Like an extended "quirky" Hallmark commercial set in a beautiful locale. I really wanted to like it but unfortunately the scenery can't make up for shallow characters and lack of heart. I only found 2 of the characters very likeable and the women seemed to have no other purpose except as how they related to the main - eminently available - widower. As soon as I heard the electronic clapping in the soundtrack, the red flags went up. There are much more satisfying "comedies" out of New Zealand - try anything by Taika Waititi or Jemaine Clement; less scenery, more laughs.

This is a good show. Good acting. The characters are appealing and written well. The comedy is grounded in life experience and, not withstanding the eccentric characters, doesn't feel a need to be silly. The locations are beautiful. My only criticism is about the voice overs - they are unnecessary to the narrative and often say not much at all. The show doesn't need them. The characters tell their stories very well. (Yes. I do understand that this is that to which the title eludes, his column of 800 words.) After seeing the first season, I give this series a 7 (good) out of 10 and look forward to seeing the next two season. [Slice of Life Drama]

I can see how where the reviewer lives can color their take on this show. Yes, it does start rather slow but later episodes improve. I loved this as it reminds me of time spent in AZ and NZ friends, reminded of all the little differences. Love the quirky locals having grown up in a small artsy town very much like home all the eccentric folk....makes me chuckle and laugh. Some light entertainment and love the local beach. Do wish it showcased NZ a lot more, guess it wasn't shot with the overseas crowd in mind. Worth a look see.

I'd somewhat agree with July 10 reviewer - not a must see, but sure better than some of the sugary, silly down under series I've seen. It's a fairly interesting set of circumstances with a family dealing with grief of a very dramatic death of the mother. To turn a new direction they move from AU to NZ - I certainly didn't know there was such angst between the two close neighboring lands. Short on scenery, no hint of the multitude of relocated Scots to NZ.

The nasty teenage behavior may be more realistic than I remember dealing with & most definitely more sexually active. Gez, what happened to the happy teen years? Too much exposure to adult themes so rampant? Who knows, just glad I don't have to deal with it anymore. I felt rather sorry for the widower trying to cope with new attitudes. The son seemed to have a good head on him. Teen girl rather surly even with her grief.

I have a major issue with the spoken word as every word seems to be a question with the 'up' sound, one never knows when there is a question with any given speaking part. Yes, I'd probably view Season 2 out of curiosity.

From experience living in a rather closed/tight community of small populace & some reigning families, I'd agree with this family's initial reaction to gossip & the rapidity of repeated conversations or misinterpreted words.

I am going to do a "recommend" on this one (not a "must see") because it tries a bit too hard. It is not the Aussie version of "This is Us" but it is a well told tale of a family trying to fit into a new town in New Zealand. Other than a few glimpses of the ocean, there isn't much in the way of scenery, so it may actually be filmed in large part on sound stages. Still, it is a fairly good story with lots of angst (teenage and widower) and rebellion (teenage, widower, and employee) and a little bit of humor (that feel more like Aussie putting down Kiwi). I enjoyed it and binge watched the first disk. The second disk took four evenings to view, and either the show gets better as it goes, or I got more engaged with the characters.

Have been binging this great show on AcornTV, and really love it! This is a relationship-driven show, with endearing characters, good writing and a gorgeous location. This is not a shoot-em-up, so some viewers might lose interest. I have friends in New Zealand, and 800 Words captures their love of life and generosity of spirit. Now that I've finished the 2nd season, waiting on the 3rd, I feel like I've lost touch with old friends. Hurry!

Rated 4/10. Quite a mediocre series with matching acting. It is billed as a comedy-drama, but doesn't have much comedy in it. Mostly just a lot of drama.

I have mixed feelings whether I would bother seeing the subsequent series, should they come to our library system.

Meh.

After all of the hype I have heard about this series, I was disappointed a bit with how shallow the storyline actually was. I believe this would appeal more to teens/20's than mature adults.

Loved every minute of this witty, funny, quirky series. I will request the library get season 2.
Highly recommend.

If you are looking for something very different from what is typically available in North America, then you may want to try this charming series. Set in New Zealand, it is the story of an Australian family who relocate after the tragic death of the mother. The teenagers and the dad now must adjust to small town surf life. The characters are complex, likeable, and there is plenty of beautiful scenery and pretty good stories on each episode. We went through it fairly quickly as we found it quite captivating. They do have some nudity, implied sexual activities and offensive language, so not for the younger crowd.