Review: HBO's Summer Heights High

Summer Heights High has earned rave reviews in its home country of Australia, as well as overseas in the United Kingdom. Now, HBO is bringing Chris Lilley's mockumentary stateside, where it will undoubtedly push the envelope of what is considered culturally acceptable on this side of the Atlantic.

Fans of another HBO import, Little Britain, are likely to be attracted to the show's similar brand of humor. The show's creator, Lilley, also plays a huge role in the fake high school documentary, taking on the characters of the show's three main stars: private school exchange student Ja'ime King, drama teacher Mr. G, and the troubled Polynesian student Johah Takalua.

Summer Heights High has a surprisingly well-crafted story arc that will keep you interested throughout the series entire run. Lilley's portrayal of the three distinct characters is also quite impressive, as he touches on many of the issues and situations that high school students face in a comedic light.

One of the things that clearly sets this series apart from American comedies is a lack of political correctness and cultural sensitivity. Summer Heights High pokes fun at everyone from foreigners to homosexuals to the mentally retarded and everyone else in between. If you're not accustomed to British and Australian humor, this may cause you to raise your eyebrows and ask yourself, "Did he really just say THAT?"

Yes, he did say that, and it was extremely funny, if you're thick-skinned enough to walk the halls of Summer Heights High.

Be sure to catch the show's U.S. premiere on Sunday November 9 at 10:30pm ET/PT.