Full Frontal (Australian TV series)

Full Frontal
Company type	Television program
Industry	Television entertainment
Founded	May 13, 1993; 33 years ago
Defunct	September 15, 1997
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Sketch comedy television series

Full Frontal represents an Australian sketch comedy program broadcast on the Seven Network from 1993 until 1997. It served as a launching pad for prominent performers such as Eric Bana, Shaun Micallef, Kitty Flanagan, Julia Morris, Daina Reid, and Denise Scott.

Following this, in 1998, a related series named Totally Full Frontal premiered on Network Ten, although it featured only a few original cast members and concluded its run in 1999.

From around 2008 to 2010, reruns were shown on The Comedy Channel within the "Aussie Gold" segment, which highlighted classic Australian comedic content.

History

Launching soon after the conclusion of Fast Forward, from which it was inspired, Full Frontal adopted a comparable sketch comedy style that simulated channel surfing by rapidly transitioning between sketches immediately following each punchline. While the core cast was entirely new, some performers from Fast Forward appeared as guests early on to facilitate audience adjustment. Cast members such as Kym Gyngell and Glenn Butcher brought experience from their work on The Comedy Company.

The show premiered on the Seven Network on 13 May 1993 and wrapped up its final episode on 15 September 1997.

DVD releases

Full Frontal - Series 1: Vol. 1 (2 Disc Set) - 23 May 2005
Full Frontal - Series 1: Vol. 2 (2 Disc Set) - 20 June 2005
Full Frontal - Series 2: Vol. 1 (2 Disc Set) - 25 October 2006
Full Frontal - Series 2: Vol. 2 (3 Disc Set) - 5 December 2006
Full Frontal - Series 3: Vol. 1 (3 Disc Set) - 20 February 2007
Full Frontal - Series 3: Vol. 2 (3 Disc Set) - 20 February 2007
Full Frontal - Series 1 (4 Disc Set) - 10 February 2010
Full Frontal - Series 2 (5 Disc Set) - 10 February 2010
Full Frontal - Series 3 (6 Disc Set) - 10 February 2010
Full Frontal - Series 4 (6 Disc Set) - 1 June 2011
Full Frontal - Series 5 (4 Disc Set) - 1 June 2011
Totally Full Frontal - Series 1 (4 Disc Set) - 29 June 2011
Totally Full Frontal - Best of Series 2 – 30 November 2011
Totally Full Frontal - Series 2 (3 Disc Set) - 7 March 2012

Seven Network

Duration: 1993–1997, Episodes: 1-112.

Matt Parkinson (1993)
Matthew Quartermaine (1993)
Greg Fleet (1993, Episodes 1–9)
Michael Veitch (1993, Episodes 10–18)
Jennifer Ward-Lealand (1993–94)
Rima Te Wiata (1993–94)
Eric Bana (1993–96)
Glenn Butcher (1993–97)
Kym Gyngell (1993–97)
Ross Williams (1993–97)
Denise Scott (1994)
Sue Yardley (1994)
John Walker (1994–97)
Francis Greenslade (1995, Episodes 49–66)
Julia Morris (1995–96)
Kitty Flanagan (1995–96, Episodes 41–81)
Daina Reid (1995–97)
Shaun Micallef (1995–97, Episodes 41–105)
Jackie Loeb (1996)
Darren Gilshenan (1997)
Gabby Millgate (1997)
Ursula Brooks (1997, Episodes 93–99)

Network Ten

Duration: 1998–99, Episodes: 1-32.

Ross Williams (1998–99)
John Walker (1998–99)
Darren Gilshenan (1998–99)
Gabby Millgate (1998–99)
Julia Zemiro (1998–99)
Paul McCarthy (1998–99)
Vic Plume (1998–99, Episodes 7-32)

Seven Network

Throughout its broadcast from 1993 to 1997, the series featured numerous distinguished guest stars, including Gina Riley, Glenn Robbins, Jane Turner, Jimeoin, Magda Szubanski, Marg Downey, Peter Moon, Steve Vizard, Shaun Micallef, Lisa Curry, Tim Watson, Kate Fischer, Dave O'Neil, Kitty Flanagan, Barry Crocker, Brett Tucker, and Eric Bana among others.

Full Frontal

Peter ("Poida"): Portrayed by Eric Bana, Poida is an Australian bogan characterized by his blond mullet hairstyle and signature velvet suit while often carrying an esky. He serves as a recurring television host across various networks and programs. This role was instrumental in advancing Bana's career and secured his role in the film Chopper.

Eddie: Another character brought to life by Bana; an Eastern European immigrant famous for the phrase "It's a complete shemozzle." This persona originated from Bana’s childhood experiences playing with CB radios.

Ron: A janitor working backstage who frequently tries to hustle or find employment opportunities; recognized by his catchphrase "Fair enough" and played by Ross Williams.

Neville and Beulah: Elderly naturists who enthusiastically embrace their lifestyle choices portrayed by Glenn Butcher and Daina Reid.

Milo Kerrigan: The show’s most beloved figure—an ex-boxer with a punch-drunk demeanor—acted by Shaun Micallef. Known for chaotic slapstick humor and appearances on related productions such as The Micallef Program.

Parko: The host of the sports variety series Good Sport, often featuring Milo Kerrigan as a guest star. Played by Kitty Flanagan.

Roseanne Chapel: Successor to Parko as host of Good Sport, she also leads cultural programs with Milo Kerrigan appearing as a guest. Portrayed by Daina Reid.

Nobby Doldrums: An obsessive admirer of 7.30 Report presenter Kerry O'Brien who eagerly seeks airtime interviews. Played by Shaun Micallef.

David McGahan / Roger Explosion: A hapless television personality alongside his unsuccessful actor alter ego. Both roles enacted by Shaun Micallef.

Leon: An art critic notorious for frequently using the term "crap," portrayed by Kym Gyngell.

Ian Goodings and Narelle Parkinson: Sleazy news anchors on the fictional Australian National Nightly Network News, portrayed by John Walker and Kitty Flanagan respectively.

Phil Toinby: An eccentric weather presenter recognized for his flamboyant ties and unconventional pointers on the same fictitious news program. Played by Francis Greenslade.

Chaka: A hippie poet from Nimbin whose work reflects the local culture. Acted by Kitty Flanagan.

Enzo: A parody of a crime syndicate boss who strictly avoids cameras and repeatedly replies with "NO." Portrayed by Ross Williams.

Allen Bamff: A timid car salesman promoting "Allen Bamff Holden" across three episodes. Played by Francis Greenslade.

The series also lampooned prominent public figures including:

Paul Keating - Australian Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996 portrayed by Glenn Butcher.
John Howard - Prime Minister between 1996 and 2007 depicted by John Walker and Glenn Butcher.
Pauline Hanson - Controversial political figure acted by Daina Reid.
Mike Willesee - Journalist known for awkward silences on A Current Affair, impersonated by Eric Bana.
Stan Grant - Journalist from Real Life portrayed by Eric Bana.
Ray Martin - Parodied presenter of A Current Affair played by Eric Bana.
Fabio - Male model dubbed "most beautiful man in the cosmos," favored character of Micallef.
Stuart Littlemore - Barrister and journalist on Media Watch, enacted by Kym Gyngell.
Kerry O'Brien - Presenter of 7.30 Report parodied by Kym Gyngell.
John Burgess - Host of Wheel of Fortune performed by Ross Williams.
Tony Barber - Presenter of Sale of the Century and Wheel of Fortune, portrayed by John Walker.
Glenn Ridge - Longtime host of Sale of the Century, played by Eric Bana.

Totally Full Frontal

Mister Camouflage: A man clad in extensive military camouflage gear who finds it challenging to go unnoticed in everyday situations (portrayed by Darren Gilshenan)

Sophie: An Air France Passenger Check-In Officer of French nationality, previously a flight attendant who was demoted following a drunken confrontation with the French President, Jacques Chirac. (Portrayed by Julia Zemiro)

Noeline Buxworth

A stereotypical bogan often seen at poker machines, smoking and drinking while engaging with strangers. (Portrayed by Paul McCarthy)

Memorable celebrity impersonations include:

Pauline Hanson Depicted by Julia Zemiro in a 1950s-themed sitcom titled I Love Pauline

the ensemble from Seinfeld Featuring Jerry Seinfeld (played by Paul McCarthy), Elaine Benes (Julia Zemiro), Cosmo Kramer (Darren Gilshenan), and George Costanza (Ross Williams)

Liz Hayes Renowned journalist and host of 60 Minutes (played by Julia Zemiro)

Jana Wendt Well-known journalist from the 1990s era (portrayed by Julia Zemiro)

Awards

Full Frontal received several Logie Awards, including:

Most Popular Comedy Program from 1995 to 1998
Most Popular Personality awarded to Eric Bana

It was also nominated for:

Most Popular Comedy Program in 1999