Australians but differ genetically enough to be classified as a distinct species. Their public emergence occurs six months prior to the series’ timeline during an event called "Emergence Day". Those who retain traditional appearance and language are confined by authorities within an area termed "The Zone", whereas others become "shavers", removing their body hair and adopting English to assimilate into human society.

Main Cast

Hunter Page-Lochard portrays Koen West, Waruu's half-brother and social outcast who finances their pub, 'The Couch', through smuggling Hairies out of The Zone for bounty rewards from the Containment Authority (CA). Upon his Uncle Jimmy's passing, Koen inherits both the powers of the Cleverman and possession of the Nulla Nulla. He grapples with a strained relationship with Waruu, who harbors resentment towards Koen’s new role. Throughout the narrative arc, Koen embraces his destiny, confronts Waruu’s hostility, and ultimately defeats the demon Namorrodor, assuming leadership over their community. In Season 2, guided by Jimmy’s spirit, he hones his powers, reconciles with Aunt Linda over past secrets, and faces Waruu in a decisive final battle.
Rob Collins plays Waruu West, Koen’s elder half-brother and activist championing subhuman rights who aspired to become Cleverman himself. As leader within The Zone, his envy of Koen’s appointment drives him towards violent attempts against Koen’s life. After losing familial respect due to infidelity and aggression, Waruu becomes increasingly ruthless; collaborating with Slade, he develops a serum intended to convert Hairies into humans. His own transformation into a Hairy culminates in a fatal confrontation with Koen where he is ultimately defeated and erased.
Deborah Mailman acts as Aunty Linda, estranged mother of Waruu and adoptive mother to Koen. Battling cancer, she possesses deep knowledge about Dreaming lore and Cleverman heritage. She assists Koen in managing escaped Hairies and discloses her involvement in his parents’ deaths—a revelation that Koen eventually forgives.
Iain Glen portrays Jarrod Slade, an entrepreneur married to Charlotte harboring secret ambitions involving Hairypeople and Koen. Formerly partnered with Uncle Jimmy, he creates formulas that either grant Hairies enhanced abilities or transform them into humans. His obsession leads to madness and demise following attempts to terminate his wife’s mutated pregnancy.
Frances O'Connor plays Dr. Charlotte Cleary, Slade’s unsuspecting spouse who operates a free clinic within The Zone. Dedicated to supporting Hairies, she becomes unknowingly pregnant with a Hairy child due to Slade’s experiments. Captured for her child’s protection, she ultimately kills Slade in self-defense.
Ryan Corr features as Blair Finch, Koen’s childhood friend and boyfriend of Ash.
Tasma Walton portrays Araluen, a Hairy woman forced into brothel servitude but protective wife of Boondee and mother to Djukara, Latani, and Jyra.
Tony Briggs acts as Boondee, Araluen’s husband and father of their children; held captive in containment.
Stef Dawson plays Ash Kerry, Blair’s girlfriend involved in a complex relationship dynamic with Koen.
Jada Alberts portrays Nerida West, Waruu’s wife and mother to Alinta; aware of Waruu’s infidelity while maintaining close ties with Linda.
Tamala Shelton plays Alinta West, daughter of Waruu and Nerida; an advocate for Hairypeople who resents family betrayals.
Rarriwuy Hick features as Latani, a young Hairy woman who is the sole family member evading capture; allies with Alinta within The Zone.
Tysan Towney plays Djukara, hot-headed Hairy son of Araluen and Boondee; freed from containment by Waruu and his allies.
Andrew McFarlane acts as Geoff Matthews, Minister for Immigration publicly opposing Hairypeople but motivated by redevelopment interests; client of Frankie.
Marcus Graham portrays Steve McIntyre, head of the Containment Authority (CA), officially under Matthews but effectively controlled by Slade.
Rachael Blake appears as Marion Frith (introduced in Season 2), politician succeeding Matthews who advocates for stricter government control over the CA.
Clarence Ryan plays Jarli, Bindawu tribe Hairy warrior antagonistic toward humans; instigates conflict through lethal actions.
Luke Ford features as Tim Dolan, former police officer turned CA security personnel sympathetic toward Hairypeople; frequently partnered with Hendricks.

Recurring Characters

Alexis Lane portrays Kora, a Dreaming spirit called forth by Uncle Jimmy prior to his passing; she depends on Koen's assistance to find her way back to her realm.
Leeanna Walsman appears as Belinda Frosche, a Channel 8 journalist connected with Waruu.
Jack Charles plays Uncle Jimmy West, the first Cleverman who selected Koen instead of Waruu. He allied with Jarrod Slade before being slain by the Dreaming entity "Namorrodor." He returns as a spectral figure to mentor Koen.
Adam Briggs acts as Maliyan, a fierce Hairy man and leader within the Zone community who frequently conflicts with Waruu.
Lynette Curran is Virgil, an inventive hermit who assists Latani by creating human contact lenses.
Robyn Nevin features as Jane O'Grady, a talk-show host engaging in discussions about the Hairypeople alongside Waruu and Matthews.
Josh McConville plays Dickson.
Mansoor Noor portrays McIntyre, second-in-command.
Rhondda Findleton is Frankie, a brothel owner who acquires Araluen.
Isaac Drandic appears as Harry, a Hairy man serving as Waruu's right-hand in the Zone.
Katie Wall plays Rowena, Frankie's assistant struggling with drug addiction.
Miranda Tapsell acts as Lena, a Hairy woman defending herself during a bus incident.
Rahel Romahn portrays Ludo.
Sam Parsonson appears as Taki.
Val Weldon is Jyra, daughter of Araluen and Boondee; after being killed following her family's capture, her spirit inhabits another Hairy child until Koen frees it.
Aileen Huynh plays Dr. Everick, Slade's scientist conducting experiments on Kora and the Hairypeople.
Nancy Denis portrays Eve, a nurse collaborating with Charlotte.
Trevor Jamieson appears as Uncle Max, an Aboriginal elder managing a gym within the Zone.
Kamil Ellis plays Mungo, a Hairy boy fleeing capture alongside Djukara and Kulya in the Zone.
Waverley Stanley Jr. acts as Kulya, another escaped Hairy boy hiding in the Zone.
Mark Winter features as Bill Hendricks, Tim’s ruthless partner in the CA; responsible for Mungo’s death and Latani’s suffering.
Tessa Rose plays Yani/Gwen, an elderly Hairy woman who volunteers for the Inclusion Initiative; she experiences a joyful rebirth but hesitates to leave her new environment.
Les Chantery portrays Deepak Malhotra.
Nicholas Hope appears as Dr. Mitchell.
Alan Dukes is Nurse Robert.
Israel Dedeigbo plays Daku.
Anthony John Ah See acts as Gawu.
Alec Doomadgee features as Darana.
Lasarus Ratuere portrays Bakanah.
Taylor Ferguson appears as Audie Martin, who has romantic feelings for Koen.
Megan Hind plays Taylor Diaz.
Lisa Flanagan acts as Harah.
Sarah Armanious appears as Lucia.
Tasneem Roc portrays Sarah Gottlieb, a journalist.
David Barnett plays Riwarri, a Hairy companion of Jarli.
Megan O'Connell appears as Farugia, an officer of the CA.

Broadcast

The show first aired on 1 June 2016 via SundanceTV in the United States and on 2 June through ABC in Australia. The second season premiered on these channels on 28 June (29 June in Australia) 2017.

Starting February 2018, Series 1 began broadcasting in Canada on both T+E and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), with Series 2 following on APTN in April 2018.

Series 1 (2016)

{{Episode table |background=#F9BB00 |overall=5 |series=5 |title=20 |director=15 |writer=25 |airdate=18 |viewers=12 |episodes=

Series 2 (2017)

{{Episode table |background=#FF5F5F |overall=5 |series=5 |title=20 |director=15 |writer=25 |airdate=18 |viewers=12 |episodes=

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 11 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Title = Skin | DirectedBy = Leah Purcell | WrittenBy = Jada Alberts & Jane Allen | OriginalAirDate_1 = | OriginalAirDate_2 = | Viewers_1 = 62,000 | Viewers_2 = 118,000 | ShortSummary = Nerida searches for Alinta at Waruu’s residence; Tim intervenes to prevent her arrest by CA. Marion reduces the scope of the Inclusion Initiative following public criticism and confronts Waruu demanding accountability. Slade’s researchers transform sap into a liquid capable of slicing through the invulnerable Nulla Nulla, aiming to control Koen and develop human adaptations for climate change. McIntyre employs Boondee to track Charlotte but is killed by Jarli; Latani is reunited with Boondee. After confronting Slade in his laboratory, Charlotte delivers a fatal stab wound to him. Koen destroys supplies at the Inclusion clinic and warns Araluen to escape before CA attacks the fugitives’ warehouse. |}

Awards

2016: Awarded the John Hinde Award for Excellence in Science-Fiction Writing at the AWGIEs for its screenplay

Critical reception

The series garnered positive feedback on Rotten Tomatoes, with season one achieving a 91% approval rating from eight critics. On Metacritic, it holds a score of 61 out of 100 based on seven critiques.

The Boston Herald commended Cleverman as an original television miniseries that leverages a science fiction setting to delve into themes of racial identity and societal integration infused with supernatural aspects. The review noted that while the premiere was intricate, the show improved significantly by the second episode. Mike Hale from The New York Times praised its fast pace and visual style, recommending it to enthusiasts of sci-fi conspiracy dramas. In contrast, The A.V. Club recognized its promise but criticized the series for prioritizing world-building over narrative development.

Ratings

The U.S. debut on June 1, 2016, attracted an audience of 197,000 viewers with an 18–49 demographic rating of 0.04, whereas the Australian premiere the following day drew 452,000 viewers.

External links