Jonah From Tonga (2014)
Plot.
Where to Watch.
Currently Jonah From Tonga is available for streaming online, rent, buy or watch for free on: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video
Streaming in:🇺🇸 United States
Cast & Crew.
Chris Lilley
Jonah Takalua
Tama Tauali'i
Moses
Jason Moleli
Manu
Lafaele Tauali'i
Israel
Tana Laasia
Sonny
Eigaiwe Hunt
Mary
Doug Bowles
Mr. Joseph
Chris Bidlo
Prison Guard
Media.
Details.
Release DateMay 7, 2014
StatusEnded
Seasons1
Episodes6
Running Time30m
Content RatingTV-14
Filming LocationsMelbourne, Australia
Genres
Last updated:
This TV Show Is About.
Wiki.
Jonah from Tonga (Tongan: Siōnā pe Tonga) is an Australian television mockumentary sitcom miniseries that is written by and starring comedian Chris Lilley. The mockumentary series follows Jonah Takalua, a rebellious 14-year-old Australian boy of Tongan descent portrayed by the Anglo-Celtic Australian Lilley in brownface. The character had been introduced in Lilley's 2007 series Summer Heights High. At the conclusion of that series, Jonah was expelled from Summer Heights High School. In this series, his father, Rocky Takalua, has sent him back to his homeland of Tonga to live with his uncle and their family in order to get Jonah's life back on track. The series was highly controversial for its use of brownface and ethnic stereotypes, much like Lilley’s other work; it has been commonly described as racist.The six-part series was produced by Princess Pictures and Chris Lilley in conjunction with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and screened on ABC1 in Australia, HBO in America, and BBC Three in the UK. In New Zealand Māori Television screened the first episode on 29 July 2017, but then withdrew later episodes due to protests. The entire series was available for streaming online for one weekend from 2 May to 4 May on BBC iPlayer and ABC iview, before starting a six-week run on ABC1 on 7 May 2014 and from 8 May on BBC Three. This was a first for a major Australian TV production. The series itself was a "ratings disaster" for both the ABC and BBC. It was later announced that the entire series would screen at select cinemas in several Australian cities followed by a Q and A with Chris Lilley. These events were subsequently cancelled, with refunds given and the website created to promote them removed.