800 Words
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800 Words
Promotional title card for 800 Words
GenreComedy drama
Created by
  • James Griffin
  • Maxine Fleming
Directed by
Starring
ComposerKarl Steven
Countries of origin
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes40
Production
Executive producers
  • Kelly Martin
  • Chris Bailey
  • James Griffin
  • John Holmes
  • Julie McGauran
Producers
  • Chris Hampson
  • Chris Bailey
CinematographyFred Renata
Running time45 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network
Release15 September 2015 (2015-09-15) –
2 October 2018 (2018-10-02)

800 Words (stylised as 800 words) is a comedy-drama television series, co-produced by South Pacific Pictures and Seven Productions for the Seven Network.

Premise

[edit]

George Turner is a popular columnist for a top-selling Sydney newspaper, writing a weekly column which he insists must be exactly 800 words. After his wife dies, he buys (online and unseen) a home in a (fictional) small New Zealand seaside town called Weld, where his parents took him on holiday as a child. He then has to break the news to his two teenage children, Shay and Arlo. But the colourful and inquisitive locals in Weld ensure Turner's dream of a fresh start does not go exactly to plan.[1]

Cast

[edit]

Main

[edit]
  • Erik Thomson as George Turner
  • Melina Vidler as Shay Turner
  • Benson Jack Anthony as Arlo Turner
  • Rick Donald as Jeff "Woody" Woodson, an Australian expat builder who moved to Weld for the surf
  • Bridie Carter as Jan, George's former boss and editor in Sydney
  • Emma Leonard as Tracey Dennis, an Australian expat and Shay and Arlo's form teacher at Weld High School
  • Michelle Langstone as Fiona, the owner-operator of the Weld Boat Club and a volunteer ambulance driver
  • Anna Jullienne as Katie Bell, a part-Maori artist and owner of the Weld arts and crafts gallery
  • Cian Elyse White as Hannah, a surfer who works part-time at the Weld Boat Club and the local surf shop

Recurring

[edit]
  • Jonathan Brugh as Monty McNamara, a real estate agent who sold George his new home in Weld and is a volunteer firefighter
  • Peter Elliott as Bill "Big Mac" McNamara, the financial kingpin of Weld and father to Bill Jr., Monty, and Robbie
  • Paul Glover as Bill McNamara Jr., father to Lindsay and Jared
  • Manon Blackman as Lindsay McNamara, Bill Jr.'s daughter.
  • Matt Holden as Jared McNamara, Bill Jr.'s son
  • Olivia Tennet as Siouxsie McNamara, Monty's daughter and secretary
  • John Leigh as Constable Tom, Weld's local police officer and photographer
  • Alex Tarrant as Ike, one of Zac's children and love interest of Shay
  • Reon Bell as Billy, Katie and Zac's son
  • Rob Kipa-Williams as Zac, Katie's ex-partner and father to Ike, Hannah, and Billy
  • Renee Lyons as Brenda, runs the supermarket
  • Jesse Griffin as Sean, works for the local council
  • Henry Beasley as Ollie, works at the petrol station, has a crush on Shay
  • David Fane as Smiler
  • Tandi Wright as Laura Turner (flashbacks), deceased wife of George and mother to Shay and Arlo
  • Elizabeth Hawthorne as Trish, Laura's mother
  • Peter Hayden as Roger, Laura's father
  • Jackie van Beek as Gloria (season 2), production manager of the local newspaper, News of the Weld
  • Millen Baird as Robert "Robbie" McNamara (season 2), Fiona's ex
  • Ditch Davey as Terry Turner (season 2), George's younger brother, a chef
  • Jamaica Vaughan as Emma (season 2), Fiona's niece and summer love interest of Arlo
  • Jessica Redmayne as Poppy (season 3), Woody's 16-year-old daughter
  • Rachael Carpani as Mary (season 3), Woody's ex and mother to Poppy
  • Miriama Smith as Ngahuia (season 3), Zac's ex and mother to Ike

Production

[edit]

The series was first announced on 29 October 2014 with the Channel Seven 2015 highlights.[2] The CEO of South Pacific Pictures, Kelly Martin said "Seven loved the scripts from the start and we're thrilled to have this project underway. It enables South Pacific Pictures to broaden our horizons and it'll open up some great opportunities for our local actors and crew."[3] Of the series' tone, the Program Chief of Seven, Tim Ross stated, "If you think this show has a bit of the same feel and vibe as Packed to the Rafters, you're dead right—and we make no apologies for that."[4] Filming for the series began on 2 March 2015.[1]

On 19 October 2015, the Seven Network and South Pacific Pictures renewed the show for a second season.[5] It premiered on 23 August 2016 in Australia.[6] On 24 January 2017, the Seven Network announced that the series had been renewed for a third season.[7] It screened from 12 September 2017[8] with a mid-season finale after eight episodes.[9]

On 17 August 2018 Seven Network cancelled the series after three seasons.[10]

Episodes

[edit]

Series overview

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
1815 September 2015 (2015-09-15)3 November 2015 (2015-11-03)
216823 August 2016 (2016-08-23)4 October 2016 (2016-10-04)
831 January 2017 (2017-01-31)21 March 2017 (2017-03-21)
316812 September 2017 (2017-09-12)24 October 2017 (2017-10-24)
8August 14, 2018 (2018-08-14)October 2, 2018 (2018-10-02)

Season 1 (2015)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		EpisodeDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateAus. viewers
11"Episode 1"Pino AmentaJames Griffin15 September 2015 (2015-09-15)1,219,000[11]
Following the death of his wife, column writer George Turner breaks the news to his two teenaged children that they will be moving from Sydney to Weld, New Zealand. They arrive in the small coastal town to a run-away sculpture, a half-finished home, and nosy neighbours.
22"Episode 2"Pino AmentaMaxine Fleming and James Griffin22 September 2015 (2015-09-22)1,192,000[12]
Having written a column in the previous episode that referred to Weld as a "dead-end" town, George faces the full wrath of the locals. This causes friction for everyone, including Shay and Arlo, who struggle to fit in at school.
33"Episode 3"Mike SmithJames Griffin29 September 2015 (2015-09-29)1,170,000[13]
After refusing to reveal the cause of his wife's death, rumours run wild in Weld about George, and his concerns about the school bus driver exacerbate things. He traces the lies back to their source while Shay makes new connections with a local, Ike.
44"Episode 4"Mike SmithMaxine Fleming and James Griffin6 October 2015 (2015-10-06)1,055,000[14]
George considers the women of Weld and whether he is ready for romance after the death of his wife. He and Arlo learn more about the salacious history of Weld via one of the McNamaras' ancestors. Shay hides her new relationship with Ike from her family and the two graffiti a sign about the new housing development to be built on campsite land by McNamaras.
55"Episode 5"Mike SmithTim Balme13 October 2015 (2015-10-13)1,082,000[15]
The late Laura Turner's birthday approaches and her husband and children disagree on how to mark the day. George relives unpleasant memories from his childhood time in Weld surfing which leads to a surf challenge with 'the Orca'. Shay and Ike continue their fight to protect the local camp ground from development.
66"Episode 6"Mike SmithNatalie Medlock and James Griffin20 October 2015 (2015-10-20)1,019,000[16]
Truths are revealed when George and Arlo play detective on two fronts: the case of the missing statue head and Shay's love life. Shay and Ike enter one wing of Big Mac's house to discover a model railway and a model of the new housing development with further towering flats. They take photos but are caught.
77"Episode 7"Pino AmentaMaxine Fleming and James Griffin27 October 2015 (2015-10-27)1,027,000[17]
Shay and Ike face the legal and emotional consequences of their actions. Arlo shows Shay that Ike has a reputation for sleeping with girls and moving on and she dumps him. She rejects offers of help from George and some of the women in town. George realizes his own limitations as a parent and writes an unusually personal column. This makes Shay cry but still she manipulates Ike into driving her to the airport so she can escape back to Sydney.
88"Episode 8"Pino AmentaJames Griffin3 November 2015 (2015-11-03)1,151,000[18]
Efforts to save the campground heat up. Jan arrives in town and helps George deal with the fallout from Shay's departure, with unexpected results. The two sleep together but miss the 'beginning magic'. Having slipped into the 'middle' part of a relationship. they later agree they made a mistake. The town's councillors vote to let the development go ahead.

Season 2 (2016–2017)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		EpisodeDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateAus. viewers
Part 1
91"Episode 1"Mike SmithTim Balme and James Griffin23 August 2016 (2016-08-23)877,000[19]
While the rest of the town prepare for Guy Fawkes Night, George and Arlo enact a plan to get Shay back to Weld, pretending things are good without her. Jan and George decide their relationship is not working. Lindsay moves into Shay's old room after her Dad threatens her with boarding school and she runs away from home. Shay returns in time for Guy Fawkes' Night. Arlo gives up his room to Lindsay and sleeps on a blow-up bed.
102"Episode 2"Mike SmithTim Balme30 August 2016 (2016-08-30)742,000[20]
The limits of friendship are tested when Woody produces an invoice for George. But the underlying issue is that Woody has feelings for Tracey and thinks Tracey likes George. Despite his best efforts, George finds himself employed several times over. George encourages Tracey to talk to Woody, and she says with a promotion to fight for she has no time for dating and only wants him as a friend.
113"Episode 3"Michael HurstMaxine Fleming6 September 2016 (2016-09-06)793,000[21]
The discovery of a crash site and a body reveals truths to Lindsay about her family and to George about pitfalls to avoid when you are the editor of a small town paper. Shay and Arlo think Lindsay is failing to grieve when the body turns out to be that of her long-lost mother. Lindsay throws a party and Shay introduces her Sydney boyfriend to everyone.
124"Episode 4"Michael HurstKate McDermott13 September 2016 (2016-09-13)618,000[22]
George's dream house on the hill comes up for sale, the one he holidayed in as a child. He considers another move, especially given he now has four teenagers living in his house. Woody starts an affair with Becks, the owner of the house on the hill. Shay grows less keen on her boyfriend Daniel, even though he cooks and compliments her frequently. George is rattled by his kitchen being taken over. Daniel leaves before Shay breaks up with him, and takes Lindsay for a road-trip – before Arlo was to tell her to move back to her Dad's. Everyone welcomes the extra space. George does not buy the house on the hill.
135"Episode 5"Murray KeaneSarah-Kate Lynch and James Griffin20 September 2016 (2016-09-20)592,000[23]
George and Katie go on a date and end up kissing. However, both are nervous. Everyone wants to know why he has not asked her on a second date. The 'summer people' continue to annoy the locals. The campground development takes an unexpected turn when Constable Tom herds the free / illegal campers onto the site as he is fed-up of chasing them to clean up their mess. Big Mac seems powerless to remove them despite now owning the land. He agrees to give the land back to the locals.
146"Episode 6"Murray KeaneJames Griffin27 September 2016 (2016-09-27)695,000[24]
As more summer people crowd the beach, Woody gets hit by a jet ski, ending up in an induced coma. George starts a Twitter war against Jet skis. Becks realises tracey should be with Woody, so says goodbye when he comes round. Shay realises Ike may be leaving for uni and reconciles with him. Arlo gets a job at the boat club and flirts with the new waitress, Emma. Tracey and Woody get together at last.
157"Episode 7"Mike SmithJames Griffin4 October 2016 (2016-10-04)800,000[25]
As the one-year anniversary of Laura's death approaches, it emerges that Shay has stolen her mother's ashes from her grand-parents not wanting her to end up in a crypt. The grand-parents come to Weld and Fiona offers her unoccupied marital house as accommodation for them. Zac and Katie provide a temporary, respectful resting place (a Maori box) whilst the family try to resolve the 'final resting place' issue. Fiona is shocked to hear that Robbie, her ex, Big Mac's son, will be out of prison soon. Arlo and Emma kiss. Laura's ashes are taken to the waterfall and scattered.
168"Episode 8"Mike SmithKate McDermott4 October 2016 (2016-10-04)728,000[25]
A game of cricket looms large in Weld as they play the more dominant Stafford. Monty plays well but Robbie refuses to run when they bat together, so Monty is out. George releases his 'demon' bowler and swears a great deal. Tracey hears she has the promotion to principal – but Woody misses a catch as he congratulates her. Arlo and Emma use his empty house to consummate their relationship before Emma returns home. Fiona and George go in to bat and win the match for Weld. Shay breaks up with Ike to force him to leave Weld and go to uni in Auckland. Fiona and George kiss after the post-match party.
Part 2
179"Episode 9"Michael HurstKate McDermott31 January 2017 (2017-01-31)797,000[26]
Fiona wants to end her marriage but Robbie tries to change her mind by reawaking early memories as they prepare to sell their house. Robbie warns George to stay away from Fiona. He is over-bearing in the estate agency and his niece walks out of her job there. Katie is upset by the kiss but denies it when George apologises. Meanwhile, Jan finds it difficult to keep her pregnancy secret, and is abrupt with George. Robbie continues to try to block the sale of the house and keeps calling Monty 'Maureen'. A fight erupts in the street which soon includes more men. Big Mac and Constable Tom break it up. Monty stands up to Robbie and gets his daughter back to work at the estate agency.
1810"Episode 10"Michael HurstMichael Beran & James Griffin7 February 2017 (2017-02-07)737,000[27]
George and Fiona throw a dinner party but a small gathering ends up being an event for 12 couples (some of whom are not even couples). They decide to buy a larger dining table. Fiona is concerned George is assuming they will run the dinner as he and Laura used to: with him cooking. George agrees to share the responsibilities. The guests arrive. Jan calls to say she needs a new column as the one George has submitted clashes with a main feature. He has till 2 am to write a new one. George burns his hands and drops food on the floor, so gets typing help. The guests sort out dinner. Arlo minds the boatclub and has to deal with the drunken McNamaras returning from the races. Robbie gate-crashes the dinner party.
1911"Episode 11"Caroline Bell-BoothSarah-Kate Lynch & Kate McDermott14 February 2017 (2017-02-14)647,000[28]
Arlo tricks his Dad into signing a form allowing him to switch from an academic (physics and maths classes) stream to the 'Gateway' programme. He wants to be a chef and wants work experience credits. The other kids in class mock him as he has joined the 'numpties'. This group include Lindsay who is repeating a year, and Billy (who is clever but in specific areas such as bird migration). Shay wonders what she will do with her life. George worries about them both. Fiona wonders where she fits into the Turner family.
2012"Episode 12"Caroline Bell-BoothTim Balme21 February 2017 (2017-02-21)718,000[29]
George and Fiona have a weekend away. Shay's mural is blocked by Council permits. Arlo's attempt at a quiet night with Emma go up in flames when Lindsay brings friends over to party. She gets Emma drunk so Emma and Arlo don't make out, and Ollie causes the BBQ to explode bringing the fire brigade round. George and Fiona return, and Emma is sent back to her Mum's. Jan finally tells George she is expecting twins – but the father might be George, the man she had an affair with in Sydney, or Ike's dad (whom she slept with on Guy Fawkes' night after she and George broke up).
2113"Episode 13"Michael HurstJames Griffin28 February 2017 (2017-02-28)639,000[30]
Fiona and George struggle to find time to process Jan's news. Fiona decides she wants to have babies and the clock is ticking but George feels his baby-rearing days are over, so they split up. Shay is making paintings for Dennis to sign as his own, and Ike objects to this as fraud, so they split up. Emma asks Arlo if they might see other people when they are not together. He thinks this is a test but it turns out Emma wants to get back with her ex. George's chef brother Terry arrives in Weld and starts showing off. George is worried he will crash and burn as he usually does.
2214"Episode 14"Michael HurstSarah-Kate Lynch7 March 2017 (2017-03-07)594,000[31]
Terry charms Arlo and all of Weld with his plans for a new restaurant, backed by Big Mac. Terry sleeps with Hannah and invites her to be his Maitre D. At the opening, a painting Shay placed as a 'Dennis' is sold to Rae by Bill. George has trouble convincing everyone his brother is not as trustworthy as he seems, and must reluctantly write positive reviews for the paper. However, he refuses to give a speech about Terry at the restaurant's opening night and afterwards Terry punches him in the face. Lindsay follows Arlo's lead and refuses alcohol offered by Terry, and the teens end up kissing.
2315"Episode 15"Mike SmithMichael Beran & James Griffin14 March 2017 (2017-03-14)591,000[32]
George works on an article about Terry's restaurant, and the changes that he sees in Weld since it opened. Steve arrives by helicopter in pursuit of Jan who has fled Sydney. Soon, Steve, George and Zac are round at Big Mac's hassling Jan as the potential baby-fathers. Katie has second thoughts about the art deception after Rae has an expert assess the restaurant 'Dennis' and declare it likely to be a fraud. However, Rae decides she wants to keep it for free and have Dennis sign it when he returns to NZ in exchange for her keeping quiet. Ollie persuades Shay that the best way out is to steal the painting and burn it.
2416"Episode 16"Mike SmithJames Griffin21 March 2017 (2017-03-21)681,000[33]
George's article is published and Terry quits. However, as George did not criticise his cooking, only his being out of place in Weld, George knows he is not the reason. When he finally finds Terry, Terry says he has been offered six months work with a Saudi prince and he can't take Hannah. She knows she is being dumped and is very upset. Ollie tells Ike he and Shay are together and Ike tries to warn Shay that she needs to be clear with Ollie where he stands (but doesn't explain exactly why). Fiona and Robbie's marital home is sold. Katie decides to sever ties with Dennis as Rae now wants her to supply fake paintings to a friend's gallery. Mac asks Jan to share his life and home. Tracey and Woody get engaged, but privately Woody panics. George and Terry have a cooking showdown but are interrupted by Constable Tom. He has found Zac's boat – empty – and needs to know who was on board. Jan's waters break.

Season 3 (2017–2018)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		EpisodeDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateAus. viewers
Part 1
251"Episode 1"Mike SmithTim Balme12 September 2017 (2017-09-12)696,000[34]
Weld mounts operation search and rescue for Ike, Zac and Steve. Billy figures out where they would wash up but is initially ignored. He and Arlo go to the bay and spot life jackets but then Billy falls. Zac and Steve return to town on foot, reporting that Ike swam on his own. Ollie's drone camera spots Ike, and Hannah and Woody take a boat to the location and pull Ike out of the water alive. Shay is ecstatic. Throughout the search Jan has been in labour and kept unaware of the predicament of two of the potential baby-fathers. She has her twin boys. Then she goes into haemorrhage, and the hospital staff take over.
262"Episode 2"Mike SmithKate McDermott19 September 2017 (2017-09-19)633,000[35]
Jan and the twins come to George's after the hospital. Most of Weld comes to see them, and hold the babies. Steve says he loves Jan, whoever the father turns out to be. Blood tests knock out two baby-father candidates. Steve is last man standing, and he and Jan are both happy. But George has now had second thoughts about the reason he and Fiona split; perhaps he could have more kids?... It seems that Shay and Ike are back together but as Ike recovers from floating at sea, things are a little awkward. At Woody and Tracey's surprise engagement party, Woody gives a touching speech but then runs out in a panic. He tells George about his long ago teenage marriage: he isn't divorced.
273"Episode 3"Michael HurstJames Griffin26 September 2017 (2017-09-26)587,000[36]
George is recruited as a reluctant accomplice in a secret mission to find Woody's first wife and obtain the divorce. Ike explains he saw and heard his ancestors and Shay's mother whilst unconscious at sea. He wants to be alone to process this. Shay is heart-broken. Big Mac tells Fiona he has arranged for Robbie to stay with relatives in Auckland, and she seems relieved. Katie resurrects a teaching career with the Gateway students, who are now unsupervised since the restaurant (and the work experience it offered) has closed. This is necessary as she won't earn much from the gallery anymore since severing ties with Dennis. Ike's mother, Ngahuia, turns up. Woody rings his first wife about the divorce but she insists he comes to see her rather than do the divorce by post.
284"Episode 4"Michael HurstSarah-Kate Lynch & James Griffin3 October 2017 (2017-10-03)624,000[37]
George gets an unlikely message from beyond the grave when Ike tells the family what Laura said to him whilst he was lost at sea. Woody gathers a team of friends to help locate his first wife, but soon almost everyone in Weld know about his secret. Since she is in Australia, they plan a 'conference' trip connected to the new solar business Woody is starting as cover. Meanwhile, Hannah, who reviewed her life after Terry left her, has decided she wants to be a cop. She has a challenge convincing Constable Tom she'd suit the role. Eventually, Tom agrees to take her on as a support officer (more of an admin role), but Hannah thinks she will be an investigator. Monty is thrilled Ngahuia is back and hopes to re-ignite an old fling.
295"Episode 5"Caroline Bell-Booth & Chris BaileyTim Balme10 October 2017 (2017-10-10)580,000[38]
George's fears about Operation Quickie Divorce are realised when Woody finds his ex-wife in Australia running a diner – and Woody learns he is the father of her daughter Poppy. The divorce is completed and after his initial freak-out reaction to fatherhood, Woody bonds a little with Poppy and invites her to Weld to avoid the sexist, grabby men who visit the diner. Tracey has meantime learnt what everyone else knows, that Woody was previously married and never told her. She is furious and when Woody returns she tells him to leave. Shay has problems getting Ollie to back off. Siouxsie tells Shay that Ollie has history with mis-reading girls' signals.
306"Episode 6"Caroline Bell-BoothNatalie Medlock & Kate McDermott & James Griffin17 October 2017 (2017-10-17)513,000[39]
Woody and Poppy are staying at the Turners. Monty and Siouxsie move in too as their roof has a leak, so there are eight people in the house. George longs for solitude but his plan to get rid of his unwanted guests backfires when both his children move out instead: Shay to share an empty holiday home with Siouxsie, and Arlo to stay with Lindsay at her grand-father's (Big Mac's). Woody does not know what to do about Tracey. George suggests he enrol Poppy in school, as she needs to be enrolled and he will also speak with Tracey, the principal. But only at a second meeting does he manage to start making amends. Ngahuia is made temporary editor of the newspaper whilst it merges with the digital age.
317"Episode 7"Helena BrooksPip Hall & James Griffin & Kate McDermott24 October 2017 (2017-10-24)567,000[40]
George has an empty house. Woody asks him to be his best man as he will write the best speech. At his Groomspiel (stag do) Woody fears for his safety, so George drinks many of Woody's shots. Whilst George is out, Shay and Siouxsie raid his fridge. The women have a hen party and accidentally meet up with the stags at a night club in Stafford. Fiona and Zac get together in the hen's bus when she thinks he may be Weld's most fertile man. George gets thrown out for objecting to punctuation errors on the signs. Katie gets thrown out for inviting Ngahuia to throw a drink at her (to even up a previous incident where she threw beetroot at Ngahuia). George and Katie end up in the bus interrupting the other couple. Arlo makes a dinner for five. Shay tries to set Arlo and Poppy up, asking him to walk her home, even though Lindsay is there. Woody asks Monty to be his best man as he has known him much longer than George. Later, Tracey asks Poppy to be her bridesmaid.
328"Episode 8"Helena BrooksKate McDermott24 October 2017 (2017-10-24)516,000[40]
George helps Monty write the best man speech and ponders his own wedding.
Part 2
339"Episode 9"Mike SmithJames Griffin & Kate McDermott14 August 2018 (2018-08-14)507,000[41]
Monty panics over his best man speech and begs George for help. Shay starts a cleaning job in the holiday rentals and Ollie hassles her in one of the houses even after she tells him she is not interested. Later he sends his drone after her and she smashes it up. Fiona discovers Zac has had a vasectomy so she won't have got pregnant from their tryst. There is a power cut, so innovative ideas are utilised to prep for Woody and Tracey's wedding. Monty's speech goes well. Arlo dances with Poppy to Lindsay's chagrin. George is faced with two requests: help ex-girlfriend Fiona become pregnant (by donating sperm, not by being involved), or pursue romance with Katie after they kiss. Siouxsie threatens Ollie after he grabs Shay's wrist, and Constable Tom intervenes; later Ollie leaves Weld. Arlo tries to navigate the Lindsay situation but is pushed into the wedding cake. Monty hooks up with Ngahuia.
3410"Episode 10"Mike SmithMichael Beran & Kate McDermott21 August 2018 (2018-08-21)472,000[41]
George's romantic night with Katie unravels. Fiona's baby plans hit an emotional and financial snag. volunteer fire-fighter Dwayne brings a fitness boot camp to Weld. Siouxsie fancies Dwayne and signs herself and Shay up. But Dwayne later accuses her of harassment.
3511"Episode 11"Michael HurstKate McDermott28 August 2018 (2018-08-28)446,000[41]
George and Katie test their new relationship with a winter camp.Arlo and Billy agree to go but Shay opts out. Then Tracey and Woody decide to join in. Zac showed up too with a camper van. He starts to play the he-man when George fails to spear fish and Arlo admits he thought there would be a shop and shower block. Arlo and Poppy grow closer and kiss in the woods, but Billy sees. George and Katie row but then make-up. Zac leaves and Katie says she knew he never speared fish when they camped there years ago: he bought them from a fisherman with a boat! Shay struggles when she realises Ike is sleeping with another young woman. Big Mac has a grand tourist plan for Weld and makes a promotional film declaring Weld a republic.
3612"Episode 12"Michael HurstJames Griffin4 September 2018 (2018-09-04)473,000[41]
Arlo two-times Lindsay and Poppy as he can't find a way to tell Lindsay it is over. George worries he and Katie are causing Billy's stress problem. In fact, Billy is stressed over holding on to Arlo's secret. Siouxsie suggests the best way for Shay to feel better over Ike is to sleep with someone else. At a dance she bonds with Dwayne and takes him back to her Dad's house. However, when he gets romantic, saying he'd want to go running with her next day, she admits she'd only be using him for his body and he leaves in disgust. Arlo breaks up with Lindsay and she attacks Poppy in school; both girls are suspended. Because she is Siouxsie's cousin and her Dad says she'll go to boarding school now, Siouxsie feels obliged to offer Lindsay refuge, much to Shay's chagrin.
3713"Episode 13"Caroline Bell-BoothMichael Beran & Kate McDermott11 September 2018 (2018-09-11)479,000[41]
George and Woody fail to make up after Arlo's shenanigans (Woody believes Poppy was defending herself in the fight and should not have been suspended). Ike receives unlikely help from Shay in his spiritual quest. He plans to search for the remains of a female ancestor who was chased into the forest. His mother is onside with this but his Dad thinks this is a goose chase and will delay Ike from going to uni for a second time – and he'll be stuck in Weld for the rest of his life. A council restructure has Weld at risk of being swallowed up by Stafford and Big Mac leads the resistance.
3814"Episode 14"Caroline Bell-BoothSarah-Kate Lynch18 September 2018 (2018-09-18)459,000[41]
Sioxsie and Shay pick up Joe, a hitchhiker, and tell him they are Thelma and Louise. They offer him a place to stay and Shay and Joe kiss. She tells home her real name is Shay Turner, not Louise, and he runs off. Later it emerges he is the son of the man who killed Laura. Katie tries to mediate and Joe explains he over-dosed the day his Dad ran down Laura; this was why he was texting and running a red light. Joe has younger brothers and they need their Dad back. George and Arlo decide not to protest the killer's parole, but Shay is still furious. Poppy punches Bill Jr. when he insults her and drunkenly tries to take liquor from the boat club bar.
3915"Episode 15"Mike SmithPip Hall25 September 2018 (2018-09-25)506,000[41]
Upset with Katie, Shay avoids family dinners at home. Jan visits and suggests Shay come live with her and help with the twins whilst figuring out what she wants from life. Katie's house is sold but she hasn't been looking for a new place. She won't move in with George unless all the kids are happy with that. Lindsay sets up malicious social media accounts in Poppy's name. Tracey handles by bringing in Constable Tom to remind everyone of the law. Lindsay deletes the accounts. In a school ball craft session she threatens to glue Billy's glasses to his face and in response Poppy cuts off a big chunk of hair. Tracey bans Poppy from the ball. Woody thinks this unfair. He has invited Mary, Poppy's mother, to visit for the ball. Bill Jr. nominates Maxine the alpaca as a presidential candidate for Weld. Maxine wins, with Fiona second. Fiona discovers her boyfriend is working with Big Mac to keep Stafford and Weld separate as it will be easier to change land use through Weld's smaller town council. They plan to build a space station! Shay shocks everyone when she says she wants to be a lawyer like her mother. This means she'll need to go back to school and move back home – so Katie and Billy still need to find a place to stay. Jan and George row. Jan sleeps with Zac.
4016"Episode 16"Mike SmithKate McDermott2 October 2018 (2018-10-02)460,000[41]
With Shay staying with her father again, there is no room for Billy, so Katie rents a tiny house-truck. Shay panics faced with an exam and walks out. Poppy's mother arrives and Woody tells the truth. She considers taking Poppy back to Australia but eventually decides Poppy is happy and that she will move to NZ. At the ball, Lindsay makes another snippy comment and Billy tells her she was the mean girl at pre-school and she'll end up being the mean old lady in her old people's home. Lindsay flees the ball and seeks refuge in the chill room in the shop. Shay comforts her and suggests she become Jan's au pair, which she does. George releases the news about the land deal and the bull-dozing of homes. He quits his job as a result. The besotted Monty decides to break off his affair with Ngahuia as she was part of the planners' group (as a senior Kiwi) and did not appreciate that homes were sold to be knocked down – not houses. This included Katie's house. George drives Katie's house-truck to his house so they are together. George tells Shay and Arlo that their mother left money in trust for them to have when they are 21 – but Shay can have hers early and go travelling with Siouxsie (so there will be a room for Billy). Big Mac introduces Fiona to his 4-year-old grandson by Robbie (conceived on his stag night and now left by the mother). Fiona has the option to start a family with her boyfriend but doesn't trust him because of the land deal; she agrees to parent the abandoned boy. The land situation is not resolved.

Release

[edit]

Broadcast

[edit]

The series premiered in Australia on 15 September 2015 on the Seven Network[42] and premiered in New Zealand on 5 November 2015 on TVNZ 1.[43] In the United States, the series premiered on Acorn TV in 2016[44] and PBS in March 2017. UPtv acquired the series and will air it later this year.[45] The series premiered in Finland on YLE TV1 in June 2017.[46] In the UK, the first two series were broadcast on BBC One in April/May 2018. The third series was shown in the UK on BBC One in July/August 2019.

Home media

[edit]

Season one[47] along with part one[48] and two[49] of season two are available on iTunes in Australia.

Title Set details DVD release dates Special features
Region 1[50] Region 2[51] Region 4
Australia[52] New Zealand[53]
800 Words
  • Discs: 2
  • Episodes: 8
 13 December 2016 (2016-12-13) 31 December 2017 (2017-12-31) 4 November 2015 (2015-11-04) 18 December 2015 (2015-12-18)
  • Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
800 Words
Season 2 Volume 1
  • Discs: 2
  • Episodes: 8
 18 April 2017 (2017-04-18) N/a 12 October 2016 (2016-10-12) N/a
  • Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
800 Words
Season 2 Volume 2
  • Discs: 2
  • Episodes: 8
 22 August 2017 (2017-08-22) N/a 5 April 2017 (2017-04-05) N/a
  • Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes: Melina's Tour of Weld; Interview with Erik Thomson
800 Words
Season 2
  • Episodes: 16
 N/a 31 December 2018 (2018-12-31)
(2 discs)		 N/a 11 May 2017 (2017-05-11)
(4 discs)
800 Words
Season 3 Volume 1
  • Discs: 2
  • Episodes: 8
 23 October 2018 (2018-10-23) TBA 7 March 2018 (2018-03-07) TBA
800 Words
Season 3 Volume 2
  • Discs: 2
  • Episodes: 8
 5 February 2019 (2019-02-05) TBA TBA TBA

Compilations

[edit]
Title DVD release dates Special features
Region 2[54] Region 4
(Australia)[55]
800 Words
Complete Seasons 1&2
(24 episodes) 		31 December 2018 (2018-12-31)
(4 discs)		 5 April 2017 (2017-04-05)
(6 discs)

Region 4:

  • Romance and Women of Weld
  • Melina's Tour of Weld
  • Interview with Erik Thomson

Ratings

[edit]
800 Words : Australia viewers per episode (thousands)
SeasonEpisode number
12345678910111213141516
112191192117010551082101910271151–
2877742793618592695800728797737647718639594591681
3696633587624580513567516507472446473479459506450
Source: Audience measurement performed by OzTam[56]

Season 1

[edit]
No. Title Air date Overnight ratings Consolidated ratings Total
viewers 		Ref(s)
Viewers Rank Viewers Rank
1 Episode 1 15 September 2015 1,219,000 2 131,000 1 1,350,000 [11][57]
2 Episode 2 22 September 2015 1,192,000 1 217,000 1 1,409,000 [12][58]
3 Episode 3 29 September 2015 1,170,000 1 233,000 1 1,403,000 [13][59]
4 Episode 4 6 October 2015 1,055,000 2 254,000 1 1,309,000 [14][60]
5 Episode 5 13 October 2015 1,082,000 1 225,000 1 1,307,000 [15][61]
6 Episode 6 20 October 2015 1,019,000 2 235,000 1 1,254,000 [16][62]
7 Episode 7 27 October 2015 1,027,000 3 219,000 1 1,246,000 [17][63]
8 Episode 8 3 November 2015 1,151,000 6 165,000 4 1,316,000 [18][64]

Season 2

[edit]
No. Title Air date Overnight ratings Consolidated ratings Total
viewers 		Ref(s)
Viewers Rank Viewers Rank
1 Episode 1 23 August 2016 877,000 7 164,000 4 1,041,000 [19][65]
2 Episode 2 30 August 2016 742,000 11 209,000 6 951,000 [20][66]
3 Episode 3 6 September 2016 793,000 11 238,000 3 1,031,000 [21][67]
4 Episode 4 13 September 2016 618,000 14 228,000 8 846,000 [22][68]
5 Episode 5 20 September 2016 592,000 14 221,000 9 813,000 [23][69]
6 Episode 6 27 September 2016 695,000 12 175,000 7 870,000 [24][70]
7 Episode 7 4 October 2016 800,000 9 192,000 4 992,000 [25][71]
8 Episode 8 4 October 2016 728,000 10 169,000 8 897,000 [25][71]
9 Episode 9 31 January 2017 797,000 9 211,000 4 1,008,000 [26][72]
10 Episode 10 7 February 2017 737,000 10 198,000 7 935,000 [27][73]
11 Episode 11 14 February 2017 647,000 12 207,000 7 854,000 [28][74]
12 Episode 12 21 February 2017 718,000 11 176,000 7 894,000 [29][75]
13 Episode 13 28 February 2017 639,000 11 207,000 8 846,000 [30][76]
14 Episode 14 7 March 2017 594,000 13 225,000 7 819,000 [31][77]
15 Episode 15 14 March 2017 591,000 12 210,000 9 801,000 [32][78]
16 Episode 16 21 March 2017 681,000 11 212,000 7 893,000 [33][79]

Season 3

[edit]
No. Title Air date Overnight ratings Consolidated ratings Total
viewers 		Ref(s)
Viewers Rank Viewers Rank
1 Episode 1 12 September 2017 696,000 10 159,000 7 855,000 [34][80]
2 Episode 2 19 September 2017 633,000 10 146,000 8 779,000 [35][81]
3 Episode 3 26 September 2017 587,000 11 163,000 8 750,000 [36][82]
4 Episode 4 3 October 2017 624,000 10 150,000 8 774,000 [37][83]
5 Episode 5 10 October 2017 580,000 12 172,000 9 752,000 [38][84]
6 Episode 6 17 October 2017 513,000 15 193,000 9 706,000 [39][85]
7 Episode 7 24 October 2017 567,000 13 171,000 9 738,000 [40][86]
8 Episode 8 24 October 2017 516,000 14 197,000 11 713,000 [40][86]
9 Episode 9 14 August 2018 507,000 15 155,000 11 662,000 [41][87]
10 Episode 10 21 August 2018 472,000 17 184,000 11 656,000 [41]
11 Episode 11 28 August 2018 446,000 17 162,000 11 608,000 [41]
12 Episode 12 4 September 2018 473,000 16 174,000 11 647,000 [41]
13 Episode 13 11 September 2018 479,000 16 143,000 11 622,000 [41]
14 Episode 14 18 September 2018 459,000 18 160,000 11 619,000 [41]
15 Episode 15 25 September 2018 506,000 16 135,000 11 641,000 [41]
16 Episode 16 2 October 2018 460,000 17 182,000 11 642,000 [41]

Remake

[edit]

On 8 January 2018, Zomer in Zeeland (translated: Summer in Zeeland) premiered on the Dutch channel SBS6. The show stars Daniël Boissevain as Sjors Mulder, Pip Pellens as his daughter Fenna Mulder and Tonko Bossen as his son Jurgen Mulder. The remake follows the same storyline, but changes the setting to the Dutch province of Zeeland, after which the country of New Zealand was named.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

800 Words

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
800 Words is a New Zealand-Australian comedy-drama television series that follows George Turner, a widowed Sydney-based newspaper columnist, as he impulsively relocates with his two teenage children to the fictional coastal town of Weld in New Zealand following the sudden death of his wife, aiming for a fresh start amid quirky locals and personal challenges.[1][2] Created by James Griffin and Maxine Fleming, the series was co-produced by South Pacific Pictures in New Zealand and Seven Productions in Australia, primarily for the Seven Network, with 40 episodes across three seasons airing from 2015 to 2018.[2][3] It premiered in Australia on 15 September 2015 and in New Zealand later that year on TV One, blending humor, family dynamics, and small-town intrigue while exploring themes of grief, reinvention, and community.[2][4] The show stars Erik Thomson as the protagonist George Turner, a writer known for his 800-word columns, alongside Melina Vidler as his daughter Shay and Benson Jack Anthony as his son Arlo, with supporting cast including Anna Jullienne, Rick Donald, and Michelle Langstone portraying Weld's eccentric residents. Filmed primarily on New Zealand's North Island around Auckland, particularly in Warkworth and Piha beaches, 800 Words received acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and scenic portrayal of coastal life, earning nominations at the Logie Awards and the New Zealand Television Award for Best Drama Series in 2017.[2][5][6] The series concluded after its third season in 2018, leaving a legacy as a beloved production that bridged Australian and New Zealand audiences.[7][8]

Synopsis

Premise

800 Words is a comedy-drama series centered on George Turner, a widowed columnist from Sydney, Australia, who impulsively relocates his family to the small coastal town of Weld, New Zealand, following the sudden death of his wife Laura.[9] George, portrayed as a devoted father grappling with grief, seeks a fresh start away from the urban hustle, buying a house online without prior visit to the area.[10] This abrupt move sets the stage for the family's adjustment to rural life, where George's professional expertise in crafting precisely 800-word columns continues from his Sydney newspaper, increasingly focusing on Weld as he integrates into the community.[2][11] In Weld, George's column evolves into a key narrative tool, allowing him to delve into the town's secrets while processing his personal loss, often blending humor with heartfelt reflections on community life.[12] The 800-word limit symbolizes his disciplined writing style, mirroring the constrained yet revealing nature of small-town dynamics he uncovers.[1] As he navigates his role as a single parent and journalist, George's interactions with locals highlight the town's quirky undercurrents, including interpersonal dramas and cultural nuances.[13] George's teenage children, Shay and Arlo, face their own challenges in adapting to Weld. Shay, the elder daughter, develops an interest in the town's history and forms a romantic connection with local Maori student Ike, finding solace amid her bereavement.[14] Arlo, the younger son, struggles with social integration due to his quirky intelligence, forging unexpected friendships that aid his emotional recovery.[15] These family tensions underscore themes of grief and resilience, briefly intersecting with broader motifs of community bonds.[2] The fictional town of Weld serves as a vibrant backdrop, depicted as a close-knit coastal community rife with hidden dramas, indigenous Maori influences, and environmental concerns like coastal preservation.[1] Its eccentric residents and scenic isolation amplify the Turners' relocation experiences, fostering both comedic mishaps and profound personal growth.[10]

Themes and style

The series "800 Words" centers on themes of grief and healing, following journalist George Turner as he relocates his family from Sydney to the rural New Zealand town of Weld following the sudden death of his wife, seeking solace and renewal through his writing career and the town's communal bonds.[2] This process of emotional recovery is intertwined with community interactions that aid the family's integration, emphasizing writing as a therapeutic outlet for processing loss.[16] A prominent motif is the culture clash between urban Sydney's fast-paced lifestyle and Weld's slower, quirky rural existence, which underscores the challenges and discoveries of adapting to a tight-knit coastal community.[17] Family resilience emerges as a core theme, depicted through George's efforts to support his teenage children, Shay and Arlo, as they confront identity formation amid upheaval, including school adjustments and peer relationships that test their bonds.[14] The narrative also incorporates Māori cultural integration, featuring characters like Ike, a Māori student who embodies indigenous perspectives, with subplots exploring traditions, community ties, and occasional tensions over land and heritage in Weld's diverse setting.[14][18] Stylistically, the show blends drama, comedy, and mystery elements, employing voiceover narration from George's 800-word columns to unveil backstory, internal reflections, and foreshadow upcoming events, enhancing narrative depth without overt exposition.[19] The tone balances light-hearted, quirky humor—often derived from Weld's eccentric residents—with darker undertones of loss, family secrets, and personal struggles, structured episodically to resolve weekly town mysteries while progressing serialized arcs of character growth and relationships.[2][20]

Cast and characters

Main cast

The main cast of 800 Words centers on the Turner family and their key relationships in the coastal town of Weld. Erik Thomson portrays George Turner, the widowed protagonist and former Sydney newspaper columnist who impulsively relocates his children to Weld after his wife's death in a car accident, seeking a fresh start while grappling with grief and adapting to small-town dynamics.[21][9][22] Melina Vidler plays Shay Turner, George's intelligent and determined 16-year-old daughter, who initially resists the move, feeling isolated without her support network, but gradually engages with local mysteries and develops romantic interests while supporting her family.[23][24] Benson Jack Anthony depicts Arlo Turner, George's studious and easy-going teenage son, who accepts the relocation more readily than Shay and focuses on maintaining family harmony, though he faces his own adjustments and forms new bonds in Weld.[25][24] Among the close allies, Rick Donald stars as Jeff "Woody" Woodson, a laid-back Australian expat carpenter and surfer who becomes a supportive friend to George, embodying the quirky, welcoming spirit of Weld through his goofball personality and local involvement.[26][27][24] Anna Jullienne portrays Katie, a passionate local artist and gallery owner of Māori descent who advocates for community rights and develops a romantic connection with George, providing emotional depth to the series' exploration of new beginnings.[28][29][24]

Recurring and guest cast

The recurring and guest cast of 800 Words plays a crucial role in depicting the quirky, tight-knit community of Weld, New Zealand, where locals provide comic relief, cultural depth, and interpersonal tensions that challenge the Turner family's integration.[30] These supporting characters, often appearing across multiple episodes, embody the town's diverse demographics, including Maori elders, eccentric farmers, and youthful mischief-makers, enhancing the series' exploration of small-town life without overshadowing the protagonists.[31] Among the key recurring performers, Alex Tarrant portrays Ike, a charismatic young Maori surfer and local who befriends Arlo Turner, offering insights into Weld's coastal culture and providing both camaraderie and light-hearted rivalry within the ensemble.[31] Reon Bell plays Billy, Ike's energetic sidekick whose prankish behavior injects humor and youthful chaos into community events, underscoring themes of adolescent rebellion in the rural setting.[31] Paul Glover recurs as Bill McNamara Jr., a no-nonsense farmer whose gruff interactions with George highlight generational clashes and the practical demands of small-town economics.[30] Jonny Brugh's Monty McNamara serves as the town's lovable gossip and handyman, delivering comic relief through his well-meaning but bungled attempts at helpfulness, which often escalate minor subplots into ensemble farces.[30] Peter Elliott embodies Big Mac, the pub proprietor and community patriarch, whose sage advice and hosting of social gatherings anchor Weld's social fabric, fostering conflicts and resolutions among residents.[30] David Fane's Smiler adds cultural nuance as a jovial Maori local, contributing to storylines involving tradition and humor that enrich the town's multicultural dynamics.[30] Notable guest appearances include Ditch Davey as Terry Turner, George's estranged brother, whose multi-episode arc in later seasons introduces family drama and explores themes of reconciliation within the extended ensemble.[30] Miriama Smith guests as Ngahuia Richards, a strong-willed Maori figure whose involvement in community disputes provides conflict and highlights indigenous perspectives, deepening subplots around land and heritage.[30] These roles collectively amplify Weld's ensemble feel, with performers like John Leigh as Constable Tom injecting procedural tension through occasional law enforcement encounters that propel episodic conflicts.[30]
ActorCharacterRole DescriptionEpisodes (approx.)
Alex TarrantIkeYouthful Maori surfer, friend to Arlo; adds energy and cultural ties39
Reon BellBillyMischievous local teen; provides comic antics35
Paul GloverBill McNamara Jr.Gruff farmer; represents traditional values and conflicts33
Jonny BrughMonty McNamaraEccentric handyman/gossip; source of humor40
Peter ElliottBig MacPub owner and elder; community mediator38
David FaneSmilerJovial Maori resident; cultural comic relief21

Production

Development

800 Words was created by New Zealand writers James Griffin and Maxine Fleming, inspired by Griffin's personal experience writing a weekly humorous column for the New Zealand Herald over 12 years. The series concept centered on a journalist bound by an exact 800-word limit for his columns, reflecting Griffin's own constraints in crafting concise, engaging pieces.[32][33] The show was co-produced by South Pacific Pictures in New Zealand and Seven Productions in Australia, with the Seven Network greenlighting the project in 2014 for a 2015 premiere. Filming commenced on 2 March 2015 in and around Auckland, standing in for the fictional coastal town of Weld.[34][2] The writing process highlighted the titular 800-word constraint as a narrative device, mirroring protagonist George Turner's professional discipline while exploring themes of relocation and family. A collaborative team of Australian and New Zealand writers addressed cultural nuances, blending Sydney urban life with Weld's small-town Kiwi dynamics to create authentic trans-Tasman humor and relationships.[35]

Filming and crew

The series 800 Words was primarily filmed in and around Auckland, New Zealand, with the fictional coastal town of Weld represented by locations such as Piha Beach, Karekare Beach in the Waitakere Ranges, Muriwai Beach, Titirangi, Henderson Valley, and Waiheke Island to evoke an authentic small-town seaside atmosphere.[36][37][38] Key crew included directors Mike Smith, who directed 16 episodes, Michael Hurst with 10 episodes, Caroline Bell-Booth handling 6, and Pino Amenta overseeing 4, bringing a mix of New Zealand and Australian expertise to the production.[24][31] Cinematographer Fred Renata captured the rugged coastal vibes through wide shots of beaches and rural settings, emphasizing the isolation and beauty of Weld.[39] Producers Chris Bailey and the teams from South Pacific Pictures in Auckland managed the overall logistics.[2] As a co-production between New Zealand's South Pacific Pictures and Australia's Seven Productions, filming required coordination across the Tasman Sea, including cross-border script approvals and crew scheduling to align with both countries' broadcasting timelines.[40][41] Outdoor shoots on weather-exposed beaches like Piha presented logistical hurdles due to unpredictable coastal conditions, while efforts were made to achieve gender balance among directors, aiming for a 50-50 split between male and female helmers.[42] Post-production, including editing and sound supervision by Steve Finnigan, was primarily handled in Auckland at South Pacific Pictures' facilities, with some oversight from Sydney-based Seven Productions.[39][43]

Episodes

Series overview

800 Words is a comedy-drama television series that ran for three seasons, totaling 40 episodes each approximately 43-45 minutes long, from its Australian premiere on 15 September 2015 to its series finale on 2 October 2018.[1] The show aired on the Seven Network in Australia and TVNZ 1 in New Zealand, with the New Zealand premiere occurring on 5 November 2015.[44] Produced as a co-venture between South Pacific Pictures and Seven Productions, it blended humor and heartfelt storytelling centered on family dynamics in a small coastal town.[2] Season 1 consisted of 8 episodes, while Seasons 2 and 3 each featured 16 episodes, allowing for expanded character development over the series' run.[8] Episodes typically have a runtime of 42 to 45 minutes, incorporating a mix of self-contained stories and multi-episode arcs that explore themes of grief, community, and personal reinvention.[45] This structure supported the show's pacing, balancing episodic adventures with ongoing narrative progression across its 40 installments.[4]

Season 1 (2015)

The first season of 800 Words, which premiered on 15 September 2015 on the Seven Network in Australia, introduces the Turner family—protagonist George Turner, a widowed Sydney-based columnist, and his teenage children Shay and Arlo—as they relocate to the fictional coastal New Zealand town of Weld following the sudden death of George's wife, Laura.[1] This move, intended as a fresh start to process George's grief and escape urban life, instead thrusts the family into Weld's insular community, where they encounter quirky locals, hidden town secrets like buried historical artifacts and interpersonal rivalries, and challenges in adapting to rural rhythms.[46] Throughout the season, George's grief manifests in impulsive decisions and his writing, as he repurposes his signature 800-word newspaper column to chronicle Weld's peculiarities, establishing a narrative device that blends personal reflection with small-town satire.[47] The arc focuses on initial family integrations, with Shay navigating teenage rebellion and budding romances, Arlo exploring independence, and George forging tentative bonds amid revelations of Weld's undercurrents, setting a tone of heartfelt comedy-drama centered on healing and community.[17] The season comprises eight episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long, airing weekly on Tuesdays.
  • Episode 1 (15 September 2015): George impulsively relocates the family to Weld after Laura's death, but their arrival sparks immediate mishaps and skepticism from locals.[48]
  • Episode 2 (22 September 2015): Plumbing disasters and rising town tensions test the Turners' resolve as they settle into their new home.[48]
  • Episode 3 (29 September 2015): George probes a local rumor, complicating his budding connections with Weld's female residents.[48]
  • Episode 4 (6 October 2015): During a town event celebrating Weld's heritage, George's evolving reputation creates awkward dynamics.[48]
  • Episode 5 (13 October 2015): A natural earthquake prompts George to revisit his past, culminating in an unexpected personal challenge.[48]
  • Episode 6 (20 October 2015): Obsessed with a historical mystery involving Sir Frederick Weld, George overlooks a pressing family matter.[48]
  • Episode 7 (27 October 2015): George discovers a parallel underbelly in Weld's social fabric, questioning his role in addressing it.[48]
  • Episode 8 (3 November 2015): Efforts to retain Shay in Weld coincide with a community protest against external development threats.[48]
Key milestones include the series premiere, which peaked at 1.219 million national viewers, marking one of Seven Network's strongest drama launches that year and signaling strong audience interest in family relocation narratives. The season also solidifies the 800-word column as a core element, with George's dispatches from Weld evolving from grief-tinged essays to insightful town portraits, a format that anchors the show's blend of humor and pathos.[49] Overall, episodes maintained consistent viewership above 1 million, reflecting sustained engagement with the introductory arcs.[49]

Season 2 (2016–2017)

The second season of 800 Words builds on the family's adjustment to life in Weld, focusing on deepening interpersonal relationships and introducing new community conflicts. George Turner's romantic life evolves from his initial fling with Jan to a more serious involvement with local artist Fiona, while his children Shay and Arlo navigate teenage independence and romances of their own. The season arc explores character growth following the relocation, with themes of grief resolution—particularly around the anniversary of Laura's death—and emerging town mysteries, such as an old body discovery tied to local secrets and environmental concerns like unregulated jet-ski use leading to accidents.[50][51] New subplots highlight environmental threats, including debates over freedom camping and water safety, which strain relationships between residents like Constable Tom and Big Mac. The ensemble cast expands with recurring roles for characters like Fiona and Ike, adding layers to Weld's quirky dynamics, while holiday elements integrate into the narrative, such as preparations for Guy Fawkes Night that underscore community bonds. Overall, the season advances mid-series developments, emphasizing personal healing and collective town identity without resolving ongoing arcs.[50][52] The season comprises 16 episodes, airing weekly on the Seven Network in Australia from 23 August 2016 to 21 March 2017, with a mid-season break after the eighth episode. Episodes lack individual titles, referred to sequentially as "Episode #2.1" through "Episode #2.16." Below is a list of episodes, including original air dates, key production credits, and brief synopses.
No. in seriesNo. in seasonDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateAustralian viewers (rank)Synopsis
91Mike SmithTim Balme, James Griffin23 August 2016877,000 (7th)George and Arlo scheme to lure Shay back from Sydney; George and Jan consult Weld women on their faltering relationship; the town gears up for Guy Fawkes Night festivities.[50]
102Mike SmithTim Balme30 August 2016742,000 (11th)Weld hosts Jan's farewell; George and Woody argue over an unpaid invoice and lawn damage; Shay takes a job with Katie; George fills in as bartender and receives a journalism offer.[50]
113Michael HurstMaxine Fleming6 September 2016793,000 (11th)At his new Weld Herald job, George stumbles on a decades-old body but is warned off reporting it due to McNamara family connections.[50]
124Michael HurstKate McDermott13 September 2016618,000 (14th)George's home overflows with teens; an opportunity arises to buy his ideal house, prompting reflections on fate versus folly.[50]
135Murray KeaneSarah-Kate Lynch, James Griffin20 September 2016592,000 (14th)George's date with Katie becomes Weld's top gossip; Tom and Big Mac dispute freedom campers; Woody begins seeing Becks.[50]
146Murray KeaneJames Griffin27 September 2016695,000 (12th)Woody suffers a jet-ski coma after an accident; George campaigns for a jet-ski ban and takes to Twitter; Tracey confronts her feelings for Woody.[50]
157Mike SmithJames Griffin4 October 2016800,000 (9th)The family plans a Sydney trip for Laura's death anniversary; Shay's revelation sparks an ashes dispute with in-laws.[50]
168Mike SmithKate McDermott11 October 2016728,000 (10th)George plays cricket for Weld, hiding insecurities; Shay faces blame for Ike's extended stay; Arlo's relationship with Emma intensifies.[50]
179Michael HurstKate McDermott31 January 2017797,000 (9th)George's affair with Fiona hits the headlines; Robbie champions Fiona, escalating to a street brawl; Jan announces her pregnancy.[52]
1810Michael HurstMichael Beran, James Griffin7 February 2017737,000 (10th)George and Fiona's simple dinner evolves into a chaotic party amid relationship strains and kitchen mishaps.[52]
1911Caroline Bell-BoothSarah-Kate Lynch, Kate McDermott14 February 2017647,000 (12th)George objects to Arlo switching schools; Fiona grapples with co-parenting; Woody aids Tracey in unwinding.[52]
2012Caroline Bell-BoothTim Balme21 February 2017718,000 (11th)George and Fiona's city escape derails; Arlo's party risks a house fire; Jan reveals major news.[52]
2113Michael HurstJames Griffin28 February 2017639,000 (11th)Jan's pregnancy tests George and Fiona's bond; Katie draws Shay into an art forgery scheme; Arlo deals with long-distance romance woes.[52]
2214Michael HurstSarah-Kate Lynch7 March 2017594,000 (13th)George resists hype around newcomer Terry; Weld launches a fine-dining eatery; Shay's artwork gets a public showcase.[52]
2315Mike SmithMichael Beran, James Griffin14 March 2017591,000 (12th)George laments Weld's fading innocence; Terry woos Hannah with a proposal; a pregnant Jan returns to town.[52]
2416Mike SmithJames Griffin21 March 2017681,000 (11th)George's exposé shutters Terry's restaurant, exposing his deceit; Tom probes an art heist; multiple tragedies strike Weld.[52]

Season 3 (2017–2018)

Season 3 of 800 Words continues the story of George Turner and his family in the coastal town of Weld, New Zealand, where they face deepening relationships, community challenges, and personal growth following the events of previous seasons. The season emphasizes George's evolving romance with Katie, tested by unexpected visitors and external pressures, while his children Arlo and Shay navigate young love, friendships, and independence. The Weld community grapples with crises such as search and rescue operations, potential mine collapses, mayoral elections, and quirky town initiatives like a space race, highlighting the close-knit yet eccentric dynamics of small-town life.[53] This final season features increased serialization, with ongoing storylines building across episodes rather than standalone tales, including multi-episode arcs around family secrets, romantic entanglements, and town-wide conflicts. Recurring characters from prior seasons, such as Ike and Monty, make guest crossovers that tie back to earlier community events, adding layers to the resolutions of long-standing threads like grief and relocation. The narrative culminates in family reconciliations and open-ended hints at future possibilities for the Turners and Weld, such as housing uncertainties and ambitious local projects, which were left unresolved due to the series' cancellation.[1] The season consists of 16 episodes, aired in two blocks on the Seven Network in Australia: the first eight from September to October 2017, and the latter eight from August to October 2018. Below is a list of episodes with their original air dates, Australian viewership (national, in thousands), and brief synopses.
EpisodeAir DateAustralian viewers (rank)Synopsis
3.112 September 2017696 (11th)Weld mounts Operation Search and Rescue for Ike, Zac, and Steve; George contemplates possible fatherhood while comforting Shay.[54]
3.219 September 2017633 (10th)Shay struggles with the fallout from the sea rescue; a major surprise occurs at Woody and Tracey's engagement party.[54]
3.326 September 2017587 (11th)Shay goes to the dark side after a broken heart; Katie resurrects her teaching career.[54]
3.43 October 2017624 (10th)George receives an unlikely message from beyond the grave; Hannah tries to convince Tom she would be a top cop.[54]
3.510 October 2017580 (12th)Tracey uncovers the truth; Woody discovers something hidden; Shay gets unwanted attention from Ollie.[54]
3.617 October 2017513 (15th)George longs for solitude, but his plan to get rid of guests backfires.[54]
3.724 October 2017567 (13th)George enjoys having the house to himself; Woody fears for his safety at his stag party.[54]
3.824 October 2017516 (14th)George ponders his future while helping Monty with a best-man speech; a power outage threatens Woody and Tracey's big day.[54]
3.914 August 2018507 (15th)George gets an unexpected visitor after making his big decision; Arlo tries to navigate the Lindsay situation; Monty surprises everybody when he hooks up with Ngahuia again.[54]
3.1021 August 2018472 (17th)George’s romantic night with Katie unravels; Fiona’s baby plans hit snags; boot camp comes to Weld.[54]
3.1128 August 2018446 (17th)George and Katie test their relationship at a winter camp; Arlo and Poppy grow closer; Big Mac has a tourist plan for Weld.[54]
3.124 September 2018473 (16th)Arlo two-times Lindsay and Poppy, facing fallout; George struggles with parenting; Shay gets an unlikely visitor.[54]
3.1311 September 2018479 (16th)George and Woody fail to reconcile after Arlo’s actions; Ike gets help from Shay; Weld faces a council restructure.[54]
3.1418 September 2018459 (18th)The Turner family is forced to revisit their tragic past when a stranger walks into town; Poppy's outback justice upsets some of the Weld locals; the presidential race heats up.[54]
3.1525 September 2018506 (16th)George and Shay grow apart; Shay confronts Katie after the Joe Cettino fallout; Poppy cuts into Lindsay.[54]
3.162 October 2018460 (17th)Big Mac's space race plans divide the town; George is worried that Katie could lose her home; Woody's worried he's about to lose his daughter.[54]

Distribution

Broadcast

800 Words originally aired in Australia on the Seven Network, premiering on 15 September 2015 in the Tuesday 8:30 pm time slot.[55] The series ran for three seasons, with season 1 concluding on 3 November 2015, season 2 from 23 August 2016 to 21 March 2017, and season 3 from 12 September 2017 to 2 October 2018.[56] In New Zealand, the co-producing network TVNZ 1 premiered the series on 5 November 2015, airing Wednesdays at 8:30 pm following an initial Thursday slot adjustment.[57][58] Internationally, the series debuted in the United States on Acorn TV in 2016.[59] In the United Kingdom, it aired on BBC One in 2018 and 2019.[60] The show also reached other international markets.[44] Season 3 featured scheduling adjustments, including a mid-season break after eight episodes on both Seven and TVNZ 1, resuming in August 2018.[56][61] As of November 2025, the series is available for streaming on Acorn TV (via add-ons on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV) in regions including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.[8][59]

Home media

The DVD releases for 800 Words began with Season 1 in Australia and New Zealand in late 2015, distributed by Roadshow Entertainment on a two-disc set containing all eight episodes, coded for Region 4 playback.[62] Subsequent releases included Season 2 in two volumes in 2017, also on Region 4 DVDs from the same distributor.[63] Season 3 followed in 2018, split into volumes, with Acorn Media handling international distribution including a Region 1 version for North America.[64] Box sets for Seasons 1-2 were released in 2018.[65] Several DVD editions featured extras, including behind-the-scenes featurettes and cast interviews that offered glimpses into production insights, such as location filming in New Zealand.[66] These were particularly prominent in Season 1 and Season 3 Part 1 releases.[67] Digitally, the series became available for purchase and download on iTunes in Australia and New Zealand starting around 2016, with all seasons accessible as of 2025.[68] It is also streamable on Amazon Prime Video in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States via the Acorn TV channel add-on, covering the complete series.[69] No 4K UHD or widespread Blu-ray editions have been released as of November 2025, though limited Blu-ray versions of individual seasons exist in Region A for the U.S. market.[70]

Reception

Viewership

800 Words premiered strongly in Australia on 15 September 2015, drawing 2.16 million national viewers for its debut episode and topping the Tuesday night ratings.[71] The first season maintained robust performance, consistently attracting more than 1 million viewers nationally across its eight episodes, with an average of 1.4 million in the five capital cities when including catch-up viewing.[49][72] In New Zealand, where it aired on TVNZ starting in November 2015, the series settled at over 400,000 viewers after its initial three episodes, ranking fifth on Thursday nights behind news and established programs like Shortland Street.[73] The second season, which began airing in Australia in July 2016, continued to perform well initially, with the first installment averaging over 1.5 million viewers nationally.[74] However, viewership dipped toward the season's end, reflecting a broader trend of softening audience numbers for network dramas. In New Zealand, the show retained strong engagement on TVNZ, contributing to its renewal for a third season despite the Australian decline.[75] By the third season in 2017–2018, ratings had notably declined in Australia amid increased competition from reality programming and streaming services, leading to the series' cancellation after three seasons.[76] Domestic markets, particularly Australia and New Zealand, drove the show's viewership, with limited public data available for international audiences. Overall, the initial post-premiere buzz faded over time, highlighting challenges in sustaining long-form drama audiences on free-to-air television.

Critical response

Critics praised 800 Words for its heartfelt portrayal of grief intertwined with humor, particularly highlighting Erik Thomson's nuanced performance as the widowed father George Turner. In a 2016 review, The New York Times described the series as "amiable and touching," noting its ability to draw viewers in through scenic New Zealand settings and anthropological insights into small-town life, while balancing emotional depth with lightweight charm.[17] Australian outlets echoed this, commending the show's authentic depiction of family dynamics and cultural nuances between Australian and New Zealand characters, as seen in its trans-Tasman production appeal.[77] Some critiques pointed to later seasons becoming formulaic, with repetitive small-town plotlines diluting the initial emotional freshness, though the core ensemble's chemistry remained a strength. New Zealand and Australian reviewers appreciated the cultural authenticity but occasionally noted a reliance on familiar tropes in episodes beyond the first season.[13] The series received multiple nominations at the Logie Awards, including six in 2016 for categories like Most Popular Drama and Most Popular New Talent (won by Melina Vidler), and Erik Thomson's nomination for Most Popular Actor in 2018.[5] It also won Best Drama Series at the 2017 New Zealand Television Awards for its second season and earned a Bronze Medal at the 2015 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards, though it secured no major international wins.[6][2] In the 2020s, streaming availability on platforms like Acorn TV and Tubi prompted minor reappraisals, with viewers and select critics revisiting its comforting family-drama appeal amid pandemic-era demand for feel-good series.[78] Overall, the consensus positions 800 Words as a solid, engaging family drama, evidenced by an 8.0/10 average on IMDb from over 3,000 ratings and positive audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes (91% for Season 1).[1][13]

Legacy

Remake

In 2018, the New Zealand-Australian series 800 Words was adapted into a Dutch version titled Zomer in Zeeland ("Summer in Zeeland"), which premiered on the commercial broadcaster SBS6 on January 8, 2018.[79] The adaptation follows a similar premise to the original, centering on a widowed newspaper columnist who relocates from a major city to a small coastal community with his two teenage children, navigating grief, family dynamics, and local quirks.[80] Localized to the Zeeland region in the Netherlands, the story is set in the fictional village of Lekzand, emphasizing themes of starting anew in a rural seaside environment.[81] Produced by NL Film and aired weekly on Monday evenings at 8:30 PM, the series consists of a single season with 12 episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long.[82] The lead role of Sjors Mulder, the columnist and father, is played by Daniël Boissevain, with Pip Pellens portraying his daughter Fenna and Tonko Bossen as his son Jurgen.[83] Supporting cast includes Hanna Verboom and others, adapting character arcs to fit Dutch cultural contexts, such as local community interactions and family challenges in a provincial setting.[84] Filming primarily occurred in Noord-Holland rather than Zeeland, despite the setting, which drew some viewer criticism for lacking authentic regional representation.[81] Zomer in Zeeland achieved moderate success, attracting an average viewership of around 600,000 per episode, though numbers declined over the season—for instance, the third episode drew 618,000 viewers and a 9.3% market share, ranking 18th among daily programs.[85] Critical and audience reception was generally positive, with an IMDb rating of 7.1 out of 10 based on 83 user reviews, praising the blend of comedy, drama, and relatable family storytelling.[79] The series was not renewed for a second season and concluded after its initial run, with no further international adaptations of 800 Words announced as of 2025.[86]

Cancellation and impact

The Seven Network announced the cancellation of 800 Words on August 17, 2018, following the completion of its third season, preventing any further production despite initial plans for additional storylines.[76] Lead actor Erik Thomson expressed significant disappointment in interviews, noting that the series maintained a solid audience and could have continued for more seasons, attributing the decision in part to the network's growing emphasis on reality television formats over scripted dramas.[87] Creator James Griffin, who co-developed the show with Maxine Fleming, shared similar sentiments in post-cancellation discussions, highlighting the abrupt end as a missed opportunity to explore evolving family narratives in the fictional town of Weld.[22] Fans responded with widespread dismay across social media and forums, launching online campaigns urging revival, though none achieved substantial traction.[88] The cancellation sparked broader conversations about the challenges facing Australian and New Zealand scripted television amid shifting viewer habits and budget constraints. Post-2020, the series experienced a resurgence in popularity on streaming services, with all three seasons becoming available on platforms like Acorn TV and Peacock, attracting new international audiences drawn to its blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling.[59] [89] In its legacy, 800 Words has influenced subsequent family-oriented dramas in Australia and New Zealand by showcasing the viability of cross-Tasman co-productions that blend cultural elements from both countries, as evidenced by its strong ratings during initial airings.[75] The show's exploration of grief, relocation, and community support resonated in ongoing mental health dialogues, particularly around familial coping mechanisms following loss. As of 2025, no official revival has materialized, though cast members have occasionally reunited for other projects, such as comedian Jackie van Beek collaborating with former co-stars Rick Donald and others in a 2019 unscripted comedy series.[90]

References

  1. 800 Words (TV Series 2015–2018) - IMDb
  2. 800 Words - A Production by South Pacific Pictures
  3. 800 Words - Australian Television Information Archive
  4. 800 Words (TV Series 2015–2018) - Episode list - IMDb
  5. 800 Words - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide
  6. 800 Words - watch tv show streaming online - JustWatch
  7. 800 Words (TV Series 2015–2018) - Plot - IMDb
  8. 800 Words | Rotten Tomatoes
  9. https://www.australiantelevision.net/800-words/series1.html
  10. 800 Words: Season 1 - Rotten Tomatoes
  11. 800 Words - PBS39
  12. 800 Words: profiles: Bensen Jack Anthony/Arlo Turner
  13. 800 Words | Series | Television - NZ On Screen
  14. Review: In '800 Words,' a Widowed Father of Teenagers Uproots the ...
  15. Channel Seven 800 Words drama: Alex Tarrant on his acting path
  16. s02e15 - Season 2, Episode 15 - 800 Words Transcript - TvT
  17. TV Review: 800 Words, Seasons 1-3 (Acorn TV). - The Memory Cache
  18. George Turner - 800 Words - BBC
  19. Abrupt end to 800 Words bittersweet for show's star | Stuff
  20. Shay Turner - 800 Words - BBC
  21. 800 Words (TV Series 2015–2018) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
  22. Arlo Turner - 800 Words - BBC
  23. https://www.australiantelevision.net/800-words/cast.html
  24. A new twist for popular 800 Words actor | SBS News
  25. 800 Words - Katie - BBC One
  26. 800 Words: profiles: Anna Jullienne/Katie - Australian Television
  27. 800 Words: cast - Australian Television Information Archive
  28. 800 Words (TV Series 2015-2018) - Cast & Crew - TMDB
  29. James Griffin | NZ On Screen
  30. James Griffin on Filthy Rich: 'It pisses me off that I got dragged into it'
  31. Reality television to dominate Australian screens in 2015
  32. Trans-Tasman partnership a winner for 800 Words - Stuff
  33. Axed: 800 Words | TV Tonight
  34. 100 and Me - by James Griffin - Hey, Writer Guy
  35. Where in the world is Weld? - Entertainment News - NZ Herald
  36. 800 Words star Erik Thomson on family, Kiwi culture and single ...
  37. 800 Words Filming Locations - Revealed! - Explore NZ - GO Rentals
  38. Credits | 800 Words - First Episode | Television | NZ On Screen
  39. [PDF] 800 words press kit - Seven West Media
  40. Spy: New Aussie drama 800 Words set mostly in NZ - NZ Herald
  41. 800 Words, Westside bosses commit to fixing director gender balance
  42. About South Pacific Pictures
  43. 800 Words (TV Series 2015–2018) - Release info - IMDb
  44. ‎800 Words - Apple TV
  45. "800 Words" Episode #1.1 (TV Episode 2015) - Plot - IMDb
  46. Series 1, Episode 1 - 800 Words - Acorn TV
  47. 800 Words (TV Series 2015–2018) - Episode list - IMDb
  48. 800 Words shows our hunger for good drama
  49. 800 Words: episode guide: series 2 - Australian Television
  50. 800 Words (TV Series 2015–2018) - Episode list - IMDb
  51. 800 Words: episode guide: series 2 - Australian Television
  52. 800 Words Season 3 - watch full episodes streaming online
  53. 800 Words (TV Series 2015–2018) - Episode list - IMDb
  54. New TV Shows Starting September 2015 - PoGDesign
  55. 800 Words (a Titles & Air Dates Guide) - Epguides.com
  56. 800 Words will be premiering Thursday November 5th on TV One ...
  57. 800 Words: Three Questions We Have Ahead of Season 3 | TVNZ+
  58. Watch 800 Words On Acorn TV
  59. https://www.booktopia.com.au/800-words-season-1/dvd/9318500066565.html
  60. https://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/800-Words-Seasons-1-2/dp/6203589
  61. https://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/800-Words-Season-3-Volume-1/dp/6213927
  62. Amazon.com: 800 WORDS: SEASON 3 - PART 2 : Erik Thomson
  63. DVD Review: '800 Words Season 3 Pt.1 & Pt. 2' - Blogcritics
  64. Amazon.com: 800 Words (Series 1) - 2-DVD Set ( Eight Hundred ...
  65. ‎800 Words - Apple TV
  66. 800 Words - Series 1 - Prime Video
  67. 800 Words: Season 1 Blu-ray
  68. Erik Thomson to return with a second season on 800 Words
  69. Why Channel 7's 800 Words has beaten the odds to become one of ...
  70. 800 Words rating well for TVNZ in New Zealand - Mediaweek
  71. [PDF] The story continues as 800 WORDS sets a third chapter
  72. John Drinnan: New Zealand based drama hits big ratings - NZ Herald
  73. Packed to the Rafters star Erik Thomson reprises father role in 800 ...
  74. 800 Words (TV Series 2015–2018) - Awards - IMDb
  75. Awards | 800 Words | Series | Television - NZ On Screen
  76. Amazon.com: 800 Words: Season 1
  77. Zomer in Zeeland (TV Series 2018) - IMDb
  78. Tv-serie Zomer in Zeeland verliest kijkers
  79. Tv-serie Zomer in Zeeland vooral in Noord-Holland gedraaid - AD
  80. Season 1 - Zomer in Zeeland - Trakt
  81. Zomer in Zeeland (TV Series 2018) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
  82. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/76681-zomer-in-zeeland/cast?language=en-US
  83. SBS 6-serie Zomer in Zeeland verliest veel kijkers - Mediacourant
  84. Zomer in Zeeland seizoen 2 - FilmVandaag.nl
  85. Erik Thomson hits out over 800 Words cancellation - Now To Love
  86. 800 Words - Page 4 - Seven Network - Media Spy
  87. Watch 800 Words | Peacock
  88. Jackie van Beek and 800 Words castmates reunite for new ... - Stuff
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