Bingles


Bingles is an Australian sitcom which screened on Network 10 from 5 December 1992 until 13 June 1993. It is set in a suburban smash repair workshop called Bingles owned by Ron Bignell.

Production

The sitcom was conceived by Ian McFadyen in 1989 and intended to be a vehicle for the male cast members of The Comedy Company. Network 10 brought the show and it went into production in August 1991. Filming on 23 episodes was completed in August 1992. McFadyen said most of the episodes centre on Ron Bignell's attempts to get his staff to work.
Bingles is a play on the word bingle, which is Australian slang for a minor crash or upset. Network Ten commissioned a second series of 13 episodes before the first series had gone to air, however the series was not very successful. Bingles aired during the Summer non-ratings period in a Saturday 8pm timeslot. Raymond Gill of The Age said the scheduling "does not inspire confidence in the program."

Cast

Reception

Robert Fidgeon of the Herald Sun named Bingles as one of "Australia's All-time Top 50 TV Turkeys". He stated "Unfunny sitcom set in a mechanic's garage, with Shane Bourne, Russell Gilbert, Nick Bufalo and Tammy Macintosh. Thirteen episodes made, a further 13 were ordered before the first 13 were screened and died."