Playing for Keeps (TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | September 19, 2018 |
| Founder | Rick Maier |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Drama television series |
| Parent | Screentime |
Playing for Keeps is a drama series from Australia that debuted on Network 10 on 19 September 2018. Developed by Rick Maier, who serves as the network’s drama head, the storyline revolves around the partners and spouses of athletes at the fictional Southern Jets Football Club. The series features a diverse ensemble cast including Madeleine West, Annie Maynard, Cece Peters, Olympia Valance, Isabella Giovinazzo, and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor. Following its initial success, the show was renewed for a second season, which began airing on 16 October 2019.
Production
Revealed during Ten’s upfronts in November 2017, Playing for Keeps explores the lives of women connected to an Australian rules football team. The production was handled by Screentime with financial backing from Screen Australia and Film Victoria. The writing team comprised Claire Phillips, Christine Bartlett, Ian Meadows, Ainslie Clouston, and Mithila Gupta, while direction was led by Sian Davies, Scott Major, and Tori Garrett.
Casting announcements in May 2018 introduced Madeleine West as Kath Rickards, the coach’s wife; Cece Peters portraying Paige Dunkeley, a teacher relocating to the city with her boyfriend; Annie Maynard as Maddy Cochrane, a lawyer; and Olympia Valance playing socialite Tahlia Woods, who is engaged to the team captain. In June, Isabella Giovinazzo joined the cast as Jessie Davies, a former player married to a current team member. Other notable cast members include Jeremy Lindsay Taylor as coach Brian Rickards; Jackson Gallagher as Connor Marrello, Tahlia’s fiancé; Kevin Hofbauer as seasoned player Travis Cochrane; with George Pullar, James Mason, and Ethan Panizza filling roles as footballers Daniel Fletcher, Jack Davies, and Rusty O'Reilly respectively. Paul Ireland appears as club president Andrew Macleish. Creator Rick Maier commended the thorough casting approach that secured strong female leads with independent characters.
Production commenced in Melbourne on 4 June 2018. The first season consists of eight episodes and premiered on Network Ten and WIN Television starting 19 September 2018, with early availability on the streaming platform 10Play.
In November 2018, Network 10 confirmed renewal for a second season. This season premiered on 16 October 2019 featuring two episodes directed by Scott Major. Taking place six months after the conclusion of season one, it introduces new characters Liam Flynn (Ben Chapple) and his partner Kendall Pereira (Jess Bush).
The series was officially discontinued in February 2021 after not securing approval for a third season.
Cast
- Madeleine West as Kath Rickards
- Annie Maynard as Maddy Cochrane
- Cece Peters as Paige Dunkeley
- Olympia Valance as Tahlia Woods
- Isabella Giovinazzo as Jessie Davies
- Jeremy Lindsay Taylor as Brian Rickards
- George Pullar as Daniel Fletcher
- Jackson Gallagher as Connor Marrello
- Kevin Hofbauer as Travis Cochrane
- Ethan Panizza as Rusty O'Reilly
- James Mason as Jack Davies
- Ben Chapple as Liam Flynn
- Jess Bush as Kendall Pereira
- Paul Ireland as Andrew Macleish
- Miriama Smith as Dr Lauren Gambi
- Alicia Banit as Karlie Lum
- Georgina Naidu as Toni Chadha
- Nick Russell as Brody Schneider
- Christopher Brown as Neil Murray
- Tom O'Sullivan as Nate Sabo
- Kasia Kaczmarek as Joanna Zielinksi
- Alison Whyte as Diane Marrello
- Alex Williams as Shane Manrara
- Marta Kaczmarek as Ferderikia
Spin-offs
In September 2018, alongside the debut season, Network 10 introduced a companion web series named The Goss Boss (TGB) on TenPlay. New installments of this series were made available shortly after each episode of Playing for Keeps aired. Hosted by Liv Phyland, The Goss Boss is a fictionalized gossip program that delves into the rivalries and fashion statements featured in Playing for Keeps. Liz Baldwin, Network 10’s general manager of digital, described it as an entertaining web series that expands on the storyline and offers fans a closer look at the show's "true influencers: the WAGs."
On 30 October 2019, Network 10 launched another web series connected to season two titled Sidelines on 10 Play, with sponsorship from Volvo Cars. Each episode showcases characters during car journeys, blending narrative elements with product placement.
Reception
Jessica Multari of TV Week referred to the show as "a new TV obsession," emphasizing its combination of high-society allure with themes of deception, betrayal, and emotional turmoil. She commended the character Paige for her rural charm and captivating screen presence.
Bridget McManus from The Sydney Morning Herald offered a favorable critique, highlighting the series’ compelling fusion of murder mystery and gossip reminiscent of well-known tabloids.
Karl Quinn of The Age drew comparisons to Footballers' Wives, but observed that Playing For Keeps adopts a more restrained and less sarcastic tone while still incorporating moments of humor.
Home media
Roadshow Entertainment released the first season of Playing for Keeps on DVD.
| Season | Original broadcast | Episodes | DVD details | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiere date | Final episode date | Release date | Number of discs | Special features | ||
| 1 | 19 September 2018 | 7 November 2018 | 8 | 8 May 2019 | 2 | Slipcase packaging |
| 2 | 16 October 2019 | 4 December 2019 | 8 | |||
External links
- Articles with short description
- 2010s Australian drama television series
- Network 10 original programming
- 2018 Australian television series debuts
- 2019 Australian television series endings
- Television shows set in Melbourne
- Australian English-language television shows
- Television series by All3Media
- Television series by Screentime
- Television episodes directed by Kate Kendall
- Television episodes directed by Scott Major