Set in 1940s rural Australia, this series, produced by AACTA award-winner Lisa Shaunessy, explores the lives of individuals who’ve been marginalized, and thrust into positions of authority as men go off to fight in WWII. Here, we’ve everything you need to know about how to watch While the Men Are Away in the US for free.
Quick steps: How to watch While the Men Are Away in the US on SBS for free using a VPN
- Select a VPN service that is optimized for streaming. We recommend ExpressVPN or PIA VPN
- Download the VPN and connect to the Australian server.
- Log in to SBS.
- Find While the Men Are Away and stream it no matter where you are!
When does While the Men Are Away come out?
While the Men Are Away is scheduled to premiere in Australia on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 8:30 pm local time on SBS, and it will also be available for streaming on SBS On Demand.
Note to self: don't leave children in charge of a bank ✍️
— SBS On Demand (@SBSOnDemand) September 27, 2023
📺 While The Men Are Away | Now streaming pic.twitter.com/rhAJ2aQ6rk
Where to watch While the Men Are Away in the US for free?
To watch While the Men Are Away, a VPN is required because SBS is subject to geo-restrictions, limiting its availability to Australia due to content rights agreements. If you’re in the US and want to stream the show, you can do so by using a VPN and connecting it to an Australian server.
While the Men Are Away preview
During World War II, as men were away at war, two new recruits joined the Women’s Land Army and embarked on a training program that covered various aspects such as race relations, rural politics, farming practices, spirituality, sexuality, and personal development.
Watch While the Men Are Away trailer
Here’s the trailer that depicts the Women’s Land Army taking on missions independently. It begins by showing Australia at war, with women stepping into their own roles. Quickly, the trailer offers a glimpse of the upcoming adventures while men are away.
While the Men Are Away cast
Source: SBS
This series, produced by Lisa Shaunessy, is set in rural Australia during the 1940s. It follows individuals who typically haven’t had much power but now find themselves in charge while men are away in World War II. De Rossi plays Francesca, an Italian immigrant managing her husband’s farm. She’s joined by Gwen and Esther, city recruits from the Women’s Land Army, there to help with the farm’s apple harvest.
Together with others like Aboriginal farmhand Kathleen and conscientious objector Robert, they go through an intensive course on topics like race relations, rural politics, spirituality, sexuality, and personal development. The show, a queer and reimagined historical dramedy will be directed by Elissa Down, with Monica Zanetti directing one episode.
Here is the list of cast members:
- Michela De Rossi As Francesca
- Gemma Ward
- Tara Morice
- Anna Skellern As Dora
- Ella Scott Lynch
- Sacha Horler
- Bert LaBonté
- Benedict Hardie As Des
- Max McKenna
- Rebecca Massey As Brigadier Birdwood
- Jana Zvedeniuk As Esther
- Tony Llewellyn-Jones
- Matt Testro As Robert
- Jing Xuan Chan
- Sarah Woods As Mrs. Arnott
- Adam Marks As David Kleinberg
- James Makalintal As Community Hall Dancer
- Helen Chebatte
- Olga Olshansky As Eva
- Phoebe Grainer As Kathleen
- Googoorewon Knox
- Evan Stanhope
- Shaka Cook
- Warren Lee
- Katrina Foster
- Xavier Morris
While the Men Are Away episode release schedule
The season consists of 8 episodes, offering viewers a glimpse into the fictional world of the 1940s along with clever and witty dialogue. Here’s the episode schedule:
Season 1 Episode 1: Get Behind the Girl He Left Behind! – September 27, 2023
During the 1940s in Australia, with the men away fighting in WWII, Frankie assumes responsibility for her farm. To ensure its continued operation, she makes the choice to recruit the assistance of two urban residents.
Season 1 Episode 2: Furrowing the Führer’s Brow – September 27, 2023
With an insect infestation jeopardizing the apple crop, everyone’s assistance becomes crucial. Frankie endeavors to acquire pesticides, but she encounters a string of challenges along the way.
Season 1 Episode 3: God Speed the Plough and the Woman Who Drives It! – September 27, 2023
The group realizes that their personal emotional burdens can be just as formidable as societal patriarchal forces in hindering their journey toward self-discovery.
Season 1 Episode 4: She Talked! This Happened! – September 27, 2023
The gang confronts a significant ethical dilemma that contradicts their beliefs, leading them to understand that they must release the things that no longer benefit them in order to ensure their survival.
Season 1 Episode 5: Come and Join the Victory Harvest! – September 27, 2023
External influences endanger the newfound unity of the group, putting their resilience to the test and risking their division.
Season 1 Episode 6: Catch Him With His Panzers Down! – September 27, 2023
The group gains an understanding of a traditional manipulative tactic employed by the patriarchy and decides to utilize it, only to realize that the consequences for doing so are harsh.
Season 1 Episode 7: We’ve Always Despised Them, Now We Must Smash Them! – September 27, 2023
The group encounters a period of harmonious existence, giving them a glimpse of a better life. When this newfound peace is jeopardized, they come to the realization that it’s worth defending and fighting for.
Season 1 Episode 8: We Took the Hill, Come and Help Us Keep It! – September 27, 2023
With the war inching closer, the group faces difficulties in preserving their shared vision. Their time together leaves an enduring impact, and they are all transformed by the realization that they are not isolated in their journey.
What will happen in While the Men Are Away?
While the Men Are Away is a comedic and dramatic series set in 1940s Australia, where women take on the challenges of a depleted workforce during World War II. As the men are off fighting the war, the Women’s Land Army is formed to address the agricultural labor shortage.
The story follows two Women’s Land Army recruits, a draft dodger, and her Indigenous farmhand, who arrive in Australia. They are enlisted by an Italian immigrant to help manage the family farm in the fictional town of Bush. Throughout their stay, they undergo a unique course covering topics like race relations, rural politics, farming, spirituality, sexuality, and personal growth. The series also intertwines these personal journeys with significant historical events, such as the fall of Singapore and the bombing of Darwin.
The series, characterized by its irreverent and witty tone, explores the theme of individuals who typically lack power suddenly finding themselves in positions of authority and being compelled to adapt and take charge.
What is While the Men Are Away IMDb rating?
There is currently no IMDb rating available for While the Men Are Away at this time.
How are the fans reacting to While the Men Are Away on social media?
“Every time you read the two lines women were allowed in history books, it was always, ‘War was tragic, but we also had the time of our lives’.”
— VOTING YES Stephen A Russell 🌈 (@SARussellwords) September 22, 2023
My chat with @SBS #WhiletheMenAreAway showrunners about the paradox of war, queer joy and matriarchal power. https://t.co/OlQnQaiXqk
How are the critics reviewing While the Men Are Away?
Wenlei Ma, writing for The Guardian, praises While the Men Are Away for its refreshing and unconventional approach to storytelling set in 1940s Australia during World War II. Ma highlights the show’s dedication to bringing marginalized characters to the forefront, showcasing their experiences and challenges, which are often overlooked in traditional war narratives. The series, with its playful and witty narrative, explores the empowerment and complexities that arise when men are absent from their usual positions of power, allowing women to step into roles like newsreaders and farm proprietors. Ma particularly commends the exploration of LGBTQIA+ communities and the examination of traditional Australian masculinity, while also addressing issues of patriarchy, racism, and homophobia. Ultimately, Wenlei Ma concludes that While the Men Are Away is a series with real resonance and a fresh perspective, all delivered with a cheeky sense of humor.
Where else can I watch this show online?
You can watch While the Men Are Away online only on SBS.
What else can I watch on SBS?
FAQs
Is While the Men Are Away available on Netflix?
No, currently While the Men Are Away is not available on Netflix.
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