Underbelly (TV series)

Underbelly: The TV Series That Redefined Aussie Crime Fiction When Underbelly premiered on Australian TV in 2008, it broke new ground in crime drama, not just for Oz, but internationally. Based on real-life events that rocked Australia's criminal underworld between the '70s and 2006, the first series, Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities, chronicled Melbourne's infamous gangland wars. Hyper-violent, darkly humorous, and true to the era, the show was an instant hit, and audiences tuned in in droves. The legacy of Underbelly still resonates today, 14 years after it first aired. It spawned eight more series, all based on real-life events, and is credited with paving the way for other successful Aussie crime dramas, like Wentworth (2013-2021) and Mystery Road (2018-2021). However, Underbelly was not without controversy. The first season, which aired on Channel Nine, was met with widespread criticism for its graphic violence and sexual content. It resulted in an unprecedented move by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which banned the show from being broadcast in Victoria, the epicenter of the gangland wars. But it was not just the show's controversial content that made it a hit. The writing was gritty and unflinching, the actors pitch-perfect, and the production value superb. It was a true ensemble piece, with a large cast of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas. And while the show was undoubtedly fictionalized, it drew heavily on real-life events and characters to create a nuanced and authentic portrayal of the criminal underworld. The showrunner, Des Monaghan, stated that he wanted to "take Australian TV drama out of its comfort zone." And he certainly achieved that with Underbelly, which was unlike anything else on Australian TV at the time. It was a show that dared to push the boundaries of what was acceptable for prime-time viewing, and in doing so, it created a new genre of crime drama in Oz. One of the most notable aspects of Underbelly was its use of music. The show's soundtrack is a who's who of classic Aussie rock and pop, with artists like AC/DC, Cold Chisel, and John Farnham providing the musical backdrop to the carnage. It was an inspired choice that added another layer of authenticity to the show and helped set it apart from other crime dramas. Underbelly was also notable for its impact on Australian popular culture. It created a legion of fans who were obsessed with the show's characters and storylines. It also inspired a host of merchandise, including DVDs, books, and even a board game. Fans of the show were known as "Bellyites," and the show's catchphrases, such as "say hello to my little friend," became part of the Australian lexicon. The impact of Underbelly can still be felt today in Australian TV and film. The show helped usher in a new era of gritty, realistic crime dramas that were unafraid to tackle tough subjects. It also gave a new generation of actors a platform to showcase their talents, many of whom went on to achieve success both in Australia and internationally. While Underbelly was not without its faults, it remains a landmark moment in Australian television. It was a show that pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and entertained audiences in equal measure. It was also a show that helped redefine the crime drama genre in Australia and paved the way for a new wave of critically acclaimed TV shows and movies. For that, we can all say, "thanks for the memories, Underbelly."