8.7
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The Games
1998·Show
The Games fingerprint
Very funny, immersive world, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Nostalgia6
- Wholesome4
- Catharsis4
Humor
Plenty of satire and sharp wit
- Satire & Parody10
- Wit & Wordplay9
- Situational Comedy8
World
Society, everyday modern life, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality10
- World Immersion8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout dialogue and performances
- Dialogue Quality9
- Acting8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Cinematography6
- Music Composition5
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
The Games is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos3Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy2Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics1Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
Very highPlenty of satire and sharp wit
Expect plenty of satire and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody10Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay9Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy8Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor7Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor5Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
HighSociety, everyday modern life, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around society, everyday modern life, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality10Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Sports7Competition, training, and teamwork.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout dialogue and performances
The dialogue and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality10Stories driven by conversation.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
The Games was an Australian mockumentary television series about the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. The series was originally broadcast on the ABC and had two seasons of 13 episodes each, the first in 1998 and the second in 2000.
'The Games' starred satirists John Clarke and Bryan Dawe along with Australian comedian Gina Riley and actor Nicholas Bell. It was written by John Clarke and Ross Stevenson. The series centred on the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and satirised corruption and cronyism in the Olympic movement, bureaucratic ineptness in the New South Wales public service, and unethical behaviour within politics and the media. An unusual feature of the show was that the characters shared the same name as the actors who played them, to enhance the illusion of a documentary on the Sydney Games.
Mockumentary ComedyPolitical SatireBureaucratic IneptnessAustralian HumorWitty DialogueSocial CritiqueCringe ComedyOffice WorkplaceBehind-the-Scenes
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Games
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Games worth watching?
83
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 8.7). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Games rated?
Strong language
Content advisories: strong language.
How many seasons does The Games have?
2 seasons
It has 2 seasons with 26 episodes of about 30 minutes each.
When did The Games air?
S1S2
It ran from 1998 to 2000 and has ended.
What language is The Games in?
English
It was made in English.
What tropes does The Games use?
Description CutSpringtime for HitlerCall-BackPunny NamesOne of Our OwnBreak the Motivational SpeakerLanguage Fluency DenialHalfway Plot SwitchRipped from the HeadlinesHypocritical HumorWho's on First?Character as Himselfand 45 more
TV Tropes lists 57 storytelling tropes for The Games, including Description Cut, Springtime for Hitler, Call-Back.