Boring

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Blistering performances.

I really see no appeal to this show, it's a struggle for me to watch when I'm forced to. I remember watching it a lot when I was a kid, but that's because back then there were three channels, we couldn't get TV3 and TV1 was pretty bad reception.The show is repetitive and, personally, boring. When forced to watch it, I know what's going to happen because I can almost always say "This happened ten years ago," and it will have, except with different characters... well, sometimes it's the same characters.Also, sadly, there are often untalented actors. But that can almost be excusable, as there is admittedly little public outlet for actors in New Zealand to hone their skills.In all, I feel that the show is rather cheap. So I guess if you want to watch something with limited quality, and you didn't watch the show already a few years ago, you can give it a shot, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Shortland Street isn't that bad of a TV program, I mean it can't be as bad as some of the soaps that come out of the US. OK, so the plots are a bit cheesy, but isn't that the point of soaps, to have unrealistic cheesy plots??? You have to give Shortland Street some credits, their plots are almost realistic (except maybe for the plot involving crazy Dom attempting to murder half the cast).If you want to watch trash TV while in NZ, watch Shortland Street, its good for a laugh and despite what other people may have said, its not that bad and is funnily enough, quite addictive. Anyways, just watch a few episodes and form your own opinion :) Ciao

In response to genau's sour and sarcastic comments, much of the acting on 'Shortland Street' is remarkably good. Given how cheaply and quickly the series is produced, the standard of performance has always been very high. 'Shortland Street' has given significant employment to many actors who have later gone on to further their careers in film and television in New Zealand, Australia and beyond. The current cast is particularly capable but quality acting on soap operas is seldom acknowledged. The series continues to rate highly with a broad audience and is established as a New Zealand institution. Too many New Zealanders love this show for genau's silly comments to stand unchallenged.

Shorties is certainly not the worst soap ever made, in fact it's pretty good. The writers try to keep their heads up and usually do a fair job. As a Kiwi I am much happier watching this rather than any of the terrible American soaps, that's for sure. Spookily this show often manages to be very current with issues, despite being made 6 months prior to screening. Anyway, it could be a lot worse and at least doesn't moralise as heavily as other soaps.