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No Activity
GenreComedy
Written byTrent O'Donnell
Directed byTrent O'Donnell
StarringPatrick Brammall
Darren Gilshenan
Harriet Dyer
Genevieve Morris
Dan Wyllie
David Field
Damon Herriman
Rose Byrne
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes12
Production
Executive producerJason Burrows
ProducerChloe Rickard
Camera setupSingle-camera
Production companyJungle Entertainment
Original release
NetworkStan
Release22 October 2015 (2015-10-22) –
14 December 2018 (2018-12-14)

No Activity is an Australian comedy television series which debuted on Stan in 2015, about two detectives on a stakeout. The show was the first commission for the Australian streaming service. It comes from the production company Jungle Entertainment, a partnership between Trent O'Donnell, Jason Burrows, Chloe Rickard and Phil Lloyd.[1] It is written and directed by Trent O'Donnell with executive producer Jason Burrows and producer Chloe Rickard.[2]

The first season, consisting of six episodes, premiered in its entirety on 22 October 2015. The second season was released on 26 October 2016.

Cast

[edit]

Main cast

[edit]
  • Patrick Brammall as Detective Hendy, an ambitious detective keen to restore his reputation after a disastrous drug bust. He talks a lot.
  • Darren Gilshenan as Detective Stokes, a hopeful dreamer whose detective work leaves a lot to be desired.
  • Daniel Wyllie as Jimmy, a colorful character who has returned to a life of crime after his failed endeavour in hospitality.
  • Harriet Dyer as April, a young police officer on dispatch duty who is waiting for reinstatement into active duty after she tasered a man to death because he did not listen or take her seriously.
  • Genevieve Morris as Carol, a straight talking police dispatch officer, who isn't afraid to call you out if you're an arsehole; babies and disabled people included.
  • David Field as Bruce, an older career criminal with an unlikely passion for fine art and a talent for the mandolin. His prior attempts at going straight have met with mixed success, but after sensing something isn't right about the kidnapping job, he comes up with an idea for a new venture.
  • Damon Herriman as Bernie (season 2), a wealthy businessman who spends most of his money on unsuccessful charity fundraisers hosted by his wife. In a marriage that has been loveless for years, the kidnapping might be the best thing that's ever happened to him.
  • Rose Byrne as Elizabeth (season 2), Bernie's wife who hasn't seen him naked in ten years. She enjoys his credit card much more than she does his company. The kidnapping forces her to question how she'd wish to die, with some unexpected results.
  • Chum Ehelepola as Steve (season 2), a budding criminal who desperately wants to be Australia's best kidnapper of Sri Lankan descent, even if he's the only one. Learning the ropes as an underworld criminal, he's sure his parents would be proud of what he's accomplished in his first outing in the big leagues.
  • Anthony Hayes as Neddy (season 2), a criminal partnered with Steve by the powers that be in the criminal hierarchy. Neddy's been around the traps, seen a lot and done some bad things. Prior to becoming a criminal, he worked as security in a brothel, a job that gave him a lot of hands on experience, and he's not shy of sharing it with his inexperienced partner in crime.

Guest cast

[edit]
  • Sam Simmons as Glen (season 1), Bruce’s replacement.
  • Tim Minchin as Jacob (season 1).
  • Kat Stewart as Tanya (season 1).
  • Jaxon Graham-Wilson as Lachy, Carol’s son.
  • Jake Johnson as Cutler (season 1).
  • Kim Gyngell as Rainer (season 2), an older detective who, some say, should have retired 10 years ago. His clear disdain for his new partner Stokes raises his temper to deadly effect.
  • Alan Dukes as Lee (season 2 + Christmas special), a disabled police dispatch officer who Carol openly dislikes.
  • Susie Youssef as Anousha (season 2), a young, tech- and social media-savvy dispatch officer. A product of modern society, who challenges Carol's more traditional ideas of Muslim culture, she's a keen roller derby aficionado and introduces Carol to the sport.
  • Steve Le Marquand as Voice (3 episodes).

Episodes

[edit]

Season 1 (2015)

[edit]
No.
overall 		No. in
season 		Title Directed by Written by Original air date
11"The Dolphin"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell22 October 2015 (2015-10-22)
A large concrete dolphin is in the back of the car on the stakeout, causes Hendy to question Stokes’ professionalism. The cops debate the erotic advantages of Siamese twins. April has her first day in dispatch. In the warehouse Jimmy updates Bruce on the search for his dad.
22"Two Vomits"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell22 October 2015 (2015-10-22)
An overly eager security guard (guest star Tim Minchin) disrupts the dockside stakeout. April tells Carol the grim tale of why she was taken off the beat. Hendy prepares to make an important call to dispatch (he wants to ask April out). Stokes shoots someone in error.
33"The Date"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell22 October 2015 (2015-10-22)
Hendy and April have an awkward radio exchange after their date. He thinks it was great, she thinks it was the worst date ever. The crims (including guest star Sam Simmons) lament the lack of imagination in the Aussie crime industry. Carol’s son Lachy is suspended from school in unusual circumstances.
44"The Witness"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell22 October 2015 (2015-10-22)
What would a high quality TV show of Hendy and Stokes be like? Tanya (guest star Kat Stewart) a witness with the cops, finds out. The crims have a reunion. Carol brings Lachy to work, with awkward consequences for April as he takes pictures of her for personal use.
55"The American"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell22 October 2015 (2015-10-22)
Hendy’s is starstruck by U.S. detective Cutler (guest star Jake Johnson). Stokes is being interviewed over the shooting but mistakes his interviewer for a counsellor. Hendy goes to collect a takeaway and has an earnest chat about family with one of the crims whilst waiting at the counter.
66"The Coffee Raid"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell22 October 2015 (2015-10-22)
The cops are bullet-proofed and raid ready, staying alert with good coffee.

Season 2 (2016)

[edit]
No.
overall 		No. in
season 		Title Directed by Written by Original air date
71"Missing Persons"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell26 October 2016 (2016-10-26)
Stokes and Hendy receive an emergency call. Meanwhile, wealthy couple Bernie and Elizabeth Doolan have been reported missing from their mansion. Newly single Stokes asks Hendy to help him with a non-hipster profile pic for Tinder.
82"Death of an Eel"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell26 October 2016 (2016-10-26)
Stokes gets surprised by Hendy and dispatch for his 50th birthday until they realise he’s only 48 so the celebrations are cut short. Later, Stokes and Hendy watch a video of Burrows’ acts with an eel.
93"Silent Night"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell26 October 2016 (2016-10-26)
Stokes has manicured his pubes and the boys find out there's been a surprise passenger with them all along. April gets a haircut that's very similar to Carol's causing some tension in the dispatch.
104"The Butterfly Tattoo"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell26 October 2016 (2016-10-26)
Stokes wakes up from a big nap. Carol meets her new dispatch partner, Anousha, who’s Muslim and she tells her she's glad Waleed Aly’s Logie win ended racism in Australia. Jimmy and Bruce discuss losing their art cafe during honesty hour.
115"Noughts and Crosses"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell26 October 2016 (2016-10-26)
Stokes and Hendy have been separated for Code 4 Misconduct. Stokes has a new partner, Rainer. He calls Hendy, who also has a new partner... April.
126"La Traviata"Trent O'DonnellTrent O'Donnell26 October 2016 (2016-10-26)
Hendy and Stokes are outside the house where Stokes thinks the Doolans are being held captive. Hendy is jealous when Stokes reveals what he wants to say at Rainer's funeral.

Release

[edit]

The first season, consisting of six episodes, premiered in its entirety on 22 October 2015.[3][4] The second season was released on 26 October 2016.[5]

A one-off Christmas special titled No Activity: The Night Before Christmas was commissioned and premiered on Stan in December 2018.[6]

Reception

[edit]

The show was met with positive reviews. Justin Burke of The Australian wrote that it is "the funniest new comedy I’ve seen in years".[7] James Mitchell from The Sydney Morning Herald suggested it was "the Seinfeld of Cop Shows".[8]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

No Activity became the first SVOD program ever nominated for a Logie Award in 2016.[9]

Year Award Category Recipients and nominees Result Refs.
2016 Logie Awards of 2016 Most Outstanding Supporting Actor Dan Wylie Nominated [10]
Tim Minchin Nominated
Most Outstanding Comedy Program No Activity Nominated

American adaptation

[edit]
Main article: No Activity (American TV series)

In October 2017, it was announced that CBS was developing their own version of the Australian series, No Activity with Will Ferrell, Adam McKay along with their production company, Funny or Die, as executive producers. The series was greenlit for an 8-episode first season which premiered on 12 November 2017 on CBS All Access. The series stars Patrick Brammall (from the Australian series) as Det. Nick Cullen and Tim Meadows as Det. Judd Tolbeck with a range of guest stars such as Mackenzie Davis, Jason Mantzoukas, Jesse Plemons, J.K. Simmons, Michaela Watkins, Jake Johnson (guest starred on the Australian series) along with Ferrell himself.[11]

Arabic adaptation

[edit]

In August 2021, it was announced that OSN was developing their own version of the Australian series with Sally Waly along with their production company, S Productions, as executive producers Trent O'Donnell and Chloe Rickard. The series was greenlit for an 12-episode second season which premiered on 5 September 2021 on OSN Yahala Bil Arabi, OSN & S Productions collaborate on their first comedy-drama series: No Activity - الوضع مستقر (El Wad3 Mostaker).[12]

The show saw some of Egypt's top comedic talent such as Khaled Mansour, Shadi Alfons and Sayed Ragab, take a satirical, light-hearted look at the misadventures of cops and criminals.[13]

Japanese adaptation

[edit]

No Activity's Japanese adaptation stars Etsushi Toyokawa and Tomoya Nakamura. Tsutomu Hanabusa directed the series, whose scripts were written by Jiro of the comedy duo Sissonne. The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 17 December 2021.[14]

Italian adaptation

[edit]

An Italian remake of the show, titled No Activity: Niente da Segnalare,[15] was released on Amazon Prime Video on 18 January 2024. It stars Luca Zingaretti, Alessandro Tiberi, Emanuela Fanelli and Carla Signoris.

Spanish adaptation

[edit]

A Spanish remake of the show, titled Sin novedad,[16] was released on HBO Max on 19 December 2021. It stars Omar Banana, Adriana Torrebejano, Pilar Castro and Carlos Areces.

Flemish adaptation

[edit]

A Flemish remake of the show, titled Niets Te Melden,[17] was released on Streamz on 12 October 2020. It stars Charlotte Timmers, Koen De Bouw, Barbara Sarafian and Jonas Van Geel.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

No Activity

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
_No Activity is an Australian comedy television series created by and that premiered on the streaming service Stan on 22 October 2015. The show, Stan's first original commission, follows the mundane and often absurd daily lives of peripheral players in a major police , including two detectives on a stakeout, dispatch workers, and low-level criminals, presented through interconnected vignettes that satirize law enforcement routines. It ran for two seasons from 2015 to 2016, with a Christmas special in , for a total of 13 episodes. The series stars as Detective Nick "Hendy" Henerson, as Detective Jim Stokes, as dispatch operator April, and as fellow dispatcher Carol, alongside a rotating ensemble of guest stars such as Dan Wyllie and Sam Simmons. Its humor derives from the contrast between high-stakes criminal scenarios and the characters' petty squabbles, boredom, and personal dramas, earning praise for its sharp writing and ensemble performances. The show's format, inspired by real-time radio communications and stakeout tedium, has been noted for its innovative structure that builds tension through inaction rather than action. No Activity gained international recognition through adaptations, including a U.S. version on All Access (later Paramount+) from 2017 to 2021, also executive produced by Brammall and O'Donnell with and , featuring an American cast like and ; an adaptation that premiered in 2021 on ; and versions in , , , and . The original series holds a 7.7/10 rating on based on 1,573 user reviews and is available for streaming on Stan in .

Overview

Premise

No Activity is an television series that centers on the peripheral characters engaged in a major police sting operation. The core premise revolves around two detectives, Hendy and Stokes, stationed on a stakeout, whose routine intersects with parallel storylines involving criminals, dispatch workers, and other ancillary figures in the operation. This structure highlights the often overlooked, everyday experiences of those on the fringes of high-stakes activities. The series employs an anthology format across its seasons, with each installment featuring self-contained vignettes that shift perspectives among the ensemble, emphasizing the tedium and unpredictability of waiting during the operation. Episodes typically run 23-24 minutes and adopt a radio-play aesthetic, relying heavily on voiceover narration, sound effects, and sparse visuals to evoke the feel of police radio chatter and internal monologues. This approach underscores the mundane realities of stakeouts and procedural work. Thematically, No Activity explores the interpersonal dynamics and absurdities inherent in routines, using humor, extended awkward silences, and of conventional cop tropes to portray the banality of scenarios. By focusing on "no activity" moments—such as idle radio reports from the stakeout team—the show derives from the contrast between anticipated action and prolonged inaction.

Production

No Activity was co-created by and , with O'Donnell serving as director and co-writer, and Brammall contributing as co-writer and lead actor. The series was produced by Jungle Entertainment (also known as Jungleboys) in association with the Australian streaming service Stan, marking the platform's inaugural original scripted commission. Development began in late 2013 during the production of the ABC comedy , where Brammall and O'Donnell drew inspiration from real-life stakeout experiences to craft a narrative centered on the mundane waits in police operations. The project was formally announced on May 1, 2015, as Stan's first local series, with production commencing shortly thereafter for a late-2015 premiere. Filming took place primarily in Sydney, New South Wales, utilizing a single-camera setup that prioritized minimalistic production to capture improvised performances. This approach emphasized audio design, including radio communications and voiceovers, to evoke a radio-play style that highlighted dialogue over visual spectacle. The low-budget nature of the production addressed logistical challenges by focusing on character-driven conversations and sound elements, allowing each of the two seasons to be completed in approximately 10 days. This efficient workflow enabled the completion of both seasons—premiering in October 2015 and October 2016, respectively—along with additional content within three years. In 2018, a standalone Christmas special titled No Activity: The Night Before Christmas was produced, reuniting the core creative team of O'Donnell and Brammall. Filmed that year as a holiday-themed expansion of the format, the episode maintained the series' improvised, vignette-based structure while incorporating festive elements like a mall stakeout on . This special premiered on Stan in December 2018, further showcasing the production's adaptability to seasonal storytelling without deviating from its dialogue-centric roots.

Cast

Main cast

The original Australian series No Activity centers on a core ensemble of actors portraying the key participants in a prolonged police , highlighting the mundane realities from multiple viewpoints. Patrick Brammall as Nick "Hendy"
Hendy is depicted as a bored assigned to a stakeout, navigating the monotony of surveillance while grappling with personal life issues that intersect with his professional frustrations. Darren Gilshenan as Detective Jim Stokes
Stokes serves as Hendy's inexperienced partner, bringing an enthusiastic yet clumsy energy to their shared stakeout duties, often complicating their efforts through his awkward demeanor. Harriet Dyer as April
April functions as the police dispatcher, coordinating communications and operations from the control room, while maintaining a personal relationship with Hendy that adds layers to her role in the operation. Genevieve Morris as Carol
Carol is April's fellow dispatcher, providing through her dry wit and observations in the control room during the sting operation. Collectively, these principal roles embody distinct facets of the sting operation—ranging from frontline detectives and support staff—each evolving through complete character arcs over the course of the series' seasons.

Guest cast

Tim Minchin appeared as Jacob, a quirky at the docks who serves as an informant for the police by reporting suspicious activities during the stakeout operation in season 1. Jake Johnson guest-starred as Cutler, an American detective whose arrival leaves local officer Hendy starstruck, adding an international twist to the early season 1 episodes' peripheral law enforcement dynamics. Other notable Australian comedians featured in supporting roles include Genevieve Hegney as a female in the season 1 pilot, contributing to the series' vignette-style humor through brief but memorable comedic beats. Dan Wyllie appeared as Jimmy, the criminal leader orchestrating a major heist, offering the antagonist's perspective on the unfolding events and contrasting the side with the criminals' bungled preparations. These guest appearances often emphasized the series' structure by injecting one-off characters into side narratives, such as informants, hostages, or visiting officials, which amplified the humor through unexpected interactions and the show's focus on mundane inaction. In the 2018 Christmas special, "The Night Before Christmas," unique cameos included portraying herself in a hectic holiday scenario and voicing a GPS system that guides the stakeout team, alongside portrayals of holiday-themed criminals like a disgruntled Santa holding a ransom, enhancing the festive episode's chaotic tone.

Episodes

Season 1 (2015)

The first season of No Activity consists of six episodes that premiered on October 22, 2015, on the Australian streaming service Stan, all released simultaneously in a binge model. All episodes were directed by and written by O'Donnell and . The season introduces the core premise through parallel storylines following detectives on a prolonged stakeout targeting criminal Robert Jansz, alongside perspectives from dispatch operators, criminals, and support staff, highlighting mundane frustrations and personal interjections amid the inaction.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1The DolphinOctober 22, 2015Detectives Stokes (Darren Gilshenan) and Hendy (Patrick Brammall) begin their stakeout, disrupted by a misplaced concrete dolphin statue that tests senior officer Stokes' composure; dispatch newcomer April (Harriet Dyer) navigates her first shift while Jimmy (David Field) updates Stokes on a personal family matter.
2Two VomitsOctober 22, 2015An overzealous security guard (Tim Minchin) interrupts the dockside operation; April confides in colleague Carol (Genevieve Morris) about the traumatic incident that sidelined her from street duty; Hendy rehearses a radio call to dispatch amid growing boredom.
3The DateOctober 22, 2015Hendy and April share an uncomfortable conversation over the radio during a routine check; the criminal group, including guest star Sam Simmons, gripes about the uninspired state of Australian organized crime while planning their next move.
4The WitnessOctober 22, 2015Witness Tanya (Kat Stewart) arrives at the station and clashes with the officers; the criminals reunite for a tense catch-up; Carol unexpectedly brings her son Lachy to work, complicating April's day in dispatch.
5The AmericanOctober 22, 2015Hendy pairs with a visiting American detective for surveillance, leading to cultural clashes; Stokes returns to headquarters for debriefing; Carol opens up to April about her life experiences during a quiet shift.
6The Coffee RaidOctober 22, 2015The team gears up for the impending raid, relying on strong coffee to maintain vigilance; in the warehouse, Stokes and Jimmy reflect on pursuing personal ambitions as the operation nears its climax.
Throughout the , the narrative builds the multi-perspective format by interweaving the stakeout's tedium with character backstories and absurd diversions, such as the dolphin mishap and interpersonal radio mishaps, establishing key dynamics like the banter between Stokes and Hendy, April's adjustment to dispatch, and the criminals' inept schemes.

Season 2 (2016)

The second of No Activity consists of six episodes, all released simultaneously on the Australian streaming service Stan on October 26, 2016. Directed and written by , the season expands the writing contributions from the core team while maintaining the improvised comedy style. It advances the overarching police operation introduced in season 1 by pivoting to a missing persons investigation involving the wealthy Doolan couple, heightening stakes through betrayals, temporary reassignments, and intersecting subplots among dispatchers and low-level criminals, ultimately driving toward operational climax and character resolutions. The season deepens dynamics between Detectives Hendy () and Stokes (), testing their partnership amid personal distractions and professional mishaps, while dispatcher Carol () navigates tensions with new colleagues, and criminals Jimmy (Dan Wyllie) and Bruce (David Field) grapple with their sidelined roles in a larger scheme. This structure emphasizes mundane absurdities in high-stakes scenarios, with plot progressions focusing on miscommunications, false leads, and interpersonal betrayals that propel the case forward.

Episode List

EpisodeTitleOriginal Release DateSynopsis
2.01Missing PersonsOctober 26, 2016Detectives Stokes and Hendy respond to an emergency call that turns out to be a , only to learn of the disappearance of affluent couple Bernie and Elizabeth Doolan from their mansion; meanwhile, Stokes, recently single, enlists Hendy's help for a profile photo, and dispatcher Carol meets her new partner (). This episode sets up the season's central investigation, linking it to potential criminal elements from prior operations.
2.02Death of an EelOctober 26, 2016A surprise party for Stokes's supposed 50th birthday (though he is 48) is derailed when he and Hendy view a of colleague Burrows engaging in an explicit act with an eel; the stakeout continues amid distractions, advancing hints of internal police scandals that complicate the Doolan case probe.
2.03Silent NightOctober 26, 2016Stokes prepares personally by manicuring his in anticipation of a date, while a surprise figure named Lachy appears in the surveillance vehicle; copies Carol's hairstyle, sparking workplace friction, and criminals Steve and Neddy use to sharpen their focus on evading detection, escalating the tension around a possible in the ring.
2.04The Butterfly TattooOctober 26, 2016Stokes awakens from a during surveillance; Carol bonds awkwardly with her new Muslim dispatch partner Anousha, referencing Aly's Logie award as a cultural ; Jimmy and search for their father's elusive café, revealing backstories that tie into broader criminal betrayals threatening the operation's integrity.
2.05Noughts & CrossesOctober 26, 2016Stokes and Hendy face separation due to a code 4 charge, pairing Stokes with the aloof Rainer and Hendy with ; Stokes's failed attempts to connect with Rainer highlight partnership strains, while subplots involving dispatcher rivalries and criminal planning push the Doolan investigation toward potential arrests amid mounting suspicions of internal leaks.
2.06La TraviataOctober 26, 2016Stokes and Hendy surveil a residence believed to hold the captive Doolans, with Hendy growing envious of Stokes's for the departed Rainer; Jimmy and reflect on Bruce's artistic side after he brings a to their hideout, culminating in resolutions to the kidnapping threads and key betrayals from earlier episodes.

Christmas special (2018)

The Christmas special, titled No Activity: The Night Before Christmas, is a standalone 50-minute of the Australian comedy series that premiered on the streaming service Stan on December 14, 2018. The plot centers on , where detectives Hendy () and Stokes () are assigned to a stakeout at a exhibiting no suspicious activity, only for the situation to escalate when low-level criminals Bruce (David Field) and Jimmy (Dan Wyllie), dressed as and an elf for a gig, impulsively take actress hostage inside the mall. The incorporates festive twists into the series' radio-play format, including holiday-themed interruptions from family obligations and disgruntled seasonal workers, while reuniting the core ensemble for comedic vignettes that highlight the banality of police work amid yuletide chaos. Written and directed by series co-creator , the special features holiday-specific guest appearances, such as Tapsell playing a heightened version of herself as the , alongside brief callbacks to recurring elements from prior seasons like the officers' mundane stakeout banter. It was produced as a bonus installment outside the main seasonal structure, emphasizing self-contained humor rather than advancing ongoing narratives. The series concluded after two seasons and the Christmas special, totaling 13 episodes.

Reception and awards

Critical reception

Upon its premiere in 2015 as Stan's inaugural original series, No Activity received widespread acclaim from Australian critics for its innovative improvised format and sharp observational humor centered on mundane stakeout scenarios. The Australian hailed it as "the funniest new comedy on TV," praising its ability to mine hilarity from inaction and peripheral characters in a police operation. Similarly, a review in the Sydney Morning Herald described the series as "the Seinfeld of cop shows," highlighting its witty dialogue that captures the banal absurdities of law enforcement without relying on high-stakes action. Critics consistently commended the ensemble cast's chemistry and the show's vignette-style structure, which juxtaposes multiple storylines to underscore themes of tedium and human connection. Local outlets noted high viewer for its relatable portrayal of everyday banter in an unconventional setting. However, some reviews pointed to occasional pacing issues in the shorter vignettes, where the deliberate slowness risked diluting momentum, though this was often seen as integral to the show's anti-action . Audience responses echoed critical praise, with viewers appreciating the strong ensemble performances and accessible humor that made the series feel intimately Australian yet universally funny, contributing to its rating of 7.7/10 from over 1,500 users. The show's legacy lies in pioneering Australian streaming content, demonstrating the viability of local originals on platforms like Stan and inspiring international adaptations through its exportable format.

Awards and nominations

The Australian series No Activity received several nominations and wins at major industry awards, recognizing its comedy writing, performances, and direction. These accolades highlight its impact as an early original production for the streaming service Stan, marking milestones for subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) content in Australian television. At the 2016 , No Activity earned three nominations, becoming the first SVOD program to be recognized by the awards. It was nominated for Most Outstanding Comedy Program. and Dan Wyllie were both nominated for the Silver Logie for Most Outstanding for their roles as Jacob and Jimmy, respectively. At the 2016 Equity Awards, the ensemble cast won Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. For the 6th Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards in 2016, the series received one nomination and one win. Patrick Brammall won Best Performance in a Television Comedy for his portrayal of Nick. At the 7th AACTA Awards in 2017, No Activity season 2 garnered four nominations, including Best Television Comedy Series. Trent O'Donnell was nominated for Best Screenplay in Television for the episode "Silent Night". Darren Gilshenan received a nomination for Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television Drama or Comedy. At the 2019 Australian Directors Guild Awards, was nominated for Best Direction in a TV or SVOD Comedy Program episode for directing the special episode "The Night Before Christmas", but did not win. The special itself did not secure any wins, though the writing team received nominations at the Australian Writers' Guild Awards (AWGIEs) for episode scripts.
YearAwardCategoryRecipientResultSource
2016Most Outstanding Comedy ProgramNo ActivityNominatedtvtonight.com.au
2016Most Outstanding Supporting ActorNominateden.wikipedia.org
2016Most Outstanding Supporting ActorDan WyllieNominateden.wikipedia.org
2016Equity AwardsOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy SeriesNo Activity castWonequity.org.au
2016Best Performance in a Television ComedyWonaacta.org
2017Best Television Comedy SeriesNo Activity (season 2)Nominateden.wikipedia.org
2017Best Screenplay in Television ("")Nominateden.wikipedia.org
2017Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television ComedyNominatedaacta.org
2019Australian Directors Guild AwardsBest Direction in a TV or SVOD Comedy Program ("The Night Before Christmas")Nominatedtvtonight.com.au
2017AWGIEsBest Screenplay (Episode) ("")Nominatedyellowcreativemanagement.com

Adaptations

American adaptation

The American adaptation of No Activity is a comedy television series created by and , based on their Australian series of the same name. It premiered on November 12, 2017, on CBS All Access, a streaming service that rebranded as Paramount+ in 2021. The series follows a similar of low-stakes law enforcement surveillance during a major drug bust, but relocates the action to the docks and incorporates U.S.-specific satirical elements on police bureaucracy and interpersonal dynamics. Executive produced by and through their banner, the adaptation maintains the original's radio-play style with overlapping dialogues and minimal action. The series comprises four seasons totaling 32 episodes, with each season featuring eight half-hour installments. Season 1 debuted in November 2017, followed by Season 2 in November 2018, Season 3 in November 2019, and the final Season 4 in April 2021. In a notable shift, Season 4 transitioned to full due to production challenges from the , allowing remote voice recording while preserving the ensemble format. This animated installment concluded the series, with creators O'Donnell and Brammall citing the change as an opportunity to experiment visually without compromising the core humor. Patrick Brammall reprises a lead role akin to his original character Hendy, now as Detective Nick Cullen, a frustrated officer on stakeout duty, delivering lines in an American accent. He stars opposite as his partner, Detective Judd Tolbeck, a more laid-back counterpart. The ensemble includes recurring performers like as dispatch operator Fatima Khorasani and as precinct administrator Janice Delongpre, alongside high-profile guest stars such as as a bumbling superior, as a no-nonsense chief, as a shady , and as a hapless criminal. Compared to the original, the U.S. version expands to multiple seasons with fresh storylines and guest arcs, emphasizing localized humor around American tropes like inter-agency rivalries and suburban ennui, while recycling some structural beats for familiarity. It received mixed critical reception, with Season 1 holding a 67% approval rating on based on limited reviews praising its "slapdash" charm and dialogue-driven wit, though some noted pacing issues. Audience scores averaged 81%, and the series ended on a positive note in 2021, appreciated for its low-key absurdity amid streaming comedies.

Arabic adaptation

The Arabic adaptation of No Activity, titled El Wada' Mustaqer (translated as "The Situation Is Stable"), is a comedy-drama series produced as an Original for Middle Eastern audiences. It premiered on September 5, 2021, airing daily at 8:35 p.m. Saudi time on OSN's Ya Hala Al Oula channel and available on the OSN Streaming app, with the first season consisting of six 30-minute episodes. The series was directed by Wael Farag and adapted by a local production team, preserving the original's vignette-style format of interconnected stories centered on a stakeout operation but incorporating regional cultural elements, such as satirical portrayals of law enforcement and witty dialogue tailored to -speaking viewers. The cast features prominent Arab actors, primarily Egyptian, in lead roles, including Shadi Alfons and Khalid Mansour as the stakeout team Saeed and Kamel, alongside Sayed Ragab and Enjy Kiwan in supporting parts; the ensemble draws from the Egyptian comedy duo known for their work on Saturday Night Live Arabia, bringing a fresh comedic approach to television. Set in a contemporary Middle Eastern context involving a bust, the adaptation emphasizes humorous interactions between cops, criminals, and dispatchers, with cultural tweaks reflecting local humor and professional dynamics in the region, such as exaggerated bureaucratic elements in police work. A second season premiered in November 2022, also comprising six episodes, airing Sunday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Saudi time on OSN Yahala, continuing the stakeout narrative with returning cast members like Shadi Alfons and Khalid Mansour while introducing new twists involving warehouse operations and hostage situations. As of 2025, no additional seasons have been announced or produced.

Japanese adaptation

The Japanese adaptation of No Activity, titled No Activity: Honjitsu mo Ijou Nashi (本日も異状なし, literally "No Irregularity Today"), premiered exclusively on on December 17, 2021, as an Amazon Original series. The first season comprises six 30-minute episodes, released in their entirety on the streaming platform. Directed by Tsutomu Hanabusa and written by , the series relocates the core premise to , where a pair of unconventional detectives navigate a high-stakes international drug investigation involving elements. It emphasizes the procedural tedium and interpersonal dynamics within the Japanese police force, blending with comedic undertones through the characters' personal flaws and workplace mishaps. The cast features local Japanese talent, including as the jaded veteran detective Shingo Tokita, who has abandoned a promising career, and Tomoya Nakamura as his impulsive rookie partner Asobu Shiina. Supporting roles include as a key figure on the criminal side and other actors portraying police colleagues and suspects, bringing authenticity to the Tokyo-based scenarios. A second season of six episodes followed, premiering on September 13, 2024, continuing the detectives' misadventures as they pursue a boss amid escalating chaos from out-of-control officers. No further seasons have been announced as of late 2025.

Italian adaptation

The Italian adaptation, titled No Activity: Niente da segnalare, premiered on on January 18, 2024, consisting of six episodes across a single season. The series follows the original structure, centering on the monotonous wait during a criminal operation involving two gangsters awaiting a delivery, two police officers on , and two dispatch operators coordinating support, all while little action unfolds. Produced in Italy with filming locations in Rome, Lazio, the adaptation localizes the narrative to urban Roman settings, incorporating elements of organized crime that evoke mafia-inspired dynamics tailored to Italian cultural contexts. Directed by Valerio Vestoso and written by Laura Grimaldi and Paolo Piccirillo, it retains the original's voiceover format to underscore the characters' internal monologues and everyday absurdities, enhancing the comedic tension from inaction. The cast features prominent Italian actors and comedians in key roles, including as the disillusioned police officer Marcello, obsessed with singer Marcella Bella's songs; Rocco Papaleo as criminal Toni; Carla Signoris as dispatch operator Katia; Emanuela Fanelli as Palmira; Alessandro Tiberi as officer Achille; and Maccio Capatonda in a supporting role, bringing a blend of dramatic and satirical performances that adapt the humor for local audiences. Additional cast members include Fabio Balsamo, , and guest appearances by figures like , contributing to the series' mix of established stars and comedic talents. As of November 2025, no additional seasons have been announced or produced, marking it as a limited . Critics have praised the adaptation for modernizing the original's on bureaucratic tedium and procedural inertia, delivering an enjoyable, bingeable that generates humor from prolonged boredom and interpersonal quirks in an Italian framework. The series holds an user rating of 6.1/10 based on over 330 reviews, reflecting its niche appeal as a lighthearted take on and crime.

Spanish adaptation

The Spanish adaptation of No Activity, titled Sin novedad, premiered on December 19, 2021, on Max as a six-episode in a single season. Produced by ITVP , the series adapts the original Australian format into a Spanish-language centered on multiple perspectives of characters awaiting a shady criminal deal, incorporating local writing to infuse humor drawn from Spanish cultural and contexts. Directed by Rodrigo Sopeña, the adaptation features a cast of prominent Spanish actors, including Arturo Valls as the ambitious detective , Carlos Areces as the bumbling officer Campillo, as the no-nonsense inspector Olivares, Adriana Torrebejano as the witness Naiara, and as the informant Yasmina, with the dialogue emphasizing rapid-fire Spanish banter and occasional for comedic effect in undercover scenarios. The narrative unfolds across interconnected storylines involving two police officers, two criminals, and two internal affairs investigators, all converging on the same illicit operation, highlighting themes of boredom, miscommunication, and petty rivalries in a setting. Designed with a Spanish-speaking in mind, Sin novedad leverages HBO Max's availability across and to achieve broader regional appeal, blending universal elements of the original with culturally specific gags related to bureaucratic inefficiency and dynamics. As of 2025, the series has not expanded beyond its initial season, remaining a standalone entry in the global franchise without sequels or additional episodes.

Flemish adaptation

The Flemish adaptation of No Activity, titled Niets te melden, premiered on October 12, 2020, on the Belgian streaming platform Streamz, marking one of the earlier international remakes following the original Australian series. The single season consists of six episodes, each approximately 23-25 minutes long, maintaining the vignette-style format of interconnected, dialogue-driven scenes centered on a stakeout gone awry. Produced by Eyeworks, the series adapts the premise for a Belgian audience by featuring local police characters observing a operation in an warehouse, emphasizing the tedium of routine surveillance with minimal action. The production incorporates subtle Belgian humor through absurd, unscripted banter on everyday topics like parenting, relationships, and Flemish pop culture references, such as mentions of local celebrities including and Olga Leyers, which ground the comedy in a distinctly regional context. This approach preserves the original's radio-play aesthetic, with characters largely confined to vehicles or control rooms, relying on verbal interplay rather than visual spectacle to build comedic tension. The adaptation highlights the monotony of police work in a smaller market, evoking a sketch-like structure that reviewers noted for its focus on mundane absurdities over plot progression. The cast features prominent Belgian performers, including as the seasoned inspector Staes, Jonas Van Geel as his partner Hendriks, as dispatcher Carine, Wim Willaert as Bob, Robrecht Vanden Thoren as Bill, Liesa Naert, and Charlotte Timmers, delivering the dry, improvisational wit central to the series' appeal. As of 2025, no additional seasons have been produced, positioning Niets te melden as a concise, one-off localization tailored to Flemish viewers without expansion into multi-season storytelling.

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