Viewers have described the series as “criminally overlooked” as well as “captivating and powerful”, while critics have lauded it as a “dark, glittering gem” and “wickedly funny”

As darkly funny crime dramas go, Breaking Bad is often cited as the best ever.

But there’s a “hidden gem” some viewers claim is even better than Vince Gilligan’s multi-award winning show. And critics have been just as effusive in their praise, describing the series as “tremendous”, commending the writing, directing and acting.

Australian show Mr Inbetween is a character-driven crime drama that’s action-packed, thrilling, tense, touching and hilarious at various individual points – so it’s easy to see why it’s been compared to Breaking Bad.

Now, fans of the hit American series are being urged to watch the lesser-known Aussie programme, which is three seasons long and available to stream – or binge – in full, on Disney Plus.

First aired in 2018, Mr Inbetween follows Ray Shoesmith, a hitman and ‘fixer’ in Sydney’s criminal underworld. When he’s not busy killing people, collecting debts or trafficking drugs, Ray has to juggle his parental responsibilities with his relationship and caring for his terminally ill brother.

Mr Inbetween stars Scott Ryan (l), its creator and writer, in the lead role ( 
Image:
Fox Showcase)
The show somehow manages to be funny, despite its often dark subject matter. Scott Ryan, the show’s creator, developed the series from his 2005 movie The Magician. He plays the lead role, delivering a deadpan, understated performance as Ray, who works to a very clear code of ethics.

It has an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Debi Enker, from The Age, called the show “a dark, glittering gem” while The Hollywood Reporter’s Tim Goodman said: “The secret sauce of Mr Inbetween that’s essential is that the show is funny. You can’t have a dark heart like this without leavening it with humour.” Ben Travers, from indieWire, described it as “smart, wickedly funny”

Every episode of the show is directed by Nash Edgerton, brother of Hollywood star Joel. The Australian’s Graeme Blundell wrote: “Edgerton, as director, achieves a delicate counterpoint between the ironic and the gruesome, no easy task – it is really very funny.”

Viewers are just as complimentary. On Rotten Tomatoes, Shaun R wrote of the show: “Outstanding in how it seamlessly combines genuinely funny moments with moments of tragedy and violence. A great character who is realistically casual yet deadly.”

Tim K insists it is “easily the best Aussie show ever made and among the best series of all time” while an anonymous reviewer says it’s “the best TV series to ever come out of Australia”, adding that it’s “criminal that more people don’t know about this show”.

Scott Ryan plays Ray Shoesmith, a hitman and fixer in Sydney’s criminal underworld ( 
Image:
Fox Showcase)
On Reddit, one viewer wrote: “One of, if not the it the best television series ever. Perfect with zero fat and zero filler. I consider it better than Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul and I love those.”

Several fans described it as a “hidden gem”, telling how they had binged it in a matter of days. Writing on Reddit, another viewer praised the show’s “brilliant” finale. They added: “In any given episode, it can veer from dark to funny to tragic to adrenaline-inducing.”

And it seems those who are just discovering the show are keen for others to share their experience. On X, Con_William last month said: “If you haven’t yet seen Mr Inbetween, do yourself a favour and check it out. Brilliant show.” On March 1, Andrew Clark wrote: Anyone looking for a TV hidden gem should try Mr Inbetween – it’s absolutely superb. Just finished all 3 seasons.”

Mr Inbetween has been compared to Breaking Bad ( 
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LFI/PhotoshotAlso on X, GmanLives said in February: Mr Inbetween is without a doubt one of the best TV series to ever come out of Australia. Easily one of the most bingeable shows ever made as well.”

A month earlier, Eliot Ranch wrote: If you’re looking for an amazing TV show to watch, Mr Inbetween is criminally overlooked. Amazing talent from @nashedgerton and Scott Ryan. It’s some of the best storytelling I’ve seen in years. Be prepared to have your emotions carted round the houses though. Oof.”

Josey Wales, posting last month, simply said: “If you haven’t seen the show Mr Inbetween you’re missing out.”

Mr Inbetween consists of three seasons. Each episode is shorter than 30 minutes. It’s available to stream now on Disney Plus