The Slap (Australian TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | October 6, 2011 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Television drama series |
The Slap is a drama television series from Australia that was broadcast on ABC1 between 6 October and 24 November 2011. Adapted from the 2008 novel by Australian writer Christos Tsiolkas, the narrative explores the ripple effects following an incident where a man slaps a child who is not his own during a suburban barbecue gathering.
The production was handled by Matchbox Pictures, with Tony Ayres, Helen Bowden, and Michael McMahon serving as producers, and Penny Chapman as executive producer. Filming took place in Melbourne, Victoria. Direction responsibilities were divided among Jessica Hobbs, Matthew Saville, Tony Ayres, and Robert Connolly, each helming two episodes. The writing credits include Emily Ballou, Alice Bell, Brendan Cowell, Kris Mrksa, and Cate Shortland.
In 2012, the series was made available on DirecTV's Audience Network. An American version featuring Melissa George debuted on NBC on 12 February 2015.
Main
- Hector (Jonathan LaPaglia) is a financially comfortable man married to Aisha, father to Adam and Melissa. Outwardly ideal, supported by his devoted Greek parents, Hector conceals a perilous secret.
- Anouk (Essie Davis), aged 41, works as a writer for a television soap opera and dreams of authoring a novel. She is involved with a significantly younger man and struggles with the realities of aging.
- Harry (Alex Dimitriades), Hector’s cousin and an independent mechanic, owns his workshop and enjoys a perfect family life with a beach house—both jeopardized by one impulsive slap he feels justified in delivering.
- Connie (Sophie Lowe) is a 17-year-old orphan living with her Aunt Tasha while employed by Aisha. As she finishes high school, she confronts various life obstacles alongside her closest friend Richie.
- Rosie (Melissa George) initially faced difficulties in motherhood but is now devoted to raising her son Hugo with love despite earlier personal shortcomings.
- Manolis (Lex Marinos), Hector’s father who emigrated from Greece full of optimism, now watches with concern as the younger generation displays greed and selfishness.
- Aisha (Sophie Okonedo), Hector’s spouse, manages a thriving veterinary practice and exhibits both strength and resilience. Approaching her forties, she begins to question her marriage and prospects.
- Richie (Blake Davis), Connie’s best friend, is on a quest for self-discovery in an environment he wishes were more peaceful and straightforward.
Supporting
- Gary (Anthony Hayes)
- Sandi (Diana Glenn)
- Rhys (Oliver Ackland)
- Tracey (Jane Allsop)
- Koula (Toula Yianni)
- Elisavet (Eugenia Fragos)
- Narrator (William McInnes)
- Andrew Petrious (Steve Mouzakis)
- Hugo (Julian Mineo)
- Bilal (Tony Briggs)
- Dania (Freya Adams)
- Shamira (Peta Brady)
- Craig (Brendan Cowell)
- Dimitri (Thomas Hatzilepos)
- Kelly (Katherine Halliday)
- Ali (Dimitri Baveas)
- Adam (Adrian Van Der Heyden)
- Melissa (Liberty Townsend)
- Rocco (Raffaele Costabile)
- Rachel (Gillian Jones)
- Tasha (Maud Davey)
- Jenna (Emily Wheaton)
- Lenin (Ivan Bradara)
- Tina (Charlotte Nicdao)
- Jordan (Basil Sikiotis)
- Sava (George Vasilakakos)
- Angelika (Caitlin Tsiolkas)
- Dylan (Ashley Zukerman)
Domestic
The Slap debuted on ABC1 on Thursdays at 8:30 pm starting 6 October 2011, with subsequent reruns on ABC2 Fridays.
International
- In the United Kingdom, the series was shown on BBC Four Thursdays at 10 pm beginning 27 October 2011, with additional broadcasts on Saturdays; it is currently accessible via the STV Player.
- The show launched on Sundance Channel in Poland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, and several Asian regions, airing Thursdays at 10 pm from 12 April 2012.
- In the United States, it premiered on Audience Network Wednesdays at 10 pm Eastern/Pacific time from 15 February 2012.
- In Ontario, Canada, the series was broadcast on TVO Mondays at 10 pm starting 4 June 2012, with repeat airings on Fridays.
- The Brazilian premiere occurred on Globosat at 10 pm beginning 11 September 2012.
- In New Zealand, it was shown on TV3 Wednesdays at 8:30 pm starting 11 July 2012.
- For viewers in Israel, the series was initially available on Hot’s video-on-demand platform from late September 2012, followed by broadcasts on Hot 3.
- Scandinavian broadcasts included: in Sweden on SVT2 Sundays at 8 pm from January 2013 under the title Örfilen; in Norway on NRK2 Thursdays at 9:30 pm beginning May 2014 with reruns on NRK1; and in Finland on Yle Mondays at 9:30 pm starting November 2013, titled Läimäys.
- In Iceland, the series aired as Löðrungurinn on RÚV Mondays at 9 pm from March 2013.
- The show was broadcast in both France and Germany on Arte Thursdays at 8:15 pm commencing September 2013.
Critical reception
Overall, the series was met with favorable critiques. Holly Byrnes from The Daily Telegraph described The Slap as "possibly the finest Australian drama produced this year." Meanwhile, Luke Buckmaster of Crikey commended its captivating narrative and genuine depiction of middle-class multicultural life in Australia. David Knox of TV Tonight praised the show for its compelling character arcs and urban-centered storytelling, calling it "among the most daring dramas of the year."
On the other hand, Clem Bastow from The Sydney Morning Herald expressed disappointment, citing "uninspired direction and dull editing," although the same publication later honored the series with its "Couch Potato" award for best Australian drama. Kit MacFarlane writing in Metro offered a critical perspective, labeling it as "seven hours of soap opera disguised as serious drama" and suggested its acclaim might indicate a reduction in critical scrutiny, pointing out that its themes have been previously well-explored.
Viewer response
The premiere episode drew close to one million viewers, securing the top spot in its ABC1 timeslot. Apart from the finale, ABC reported that The Slap maintained an average metropolitan audience of 952,000 on ABC1, supplemented by 232,000 viewers on ABC2, with 14% of total viewing occurring through time-shifted playback via PVRs. Additionally, it amassed 566,000 streams on ABC iview and 204,000 views on the official website.
Series ratings
| Episode | Title | Original airdate | Viewers (millions) | Nightly rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Hector" | 6 October 2011 | 0.946 | 5 |
| 2 | "Anouk" | 13 October 2011 | 0.912 | 7 |
| 3 | "Harry" | 20 October 2011 | 0.858 | 7 |
| 4 | "Connie" | 27 October 2011 | 0.811 | 9 |
| 5 | "Rosie" | 3 November 2011 | 0.915 | 7 |
| 6 | "Manolis" | 10 November 2011 | 0.906 | 6 |
| 7 | "Aisha" | 17 November 2011 | 0.832 | 7 |
| 8 | "Richie" | 24 November 2011 | 0.831 | 8 |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | AACTA Awards | Best Telefeature, Mini Series or Short Run Series | The Slap | Template:Won |
| Best Lead Actor | Alex Dimitriades | Template:Won | ||
| Best Lead Actor | Jonathan LaPaglia | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Guest or Supporting Actress – Drama | Diana Glenn | Template:Won | ||
| Best Director | Matthew Saville | Template:Won | ||
| Best Director | Jessica Hobbs | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Screenplay | Brendan Cowell | Template:Won | ||
| Best Screenplay | Kris Mrksa | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Male Performance | Lex Marinos | Template:Nom | ||
| Australian Directors' Guild Awards | Best Direction in a TV Drama Series | Matt Saville | Template:Won | |
| Australian Writers' Guild Awards | Best Television Mini-Series Adaptation | 'The Slap' | Template:Won | |
| BAFTA Television Awards | Best International Programme | 'The Slap' | Template:Nom | |
| Equity Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Television Movie or Miniseries | Ensemble Cast | Template:Won | |
| Logie Awards | Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie | 'The Slap' | 'Template:Won' | |
| 'Most Outstanding Actor' | 'Alex Dimitriades' | 'Template:Nom' | ||
| 'Most Outstanding Actress' | 'Essie Davis' | 'Template:Nom' | ||
| 'Most Outstanding Actress' | 'Melissa George' | 'Template:Won' | ||
| Monte-Carlo Television Festival' | 'Outstanding International Producer (Drama Series)' | 'Michael McMahon, Tony Ayres, Helen Bowden' | 'Template:Nom' | |
| 'Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series' | 'Blake Davis' | 'Template:Nom' | ||
| 'Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series' | 'Anthony Hayes' | 'Template:Nom' | ||
| 'Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series' | 'Melissa George' | 'Template:Nom' | ||
| 'Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series' | 'Sophie Okonedo' | 'Template:Nom' | ||
| Screen Music Awards' | 'Best Music for a Mini-Series or Telemovie' | ' Antony Partos ' | ' Template:Nom ' | |
| 'Best Soundtrack Album' | ' Michael Lira, Jono Ma, Antony Partos, Irine Vela ' | ' Template:Won ' | ||
| 'Best Television Theme ' | 'Antony Partos ' | ' Template:Won ' | ||
| Virgin Media TV Awards' | 'Best Actress' | 'Melissa George' | 'Template:Nom' |
The Region 4 DVD and Blu-ray editions were made available on 1 December 2011, while the Region 2 DVD was released later on 9 January 2012. Additionally, a paperback edition was issued on 24 August 2011 by Allen & Unwin.
U.S. adaptation
An eight-part series adaptation debuted on NBC on 12 February 2015, with Melissa George returning to portray the character Rosie.