Banished

Set in the late 18th century, Banished follows the harrowing experiences of a group of British convicts transported to Australia as part of the First Fleet. Facing brutal conditions, starvation, and the harsh realities of establishing a new colony, the series explores their struggles for survival, their attempts to build a semblance of society, and the conflicts that arise both amongst themselves and with the indigenous population. It delves into themes of punishment, redemption, and the enduring human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.

Banished received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising Jimmy McGovern's signature gritty realism and powerful storytelling. Some lauded the performances and the unflinching depiction of the convicts' plight, while others found the narrative occasionally uneven or felt it didn't fully capture the complexity of the historical events.

• Praised for its stark portrayal of convict life and McGovern's compelling writing.
• Some critics found the pacing and historical accuracy debated.
• Performances were generally highlighted as strong.

Google audience: Audience reception information for "Banished (2015)" on Google is not widely available or consistently reported.

Creator Jimmy McGovern was inspired to write Banished after reading that Irish convicts were sent to Australia during the same period as English convicts, a detail he felt was often overlooked in historical dramas.