Frayed (TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | September 26, 2019 |
| Headquarters | Australia, United Kingdom |
| Products | Comedy-drama television series |
Frayed is a comedy-drama television series co-produced by Australia and the United Kingdom, aired on ABC TV and Sky UK (later rebranded as Sky Max). The show debuted in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2019, followed by its Australian premiere on 16 October. Conceived and scripted by Australian comedian Sarah Kendall, who also leads the cast, the initial six-episode season takes place in 1988 across London and Newcastle, New South Wales. Kendall portrays Sammy, a once-wealthy Australian-born woman residing in Britain who returns to her hometown after her husband's scandalous death leaves her financially ruined. Upon her return, she moves in with her mother Jean (Kerry Armstrong) and brother Jim (Ben Mingay), reconnects with an ex-boyfriend Dan (Matt Passmore), and works for local politician Chris (George Houvardas), all while navigating tensions with Jim’s confrontational girlfriend Bev (Doris Younane).
The production was overseen by Nicole O'Donohue and directed by Shaun Wilson and Jennifer Leace. It represents a joint venture between Guesswork Television and Merman Television. Executive producing credits include Sharon Horgan, Clelia Mountford, Kevin Whyte, Rick Kalowski, and Que Minh Luu. In February 2021, the series was confirmed for a second season consisting of six episodes, which premiered in Australia on 29 September 2021 and later aired on Sky Max in the UK starting 23 February 2022. Set in 1989, this follow-up season tracks Sammy’s brief return to London as she attempts to reclaim her former home from a dishonest probate lawyer before heading back to Newcastle with her children amid an unfolding police investigation into a disappearance.
On 28 November 2023, Kendall revealed that Frayed would not continue with a third season.
Plot
The first season of Frayed, set in 1988, centers on Sammy, a prosperous London housewife who is compelled to return to her hometown of Newcastle, Australia, after her husband Nick’s death leaves her nearly destitute. Bringing along her teenage children Lenny and Tess—who have never before visited Australia—they settle into Sammy’s childhood beachfront residence alongside her mother Jean, who is recovering from alcoholism, and brother Jim. Sammy pursues employment with local politician and former schoolmate Chris while her children face bullying but eventually find support through new friends Abby and Bo.
As Sammy confronts unresolved issues from her past—including encounters with Dan, an ex-boyfriend now working as a sports teacher harboring resentment over her departure—Jim’s girlfriend Bev plots to seize control of Jean’s house. Sammy comes to understand the community’s lingering hostility towards her and attempts to return to London but encounters personal setbacks and financial obstacles. Meanwhile, Tess and Lenny protect their neighbor Abby from abuse inflicted by her father Terry, who serves as a policeman.
In the second season (set in 1989), the family briefly relocates back to London under diminished circumstances. Sammy investigates whether Rufus, a lawyer managing Nick’s estate, defrauded her; Rufus currently occupies her former grand home. Lenny and Tess express their desire to return to Australia. With assistance from a new legal representative, Sammy regains ownership of the house but chooses to donate it to charity. Returning to Newcastle, local authorities probe Terry’s accidental death at Jean’s residence. Bev is pregnant with what is believed to be Jim’s child. As police interview Jean, Jim, and Bev, conflicting narratives emerge. Sammy is called back to Australia concerning Terry’s disappearance. Upon arrival, the children struggle to reconnect with their altered friendships with Bo and Abby.
Cast
- Sarah Kendall portrays Simone "Sammy" Burbeck: once affluent socialite who lost her fortune after her husband's passing; returns to Newcastle; employed as Chris' secretary; battles to regain her family home; linked to the inquiry into Terry's disappearance.
- Kerry Armstrong plays Jean Cooper: a widowed mother overcoming alcoholism.
- Ben Mingay acts as Jim Cooper: proprietor of a driving school; romantically involved with Bev; assists in delivering Bev’s child.
- George Houvardas features as Chris George: an independent local MP; Sammy’s employer and former classmate.
- Matt Passmore appears as Dan Atkins: ex-surfer and physical education instructor; Sammy’s resentful former boyfriend.
- Doris Younane is Beverley "Bev" Spray: a local criminal figure attempting to seize the Cooper household; becomes pregnant; rekindles relationship with Jim.
- Frazer Hadfield plays Leonard "Lenny" Burbeck: Sammy’s son who faces bullying at school.
- Maggie Ireland-Jones depicts Tess Burbeck: Sammy’s daughter; initially targeted by bullies, later forms friendship with Abby.
- Alexandra Jensen as Abby Harris: Terry’s daughter who befriends Tess and Lenny.
- Diane Morgan portrays Fiona: secretary to Chris; works alongside Sammy.
- Robert Webb casts Rufus Fenshaw: a corrupt probate lawyer from London occupying Sammy’s residence.
- Trystan Go plays Bo: Lenny’s schoolmate who is bullied.
- Christopher Stollery appears as Terry Harris: abusive policeman and neighbor who goes missing.
- Hamish Michael acts as Darren Fairbank: detective assigned to investigate Terry’s disappearance.
- Pippa Grandison portrays Trish: Dan’s girlfriend.
- Jane Hall is Sandy McIntyre: journalist and Chris’ romantic interest.
- Georgina Symes plays Deanne Harris: Terry’s spouse.
- Dalip Sondhi as Peter: Jean’s romantic partner.
- Emma Harvie appears as Emily Sutherland: police constable assisting Fairbank.
- Maggie Dence portrays Mrs Atkins: Dan’s mother suffering from dementia.
- Joshua McElroy acts as Scott Drummond: Abby’s boyfriend.
- Gemma Whelan portrays Hannah: Sammy’s new legal counsel who donates proceeds from the house sale to charity.
- Kerry Godliman as Bambi/Bunny: a prostitute based in London.
- Susan Prior plays Ruth George: Chris’ wife and Sammy’s former schoolmate.
- Challito Browne as Wade: son of Chris and Ruth; school bully.
- Lukas Whiting portrays Jude: elder brother of Scott.
- Ted Wilson acts as Duncan: parking inspector dating Bev.
- Gareth Davies features Aaron Gideon King: moderator for Alcoholics Anonymous and Bev's cousin.
- Tina Bursill plays Cathy Pascall: estranged friend of Jean.
- Shaun Anthony Robinson as Dean Farrell: operator of a fast food van.
- Sarah Aubrey portrays Mrs Porter.
Episodes
Season 2 (2021)
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Critical reception
The series has received a range of responses, from mixed to favorable. On Rotten Tomatoes, season one boasts an 86% approval rating based on 14 critic reviews. The general consensus states: "While Frayed's awkward humor can be uncomfortable, strong acting and a surprisingly heartfelt core maintain audience interest."
Steve Bennett from Chortle lauded Kendall’s deadpan portrayal, emphasizing her effort to depict a less idealized version of 1980s Australia than what is typically shown in Neighbours and Home And Away. He concluded that after the initial setup, the show becomes compelling viewing.
Steve Dessau of Beyond the Joke praised the ensemble and remarked that the combination of comedy and suspense makes it worthy of regular viewing.
Anthony Morris at Screenhub awarded the series 4 out of 5 stars, commending its successful dramedy tone from the outset. Although he noted some uneven pacing and developmental issues with characters, he recognized potential for the show to evolve beyond early clichés.
In contrast, Jasper Rees from The Daily Telegraph gave a more tempered evaluation with 3 out of 5 stars, pointing out the series’ struggle to consistently balance its comedic elements.
Awards and nominations
International distribution
In the United States, Frayed was secured as an exclusive title for HBO Max in May 2020, with its premiere occurring on 30 July 2020. The platform subsequently released the show's second season on 4 November 2021.
Physical media
The DVD edition of Frayed: Season One became available in Australia (Region 4) on 27 November 2019 through Roadshow Entertainment, while the UK release (Region 2) was issued on 2 December 2019 by Spirit Entertainment.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
- Australian television sitcoms
- 2019 Australian television series debuts
- 2019 British television series debuts
- 2022 Australian television series endings
- 2022 British television series endings
- 2010s British sitcoms
- 2020s British sitcoms
- British English-language television shows
- Sky UK comedy-dramas
- Sky UK sitcoms