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Cleverman is a science fiction television series set in an alternate reality version of Australia where humans and supernatural beings called "Hairypeople" coexist. The show premiered on SundanceTV in 2016 and ran for two seasons until 2017. The series was created by Ryan Griffen and is a joint production between Australia's Goalpost Pictures and New Zealand's Pukeko Pictures.

The central character of the show is Koen West, portrayed by Hunter Page-Lochard. Koen is a mixed-race Indigenous Australian who has been estranged from his family for many years. He is introduced as a former convict who works as a laborer and who has a strained relationship with his adoptive mother, the powerful and manipulative entrepreneur, Jarli (played by Jack Charles). Koen's life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that he is the Cleverman, a figure from Indigenous Australian mythology, who is chosen to protect his people and bring balance to the world.

The story begins with the Hairypeople, who have been living in hiding for centuries, emerging into the open and demanding equal rights as citizens. This causes tension and conflict with humans who fear their supernatural abilities and view them as a threat. The Hairypeople are distinguished by their long hair, sharp teeth, and heightened senses, and are portrayed as misunderstood and marginalized members of society. The show explores themes of discrimination, racism, and identity through the lens of science fiction.

Rob Collins plays Waruu West, Koen's estranged brother, who is a political activist and leader of the Hairypeople. He believes that they should use their power to fight for their rights and take revenge on humans who have oppressed them. Waruu is also deeply conflicted and struggles with his role as a leader and his relationship with Koen. Tasma Walton portrays Araluen, a physician who works with Koen and Waruu to find a cure for a mysterious disease that is affecting both humans and Hairypeople.

The show's production design is visually striking and showcases a blend of Indigenous Australian art and contemporary science fiction. The use of special effects and prosthetic makeup to create the Hairypeople adds to the authenticity of the series' mythological elements. The series also features a strong soundtrack that incorporates Indigenous Australian music and culture into the narrative.

Cleverman was critically acclaimed for its portrayal of Indigenous Australian culture and mythology in a science fiction context. The show emphasizes the importance of Indigenous storytelling and the need for diversity and representation in popular media. The series won several awards, including Best Drama Program at the 2016 Screen Producers Australia Awards, and was nominated for Best Drama series at the 2017 Logie Awards.

In conclusion, Cleverman is an imaginative and thought-provoking science fiction series that explores themes of identity, discrimination, and mythology through the lens of Indigenous Australian culture. The show's strong cast, striking visuals, and compelling storytelling make it a unique addition to the television landscape.

Cleverman is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between June 1, 2016 and on Sundance