Wonderland (Australian TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | August 21, 2013 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Television program |
Wonderland is an Australian romantic comedy-drama television series that debuted on Network Ten on 21 August 2013. Created collaboratively by Jo Porter and Sarah Walker, the narrative focuses on the intertwined lives of four couples residing within a Sydney apartment complex, delving into their romantic and interpersonal dynamics. Filmed on location in Sydney, the show aired for three seasons before its cancellation was confirmed on 26 October 2015. The series has also been made available to audiences in Europe and the United States.
Premise
The storyline of Wonderland revolves around four couples living in a Sydney apartment building. Tom Wilcox (Michael Dorman), a notorious womanizer, wagers that he can abstain from sexual relations with a female roommate for an entire year to retain ownership of his car. His resolve is tested when Miranda Beaumont (Anna Bamford), the woman of his dreams, moves into the building. Other couples featured include newlyweds Steve Beaumont (Tim Ross) and Dani Varvaris (Jessica Tovey); educator Colette Riger (Emma Lung) alongside her husband Rob Duffy (Ben Mingay); and attorney Grace Barnes (Brooke Satchwell) who is embarking on a relationship with Carlos Dos Santos (Glenn McMillan).
Development
On 23 October 2012, Network Ten revealed plans for Wonderland as part of five new drama commissions for the network. Michael Idato from The Age observed that Ten sought to engage the existing fanbase of Offspring. Marketed as "a contemporary romantic comedy," the series was co-created by Jo Porter and Sarah Walker, with production handled by FremantleMedia Australia. Comprising 22 episodes, the show invited comparisons to The Secret Life of Us. Rick Maier, Ten's drama executive producer, characterized it as "an escapist treat" featuring a well-balanced ensemble cast. The initial season premiered on 21 August 2013.
Following the broadcast of 13 episodes, the first season concluded in November 2013, with the remaining nine episodes scheduled to air as season two beginning 13 August 2014. The series received renewal for an additional 22 episodes, bringing the total episode count to 44. Cast member Ben Mingay noted that the second season presented more developed narratives with an increased blend of humor and drama. Season two wrapped up after airing 15 episodes on 19 November 2014.
On 26 October 2015, it was confirmed that Wonderland had been cancelled due to low viewer ratings, with most episodes in the third season attracting fewer than 500,000 viewers.
Casting
Casting announcements were made on 28 April 2013. Brooke Satchwell was selected to portray Grace Barnes, a lawyer characterized as a "linear, bottled up defamation lawyer" confronting personal difficulties. Michael Dorman took on the role of Tom Wilcox, while Jessica Tovey played Dani Varvaris, a self-assured public relations professional representing Generation Y. Emma Lung appeared as Colette Riger and Ben Mingay as Rob Duffy. Tim Ross was cast as Steve Beaumont; Glenn McMillan portrayed Carlos Dos Santos; and newcomer Anna Bamford assumed the role of Miranda Beaumont. Ewen Leslie joined as Nick, who becomes Grace’s romantic interest.
All principal actors returned for the second season. New additions included Les Hill as Max Saliba, described as "brooding but charming," and Martin Sacks in the role of Cal Beaumont, father to Steve and Miranda. Simone Kessell was introduced as Sasha Clarke, a disruptive element from Tom’s past. The second season also featured appearances by Elise Jansen and model Megan Gale.
Filming
On 29 April, Network Ten revealed that production had commenced on Wonderland, a series set within a coastal apartment complex. The cast began shooting in Sydney the next month, with most scenes filmed in the suburb of Coogee. Production for the second season started in late March 2014. For two days, actors Tovey and Ross shot scenes in Singapore utilizing a minimal crew setup.
Theme music
The Sydney-based studio Smith and Western launched the show's theme track "(Come On) Come Inside" shortly before the series debuted. Composed and performed by Ant Smith, Nick West, Dan Higson, and Amanda Brown, the song features vocals by Mike Paxton. It premiered on The Loop on 10 August 2013 and was offered as a complimentary download through the Wonderland Facebook page. Smith and Western also created the musical score for the series. Additionally, Australian group Purple Cream contributed another theme song titled Crazy OL World.
Main
- Brooke Satchwell portraying Grace Barnes
- Michael Dorman as Tom Wilcox
- Jessica Tovey in the role of Dani Varvaris
- Emma Lung playing Colette Riger
- Ben Mingay as Rob Duffy
- Tim Ross cast as Steve Beaumont
- Anna Bamford appearing as Miranda Beaumont
- Glenn McMillan as Carlos Dos Santos
- Tracy Mann in the role of Maggie Wilcox
- Les Hill portraying Max Saliba (seasons 2–3)
Supporting
- Michael Booth as Harry Hewitt
- Peter Phelps playing Warwick Wilcox
- James Pratt as Gary
- Maggie Dence in the role of Ruth MacPherson
- Mia Pistorius portraying Jade Montgomery
- Roy Billing as Peter Varvaris
- Denise Roberts playing Sandra Duffy
- Ewen Leslie cast as Nick Deakin
- Lydia Sarks in the role of Leigh Burrows
- Martin Sacks appearing as Cal Beaumont (seasons 2–3)
- Simone Kessell portraying Sasha Clarke (seasons 2–3)
- Elise Jansen as Ava McGuire (seasons 2–3)
Guests
- Beau Brady featured as Charlie (1 episode)
- Brittany Byrnes appearing as Pip Sallinger (1 episode)
- Catherine Mack-Hancock cast as Kelly (2 episodes)
- Charlotte Gregg playing Nadine (1 episode)
- Darren Gilshenan as Lyle Newell (2 episodes)
- Diana McLean featured as Celebrant (1 episode)
- Guy Edmonds portraying Jason (1 episode)
- Kate Raison appearing as Katherine Barnes (3 episodes)
- Lisa Hensley cast as Vanessa (1 episode)
- Roxane Wilson in the role of Kate (1 episode)
Reception
The debut of Wonderland attracted 948,000 viewers, ranking among Network Ten's highest-rated broadcasts of the year and leading within its key demographic of adults aged 25 to 54. However, by the third episode, audience numbers had dropped to 688,000, placing it 15th overall. Episode six faced stiff competition from the finale of Winners & Losers, resulting in a further decline to 420,000 viewers.
Erin Miller from TV Week commended the show for its compelling depiction of young adult life and relatable narratives. David Knox of TV Tonight provided a nuanced critique, highlighting concerns about limited diversity and an emphasis on aesthetics over character complexity. Tony Squires from The Age praised the bright setting and strong performances by the cast, noting its encouraging prospects. In contrast, Vicky Frost of The Guardian questioned whether the series offered substantial content beyond its polished appearance.
Lead actress Bamford earned a nomination for Most Outstanding Newcomer at the 2014 Logie Awards.
Ratings
| Season | Episodes Count | Premiere Date | Finale Date | Highest Viewership | Average Viewership |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | 13 | 21 August 2013 | 13 November 2013 | 948,000 | 602,000 |
| Two | 15 | 13 August 2014 | 19 November 2014 | 532,000 | 470,000 |
| Three | 16 | 4 February 2015 | 20 May 2015 | 635,000 | 430,000 |
Home media
The initial part of Wonderland Season One became available on DVD in Australia on 27 November 2013.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Network 10 original programming
- Australian comedy-drama television series
- 2013 Australian television series debuts
- 2015 Australian television series endings
- Television shows set in New South Wales
- Australian English-language television shows
- Television series by Fremantle (company)