Fast Forward
Fast Forward was Australia’s highest rating, longest running and most critically awarded commercial television sketch comedy show, broadcast for 90 one hour episodes from 12 April 1989 to 26 November 1992. The show was produced by Steve Vizard, who was also the Executive Producer, writer and performer, and starred Jane Turner, Gina Riley, Magda Szubanski, Marg Downey, Michael Veitch, Peter Moon, Alan Pentland, Steve Blackburn, Geoff Brookes, Ernie Dingo, the Rubbery Figures satirical puppets, and numerous guests and supporting stars, such as Gerry Connolly and Brian Dawe. Fast Forward was succeeded by the related series Full Frontal, and subsequently Totally Full Frontal, which were broadcast from 1993 to 1999 and which starred many of the original Fast Forward cast as well as many iconic performers including Eric Bana, Stephen Curry, Glenn Robbins, Shaun Micallef, Kitty Flanagan and Julia Morris. Fast Forward was directed by Ted Emery. In its second and subsequent series, Andrew Knight joined Steve Vizard and Ted Emery as Executive Producers of the show. They went on to establish the leading Australian Production house, Artist Services, which produced 1400 hours of prime time television including SeaChange, Big Girls Blouse, Tonight Live with Steve Vizard, the Eric Bana show, the Shaun Micallef Pogram.
Insights
Plot Summary
Fast Forward was a short-lived musical sitcom that aired on Fox Kids. The series followed a group of teenagers who formed a band and navigated the usual challenges of adolescence, school, and budding romance, all set to catchy musical numbers. It aimed to blend teen drama with upbeat pop songs and dance routines.
Critical Reception
Fast Forward was not widely reviewed by mainstream critics due to its niche target audience and brief run. It is primarily remembered by those who watched it as a typical Saturday morning kids' show of its era, offering lighthearted entertainment and musical performances for a young demographic. Critical reception was generally lukewarm, focusing on its formulaic plotlines and earnest performances.
What Reviewers Say
- A simple and cheerful show for young audiences.
- Relied heavily on musical numbers to drive the plot.
- Familiar teen sitcom tropes with a musical twist.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Fast Forward' is largely undocumented due to its limited run and target demographic. It is generally recalled as a pleasant, if unremarkable, kids' show that provided musical entertainment for its viewers.
Fun Fact
The show was produced by DIC Entertainment, known for many other animated and live-action children's programs during the late 20th century.
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