A Glowing Review: Why Westside is One of the Best Kiwi Shows Ever Made

 

If you haven’t yet discovered Westside, drop everything and start watching right now. This New Zealand gem is an absolute delight — a hilarious, heartfelt, and ridiculously entertaining ride through 1970s and 80s Auckland that somehow manages to be both wildly funny and deeply charming at the same time.

Created as a prequel to the legendary Outrageous Fortune, Westside follows the early days of the West family — specifically the smooth-talking safe-cracker Ted West (David de Lautour) and his fiery, no-nonsense wife Rita (Antonia Prebble). Together with their lovable rogue mates like Lefty and Bert, they navigate a world of petty crime, family chaos, dodgy deals, and pure Westie energy.What Makes It So Brilliant

Funny as Hell

The writing is razor-sharp and packed with laugh-out-loud moments. The show perfectly balances cheeky humour, clever one-liners, and outrageous situations without ever feeling forced. Whether it’s Ted’s latest hare-brained criminal scheme or Rita’s take-no-prisoners attitude, you’ll be grinning (or properly belly-laughing) almost every episode.

Incredibly Charming

Beneath the crime and chaos is a show with real heart. The characters are flawed, messy, and completely human — and that’s exactly why you fall in love with them. The warmth and loyalty within this ragtag group of friends and family is genuinely endearing. It’s the kind of show that makes you wish you could jump through the screen and join them for a beer at the local.

Outstanding Acting

The performances are top-tier across the board.

• Antonia Prebble is an absolute force of nature as Rita — fierce, funny, sexy, and vulnerable all at once. She carries the show brilliantly.
• David de Lautour brings massive charm and likeability to Ted, making you root for a career criminal.
• The entire supporting cast (especially Dan Musgrove as Lefty and Pana Hema Taylor as Bert) are phenomenal. Every single actor feels perfectly cast, and the chemistry between them is electric.

Lovable Characters

This is the show’s secret weapon. By the end of the first season, you’ll be fully invested in every single member of the West crew. They’re chaotic, morally grey, and endlessly entertaining — but you can’t help but adore them.

Add in the spot-on period detail, killer 70s soundtrack, and that unmistakable gritty-yet-beautiful Auckland vibe, and you’ve got television comfort food of the highest order.Final VerdictWestside is funny, charming, addictive, and full of heart. It’s easily one of the most rewatchable New Zealand shows ever made. Whether you’re after big laughs, emotional moments, or just a brilliant cast doing what they do best, this series delivers on every level.

Rating: 9.5/10

Do yourself a favour and binge it. You’ll thank me later.

Have you watched Westside yet? Who’s your favourite character — Rita, Ted, or one of the crew? Let me know in the comments!