ITV has released all episodes of the outrageous Australian comedy series 'Aftertaste' on its streaming platform ITVX, making it available for free viewing four years after the show originally concluded. The series, which first launched in 2021 and ran for two seasons, was previously exclusive to Prime Video subscribers but can now be accessed without a subscription.
A Volatile Chef's Spectacular Fall from Grace
'Aftertaste' stars Erik Thompson, best known for 'Packed to the Rafters,' as internationally renowned but extremely volatile celebrity chef Easton West. The series opens with tensions boiling over at his Shanghai restaurant when a food critic sends back a dish she describes as 'over-salty.' This feedback pushes the chef over the edge, leading him to throw a pig carcass at the critic and triggering his spectacular, very public fall from grace.
Rebuilding a Career and Reputation
Forced to return to his hometown in Adelaide, Australia, Easton must rebuild his career from scratch and restore his tarnished reputation. He is joined on this journey by his niece Diana, played by Natalie Abbott, who is a talented aspiring pastry chef. Their dynamic adds both comedic and dramatic elements to the narrative as they navigate the challenges of the culinary world.
Critical and Viewer Acclaim
The series received widespread praise upon its initial release, with both viewers and critics describing it as 'witty, dry humoured and dark.' The Guardian noted: 'Aftertaste is worth the benefit of the doubt. It’s a sharp satire that skewers the hollow construct of the celebrity chef and offers a uniquely Australian take that’s often laugh-out-loud funny.'
The Sydney Morning Herald echoed this sentiment, stating: 'Aftertaste has a lot on its plate. It’s a character-driven comedy with a compelling dramatic arc and something serious to say about the world we live in. But, crucially, it is also very funny – and in the case of the fourth episode, outrageously, tear-inducingly so.'
Viewer Reactions and Comparisons
Fans have taken to review platforms to express their enthusiasm. One viewer on IMDb wrote: 'A laugh out loud, witty, dry humoured dark comedy. Erik Thompson is brilliant as the self-centered, egotistical Michelin starred chef who would make Gordon Ramsay blush.' Another added: 'This is straight up the funniest thing I’ve seen for ages, a highly satirical take on the cult of celebrity chefs, and a very down-to-earth style humour. Not for people who are easily offended, but well worth a watch.'
A third viewer commented: 'It’s decent, often laugh out loud funny and eminently watchable. It doesn’t pretend to be a think piece, it’s just something to immerse yourself in.'
Erik Thompson on Playing an 'A**hole' Character
Ahead of the show's finale in 2022, actor Erik Thompson, 58, admitted he loved playing the 'a**hole' character after years of acting in heavy dramas. He told The Western Australian: 'Playing a mildly complicated affable father role is something I have done a lot of, and I think if I had done it again I think myself and my audience would die of boredom. I really loved how different this character was and how bold he was – he says what is on his mind. He is an a**hole but in the context of a comedy I think it’s alright… I think he will just be this person that people will love to hate.'
Context: Another Comedy Gem on BBC
The release of 'Aftertaste' on ITVX comes as BBC fans have been raving about another new comedy series, 'Small Prophets,' which premiered on BBC2 on February 9. Created by Mackenzie Crook and starring Pearce Quigley, this Manchester-set sitcom has been hailed as an 'absolute masterpiece' and 'British telly at its best.' Fans have praised its gentle, whimsical plot about a man creating prophetic beings in his garden shed to solve the mystery of his missing girlfriend.
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, described 'Small Prophets' as 'British comedy at its finest,' brimming with wit and wonder. This parallel highlights a strong period for comedy programming across British streaming platforms.
'Aftertaste' is now available to stream for free on ITVX, offering viewers a chance to experience this critically acclaimed series that combines sharp satire with laugh-out-loud moments.
