Netflix’s new Australian comedy Son of a Donkey arrived on October 30, 2025, bringing the chaotic energy of creators Theodore and Nathan Saidden to a global audience. The six-episode series follows Theo as he battles fines, family blow-ups, and a father with failing kidneys. If you’re a fan of the Saidden brothers’ previous work, like Superwog, you’ll recognize their signature loud, sketch-adjacent humor. This guide breaks down exactly who plays whom in this hilarious new show.
The Main Duo: Theo and Johnny
At the heart of the show are the two characters played by the Saidden brothers, who also created, wrote, and directed the series.
Theodore Saidden plays Theo, a young man who leaves home seeking independence but quickly finds adult life overwhelming. He is slapped with massive fines, gets involved in scams, and struggles with his complicated family relationships. Theo is determined to save his impounded car, a 1988 Twincam he calls his “baby girl,” while navigating his father’s demanding expectations.
Nathan Saidden plays two key roles: Johnny, Theo’s best friend and partner-in-crime, and Dad, Theo’s unpredictable father. Johnny is loyal to a fault, joining Theo in every chaotic scheme, from trying to get their old fast-food jobs back to meeting a sketchy billionaire. Meanwhile, Dad is a central source of the show’s tension; his dumpster diving for food leads to serious health issues, and he begins a desperate hunt for a new kidney, with his son firmly in his sights.
Key Supporting Characters
The series is populated with a vibrant cast of characters who add to the comedy and chaos.
Loraine Fabb plays Grandma. She serves as a steady, loving presence and a voice of reason amid the turmoil. Her character provides a grounding force for Theo and Johnny, often telling them exactly what she thinks of their antics.
Matthew Crosby appears as Psychiatrist Phil, the therapist Theo never wanted but definitely needs. He gets pulled into the family’s drama, providing a quirky, offbeat perspective on Theo’s attempts to grow up and deal with his issues.
Daniel Reader plays Brad “The Built Man”, a typical tough guy who acts as a pumped-up foil to Theo. He brings plenty of laughs, often at his own expense.
Toby Derrick takes on the role of Douchebag Dave, a smug antagonist who pops up to make life more difficult for Theo and Johnny. He is the character you love to hate.
Sotiris Tzelios appears as the Cosmetic Surgeon, a deadpan medic who gets involved in the story of Theo’s mother as she considers cosmetic procedures.
Sara Ellis Holland and Christopher Farrell play Police Officer 2 and a Police Officer, respectively. They are the law enforcement figures who frequently cross paths with Theo, usually when he’s in trouble over fines or roadside drama.
The Story and Setting
Son of a Donkey is set in Melbourne and was produced by Princess Pictures with support from VicScreen. The series consists of six episodes, each running between 21 and 28 minutes. The story finds Theo trying to pay off massive fines to save his car from being impounded, while simultaneously dealing with his father’s failing health and his mother’s contemplation of divorce. The tone is loud, absurd, and full of culture-clash humor.
The show brings the Saidden brothers’ unique brand of comedy from their popular YouTube channel to a broader Netflix audience. In a press release, Theodore and Nathan Saidden said:
“We’re so happy to announce our new show with Netflix. This will be the wildest show we’ve ever made. There’s new characters, bigger ideas, more action, more craziness. It’s just so exciting to be working with a service that puts us on screens all around the world.”
Netflix ANZ content lead Que Minh Luu described the show as “a heady mix of absurd satire, laughs and profanity that delivers a uniquely Australian type of show.”
Fan Reactions and Reviews
Since its release, the show has sparked a range of reactions from viewers. Fans of the Saiddens’ previous work have largely embraced the series. One audience review called it “my fav comedy series,” adding that it “does not dissapoint at all and its so funny.” Another viewer noted it has “good story beats, overall pacing was solid and the ending was satisfying.”
However, some critics felt the humor was not for everyone. One review stated that while the show has character arcs and a satisfying journey, it was “completely overshadowed by the worst comedy that includes some of the most on the nose references I’ve ever seen.” Another critic wrote they “didn’t find any of what we saw in Son Of A Donkey funny,” finding the home life scenes “sad and tragic” rather than humorous.
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