Watch Jonah From Tonga

Jonah From Tonga is a mockumentary television series created by Australian comedian Chris Lilley. The show debuted on HBO in 2014 and consists of six half-hour episodes. The series focuses on the character of Jonah Takalua, a 14-year-old boy of Tongan descent who was previously introduced in Lilley's series Summer Heights High. Jonah is a troubled and often disrespectful student who has been expelled from several schools. In the series, he is placed in a last-chance educational program on the island of Tongapatu, Tonga, which proves to be an immense challenge for him.

Throughout the series, Jonah learns about Tongan culture and traditions, but he struggles to fit in with the other students in his class. While he is at first dismissive of the program, he eventually learns to value the lessons taught by his mentor, Mr. Joseph, and his classmates. Jonah's antics include everything from petty theft and larceny to throwing wild parties and getting into arguments with his teachers.

The series features a host of characters in addition to Jonah, including Mr. Joseph, his mentor, and the various students in his class. These characters include Kool Kris, a wannabe rapper who presents a tough exterior but is sensitive at heart; Bolo, a quiet and unassuming student who is often bullied by the others; and Moses, a class clown who acts out to hide his insecurities.

One of the standout elements of the series is Lilley's portrayal of Jonah. Lilley provides an incredible performance, bringing to life an incredibly complex character who seems almost too real. Despite Jonah's often crass and immature behavior, Lilley infuses the character with moments of vulnerability and humanity that make him impossible to hate entirely.

The show also explores themes of identity, culture, and the challenges of growing up as a young person of color in a predominantly white society. Jonah's struggles as an outsider in both Tonga and Australia provide a powerful commentary on the complexities of cultural identity, especially for those who grow up between two or more distinct cultures.

While the show has been lauded for its portrayal of these themes, it has also been criticized for its use of stereotypes and the potential harm that this can cause. This criticism has led to calls for Lilley to retire the character entirely.

Despite these criticisms, Jonah From Tonga remains an important and engaging series that tackles some of the most pressing issues facing young people today. Through its mix of humor and pathos, it manages to provide an insightful and poignant commentary on these issues while remaining entertaining and engaging throughout.

Jonah From Tonga is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between August 8, 2014 and on HBO