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Underbelly (TV series)

From Alfawiki
Underbelly
Company typeTelevision series franchise
IndustryTelevision, Entertainment
Founded2008
FounderNine Network
Area served
Australia, New Zealand, United States (planned)
ProductsTelevision drama series, telemovies, books

Underbelly is an Australian true crime drama series that originally broadcast on the Nine Network from 13 February 2008 until 1 September 2013, with a revival debuting on 3 April 2022. The franchise consists of six complete seasons plus a seventh miniseries, each inspired by actual criminal cases. A 2014 follow-up titled Fat Tony & Co continues the storyline from the initial series but is not marketed under the Underbelly brand.

Synopsis

The inaugural season is adapted from Leadbelly: Inside Australia's Underworld, authored by journalists John Silvester and Andrew Rule, who also penned a collection of true crime books under the Underbelly name. The franchise was further expanded with three companion novels corresponding to the first three seasons and an additional publication, Underbelly: The Golden Casket (2010). The fourth season draws its narrative from Larry Writer’s crime book Razor, which was reissued as a tie-in edition. The concluding season inspired a fifth tie-in novel written by Andy Muir. It is important to note that only volumes 13 through 18 in the book series bear the Underbelly branding.

The fifth installment, Underbelly: Badness, centers on Sydney's criminal figure Anthony "Rooster" Perish and his network, depicting events spanning 2001 to 2012; it premiered on 13 August 2012 and stands apart as it does not have an associated tie-in novel.

The sixth season, Underbelly: Squizzy, portrays Joseph "Squizzy" Taylor’s criminal exploits from 1915 to 1927 and was first aired on 28 July 2013.

In 2011, Nine Network released three telemovies collectively known as The Underbelly Files: Tell Them Lucifer Was Here, which recounts the 1998 murders of Victorian police officers; Infiltration, focusing on detective Colin McLaren’s undercover operation within the Calabrian Mafia; and The Man Who Got Away, which tells the story of drug trafficker David McMillian’s escape from Bangkok's Klong Prem Central Prison.

Expanding beyond Australia, September 2011 marked the debut of a New Zealand mini-series titled Underbelly NZ: Land of the Long Green Cloud, produced outside Australian borders. This six-episode series examines the formation of the Mr Asia drug syndicate and its leader Marty Johnstone during the late 1960s through the 1970s, acting as a prequel to A Tale of Two Cities. Additionally, an American version has been announced for Starz, although specific details have yet to be disclosed.

Underbelly (2008)

The first season depicts Melbourne's gangland killings spanning from 1995 to 2004, concentrating on Carl Williams’ transformation from a driver into a notorious drug lord.

Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (2009)

Season two serves as a prequel set between 1976 and 1987, exploring criminal activities in both Sydney and Melbourne, with particular emphasis on Griffith, New South Wales—known as Australia's cannabis capital.

Underbelly: The Golden Mile (2010)

The third season follows directly after A Tale of Two Cities, focusing on Sydney’s Kings Cross nightclub scene throughout the years 1988 to 1996.

Underbelly: Razor (2011)

Set in Sydney during the 1920s, season four portrays the violent power struggle between vice queens Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh amid the rise of organised crime. This season is based on Larry Writer’s Ned Kelly Award-winning book Razor, featuring performances by Chelsie Preston Crayford and Danielle Cormack.

Underbelly: Badness (2012)

The fifth season unfolds in Sydney spanning the years 2001 to 2012, detailing the story of underworld figure Anthony "Rooster" Perish and the NSW Police Strike Force Tuno’s efforts to apprehend him. The ensemble cast features Jonathan LaPaglia, Jodi Gordon, Matt Nable, Josh Quong Tart, Aaron Jeffrey, Jason Montgomery, Hollie Andrew, and Leeanna Walsman.

Underbelly: Squizzy (2013)

Set between 1915 and 1927 in Melbourne, the sixth season portrays the notorious criminal Squizzy Taylor, who was previously depicted in Underbelly: Razor, set in 1920s Sydney. In this installment, Jared Daperis takes over the role of Squizzy from Justin Rosniak.

Underbelly: Vanishing Act (2022)

The seventh season centers on the mysterious disappearance of Melissa Caddick, a high-profile investor accused of embezzling upwards of $40 million before vanishing amid an investigation. This mini-series combines both factual accounts and dramatized elements.

Underbelly: Files telemovies

In 2010, the Nine Network revealed plans for three standalone crime telemovies under the banner Underbelly: Files: Tell Them Lucifer Was Here, Infiltration, and The Man Who Got Away. These premiered early in the 2011 ratings period on Nine and WIN networks. A fourth telemovie titled Chopper was released later in 2018.

Underbelly Files: Tell Them Lucifer Was Here

This telemovie dramatizes the 1998 killings of Victorian police officers Gary Silk and Rod Miller, focusing on the Lorimer Task Force’s pursuit of their murderers.

The cast includes Brett Climo, Jeremy Kewley, Todd Lasance, Greg Stone, Dimitri Baveas, Ditch Davey, Jane Allsop, Annie Jones, Paul O'Brien, Daniel Whyte, Chris Bunworth, James Taylor, Craig Blumeris, Jasmine Dare, Marshall Napier, Robert Taylor, Shanti Pezet, Lee Cormie, with Don Hany reprising his role as Nik ‘The Russian’ Radev from the original Underbelly.

Premiering on Nine and WIN on 7 February 2011 and re-aired on GEM on 13 February 2011, this telemovie was subject to court-imposed restrictions in NSW due to ongoing legal proceedings. The version broadcast in NSW featured altered character names and omitted scenes; however, subtitles retained the original names. Consequently, this telemovie was excluded from DVD releases in NSW and carried warning labels restricting its distribution there.

Underbelly Files: Infiltration

Infiltration is based on the autobiography of former police officer Colin McLaren, who went undercover with a partner in Griffith, New South Wales to infiltrate the secretive and perilous Mafia community. Over several years, McLaren gained deep access into the ‘Ndrangheta, eventually forming a friendship with Griffith crime boss Antonio Romeo.

This two-hour telemovie aired on 14 February 2011 starring Sullivan Stapleton as McLaren alongside Jessica Napier, Tottie Goldsmith, Kassandra Clementi, with supporting roles by Valentino del Toro, Buddy Dannoun, Glenda Linscott, and Henry Nixon.

Underbelly Files: The Man Who Got Away

The Man Who Got Away recounts the story of British-born Australian drug smuggler David McMillan (smuggler), notable as the only Westerner to escape from Bangkok's Klong Prem prison.

Featuring performances by Toby Schmitz, David McMillan himself, and Claire van der Boom portraying Clelia Vigano, the cast also includes Jeremy Sims, Aaron Jeffery, Nicholas Eadie, among others. Anthony Tsingas appears as McMillan’s father.

This telemovie premiered on the Nine Network on 21 February 2011.

Underbelly Files: Chopper (2018)

Chopper chronicles the notorious Australian criminal Mark "Chopper" Read and his activities spanning the 1970s through the 1990s.

This miniseries was broadcast on the Nine Network over two nights, from 12 to 13 February 2018.

Cast and characters

Underbelly
Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities
Underbelly: The Golden Mile
Underbelly: Razor
Underbelly: Badness
Underbelly: Squizzy

Viewership

Season Episodes Premiere Date Finale Date Average
Viewership
(millions) 		Drama Ranking Highest Rated Episode Viewers
(millions)
1 13 13 February 2008 7 May 2008 1.260 #2 "Team Purana" 1.422
2 13 9 February 2009 4 May 2009 2.158 #1 "Aussie Bob and Kiwi Terry" 2.582
3 13 11 April 2010 27 June 2010 1.659 #2 "Into the Mystic" 2.240
4 13 21 August 2011 6 November 2011 1.457 #2 "The Worst Woman in Sydney" 2.794
5 8 13 August 2012 1 October 2012 1.026 #4 "Thy Will Be Done" 1.780
6 8 28 July 2013 1 September 2013 0.709 #9 "Squizzy Steps Out" 1.680

Fat Tony & Co.

Announced on 3 August 2013, production on Fat Tony & Co. commenced soon after, chronicling the extensive eighteen-month pursuit of Tony Mokbel that ultimately brought down a significant drug syndicate, with scenes shot in Greece. The series sees the return of prominent actors including Robert Mammone portraying Mokbel, Vince Colosimo as Alphonse Gangitano, Gyton Grantley reprising Carl Williams, and Les Hill as Jason Moran, among others.

Informer 3838

Informer 3838 focuses on Nicola Gobbo, a criminal barrister who became a police informant under the codename Informer 3838, highlighting her involvement during the Melbourne gangland killings. Commissioned by the Nine Network and produced by Screentime, it debuted in April 2020. The narrative tracks Gobbo’s progression from her university days at Melbourne University in the mid-1990s through to the conclusion of the gangland conflict in 2010. It delves into her connections with criminal figures such as Carl Williams and Tony Mokbel. Returning cast members include Gyton Grantley as Williams and Robert Mammone as Mokbel, while Jane Harber reprises a police role and Rhys Muldoon plays ecstasy dealer Terrence Hodson.

American adaptation

On 22 June 2010, it was revealed that the network Starz planned to create an American remake of the Underbelly series. This adaptation would not replicate the original Australian storyline but instead reinterpret American organized crime tales, reworking plots from Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities with modified characterizations and different outcomes.

New Zealand adaptation

This six-episode mini-series was broadcast on TV3 from 17 August to 21 September 2011. The narrative is set in New Zealand during the years 1972 to 1980, delving into the foundation of the Mr. Asia drug cartel and its head, Marty Johnstone. Although it is not included in the chronological order of the Australian series, it functions as a prequel and overlaps with Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities. Principal figures portrayed include Marty Johnstone, Andy Maher, and Detective Constable Ben Charlton.

Home video releases

Underbelly DVD Editions:

Series Set specifications DVD launch dates Bonus content
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
Underbelly (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 4 / 5 (Limited edition)
  • Total episodes: 13
 29 January 2013 (2013-01-29) 9 February 2009 (2009-02-09) 8 May 2008 (2008-05-08)
  • Documentary titled 'Carl Williams – The Day of Reckoning' (Limited edition exclusive)
Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 4 / 5 (Limited edition)
  • Total episodes: 13
 8 January 2013 (2013-01-08) 25 March 2013 (2013-03-25) 27 May 2009 (2009-05-27)
  • Additional extended scenes (Limited edition exclusive)
Underbelly: The Golden Mile – Fully Loaded
  • Number of discs: 4
  • Total episodes: 13
 8 January 2013 (2013-01-08) 27 May 2013 (2013-05-27) 1 July 2010 (2010-07-01)
  • Scenes deleted from final cut
  • Audio commentary on two episodes
  • Behind-the-scenes footage featuring interviews and on-location filming
Underbelly: Razor (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 4
  • Total episodes: 13
 TBA TBA 10 November 2011 (2011-11-10)
  • Deleted scenes included
  • Visual effects featurette titled 'Past to Present'
  • Photo gallery presentation
Underbelly: Badness (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 3
  • Total episodes: 8
 TBA TBA 5 October 2012 (2012-10-05)
  • Deleted scenes available
  • Interviews with cast members
Underbelly: Squizzy (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 3
  • Total episodes: 8
 TBA TBA 11 September 2013 (2013-09-11)
  • Deleted scenes included
  • Photo gallery feature
Blu-ray Editions
Series Set specifications Blu-ray launch dates Bonus content
Underbelly (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 4
  • Total episodes: 13

5 August 2010 (2010-08-05)

  • Behind the Scenes featurette titled 'The Underside'
  • Documentary 'Carl Williams: Day of Reckoning'
Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 3
  • Total episodes: 13

4 November 2010 (2010-11-04)

Underbelly: The Golden Mile – Fully Loaded
  • Number of discs: 3
  • Total episodes: 13

4 November 2010 (2010-11-04)

  • Deleted scenes collection
  • Audio commentaries on two episodes
  • Behind-the-scenes content including interviews and set footage
Underbelly: Razor (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 3
  • Total episodes: 13

1 December 2011 (2011-12-01)

  • Featurette 'Creating the Past'
  • Deleted scenes compilation
  • Photo gallery showcase
Underbelly: Badness (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 2
  • Total episodes: 8

5 October 2012 (2012-10-05)

  • Collection of deleted scenes
  • Interviews with cast members
Underbelly: Squizzy (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 2
  • Total episodes: 8

11 September 2013 (2013-09-11)

  • Deleted scenes compilation
  • Photo gallery feature
Fat Tony & Co (uncut)
  • Number of discs: 2
  • Total episodes: 9

9 April 2014 (2014-04-09)

  • Deleted scenes included
DVD box collections
  • Discs included:14
  • Episodes contained:39
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  • Discs included:12
  • Episodes contained:39
 Template:Start date df=yes year=2011 month=12 day=6 —
  • Discs included18
  • Episodes contained52
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Underbelly (TV Seasons) DVD Releases

Title Episodes Discs Region 1 (USA) Region 2 (UK) Region 4 (Australia) Special Features Distributor
Underbelly: Gangland War (Season 1) 13 - 29 January 2013 9 February 2009 8 May 2008 (Excluding VIC)

2019 (VIC)

Documentary titled The Day of Reckoning Roadshow Entertainment
Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (uncut) (Season 2) 8 January 2013 25 March 2013 27 May 2009 Limited edition featuring extended scenes Roadshow Entertainment
Underbelly: The Golden Mile – Fully Loaded (Season 3) 8 January 2013 27 May 2013 1 July 2010 Includes deleted scenes, audio commentaries on two episodes, behind-the-scenes interviews and footage Roadshow Entertainment
Underbelly: Razor (uncut) (Season 4) 13 4 - - 11 November 2011 Deleted scenes, VFX feature Past to Present, and photo gallery Roadshow Entertainment
Underbelly: Badness (uncut) (Season 5) 8 3 - - 5 October 2012 Deleted scenes and cast interviews included Roadshow Entertainment
Underbelly: Squizzy (uncut) (Season 6) 8 3 - - 11 September 2013 Features deleted scenes and a photo gallery Roadshow Entertainment
Underbelly: Files (3-Disc Set) - 3 Available from 24 February 2011 in VIC only No special features included Roadshow Entertainment
Underbelly: Files (2-Disc Set) - 2 Released on 24 February 2011 in NSW only No additional content provided Roadshow Entertainment
Underbelly NZ: Land of the Long Green Cloud 6 26 August 2013 22 September 2011

Roadshow Entertainment

Fat Tony & Co. 9 3 Released on 9 April 2014 Contains deleted scenes Roadshow Entertainment

Video Game

In October of 2012, the first video game inspired by the series, entitled Underbelly: Skirmish, was launched on the iTunes App Store for iPhone and iPad users. An Android version was scheduled for release prior to December of the same year. The gameplay centers around a "cops versus robbers" theme, enabling players to assume the role of either law enforcement officers or members of the Rough Company gang.

This game was developed by Epiphany Games and produced by Screentime—the creators behind Underbelly—in collaboration with the transmedia firm The Project Factory.

External links

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