WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Newly single forty-something brewery-owner Gordon (Peter Brammall) is driving down the road when he’s distracted – by a nipple – and hits a dog.

The nipple belonged to twenty something medical student Ashley (Harriet Dyer), who hasn’t quite accepted that she’s newly single too.

Together they take the dog to a vet and discover it’s suffered life-changing injuries and will need full-time care. It’s still cute, though.

But who is to blame for the accident? Who should take responsibility for the dog’s care?

Over the course of 8 half-hour episodes, Gordon and Ashley have to find a way to look after the special needs dog, against the backdrop of the obstacles that life throws at them – from difficult exes, problems at work, awkward family members, quirky colleagues, uncaring landlords – and on-and-off feelings for each other that confuse them both.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Many romantic comedies are built on the concept of what’s known – in Hollywood at least – as a “meet-cute” – but never before has such an encounter involved a nipple and a paralysed dog.

Such is the originality of this quirky piece of Australian entertainment – created by its two stars – which carefully balances some unlikely comic situations with warmth, heart and honesty.

The two central characters are generally likeable – even if viewers might find themselves taking sides along the way – but as arch, or simplistic, as some of the plot points might feel, the sharp writing – often biting but never cruel – and genuine performances always win you over, leaving you wishing these lost souls nothing but the best.

From time to time, they go just a little over the top – when a birthday party gets a little out of hand and a “meet the parents” dinner doesn’t go to plan – but generally, it’s a bold and original sit-com that feels as fresh as it does funny.

And despite some of the darker themes beneath the rom-com surface, it remains a surprisingly uplifting, feel-good experience.