We Can Be Heroes

Watch We Can Be Heroes

  • 2005
  • 1 Season
  • 8.0  (2,850)

We Can Be Heroes is a mockumentary-style comedy series created and starring Australian comedian Chris Lilley. It originally aired on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in 2005 and was later picked up by HBO for international broadcast. The show follows six unique characters, all of whom are competing for the Australian of the Year Award. These characters are all connected in some way, whether it be through their jobs, hobbies, or personal relationships. Each episode focuses on one character's journey towards the award, featuring interviews, footage of their daily lives, and glimpses into their pasts.

One of the characters is Phil Olivetti, a police officer who prides himself on his tough exterior and no-nonsense attitude. However, his insecurities are revealed when his wife leaves him for another woman. Another character is Ricky Wong, a Chinese student who desperately wants to be a performer despite his parents' expectations for him to pursue a more traditional career. He auditions for a number of talent shows, ultimately landing a role in a stage musical.

There's also Ja'mie King, a popular private school girl who is convinced that she is the best-looking and most popular girl in Australia. She repeatedly refers to herself as "quiche" or "quiche-hot," and spends most of her time gossiping with her friends and trying to one-up her classmates. Another character is Daniel Sims, a teenage farm boy with a love for animals and a secret admiration for his town's veterinarian. He is ridiculed by many of his classmates for his interests and perceived lack of masculinity.

Pat Mullins is a downsized former professional tennis player who now coaches a young girl named Courtney. He is haunted by his past failures and sees Courtney as his chance for redemption. Finally, there is Mr. G, a drama teacher at a high school who is preparing his students for a performance of his original musical, "Tsunamarama." He takes the production very seriously, often at the expense of his students' sanity.

Throughout the series, each character faces numerous obstacles and navigates various personal issues. Ja'mie's bullying of a fellow student eventually puts her in a difficult situation, and Phil struggles to come to terms with his sexuality. Meanwhile, Mr. G repeatedly clashes with his students over his creative vision for the musical.

The show uses a documentary-style approach to create a sense of realism, with each character's story feeling like an authentic glimpse into their world. Chris Lilley's portrayal of each character is masterful, with each one being distinctly unique and memorable in their own way.

Overall, We Can Be Heroes is a hilarious and engaging mockumentary series that offers a clever commentary on Australian culture and societal expectations. Its characters are endearing and relatable despite their quirks and flaws, and their journeys towards the Australian of the Year Award are sure to keep viewers entertained from start to finish.

We Can Be Heroes is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between July 27, 2005 and on HBO

We Can Be Heroes
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Seasons
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
August 31, 2005
As Ja'mie, Ricky, Daniel and Pat converge for the 'Australian of the Year' state finals, non-finalist Phil attempts to crash the event.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
August 24, 2005
Phil awaits his call to be a finalist for 'Australian of the Year'; Ja'mie is devastated by some tragic news on her sponsor kids; opening night of 'Indigeridoo' marks Ricky's final stage performance; Nathan enjoys his new sense while Daniel refuses to go to Canberra as a finalist; Pat enjoys a big farewell bash before her big roll, but then gets some distressing news.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
August 17, 2005
Phil hosts a barbecue in an effort to impress one of the selection committee judges; Ja'mie holds an assembly touting her cause; Daniel awaits his brother's gratitude in the wake of their operation; Terry saves the day when Pat fears dingoes could threaten her roll to Uluru; Ricky reveals his plan to give up science for acting.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
August 10, 2005
Phil's first motivational speaking engagement (with a group of Scouts) goes awry; Ja'mie goes to visit one of her sponsor children in a detention center; Ricky struggles to balance acting and physics as rehearsals begin on 'Indigeridoo'; Pat trains for biggest roll yet on a new backyard course; Daniel talks to a reporter one week before his revolutionary operation.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
August 3, 2005
An introduction to the last two finalists for 'Australian of the Year': elite athlete Pat Mullins who has developed the sport of 'rolling,' and 17-year-old Daniel Sims who plans to donate his eardrum to his twin brother. Meanwhile, Phil reveals his plan to inspire others with his tale of heroism; Ja'mie has an overnight gathering with friends; and Ricky auditions for the Chinese Theater Group's newest production.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
July 27, 2005
The search for 'Australian of the Year' is on. Among the contenders are: 37-year-old family man Phil Olivetti who wants to inspire others with his story of heroism (he stopped a runaway jumpy castle full of kids); physics genius and aspiring actor Ricky Wong; and 16-year-old high-school student Ja'mie King who was nominated for sponsoring 85 Sudanese children.
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Where to Watch We Can Be Heroes
We Can Be Heroes is available for streaming on the HBO website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch We Can Be Heroes on demand at Amazon and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    July 27, 2005
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (2,850)
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