The Artful Dodger (2023 TV series)

Did You Know?

• Brodie-Sangster and Mitchell read historical case files and consulted medical experts to prepare for their roles.
• The first scene Mitchell and Brodie-Sangster shot together was an intimate scene from the last episode.
• In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the first series premiered on 17 January 2024 on Disney+.

Synopsis

In 1850s Australia, Jack Dawkins, a former Royal Navy surgeon, has built a respectable life. When his old acquaintance Norbert Fagin resurfaces, Jack is forced back into crime. He forms a bond with Lady Belle Fox, the governor's daughter who aspires to be a surgeon, as his past threatens his new beginning.

Cast and characters

Thomas Brodie-Sangster plays Dr Jack Dawkins, the former pickpocket known as the Artful Dodger, who became a surgeon after being busted out of prison and seconded to the Royal Navy. Finn Treacy guest stars as the young Dodger in flashbacks. David Thewlis portrays Norbert Fagin, Jack's former surrogate father and a convicted thief transported to Port Victory. Maia Mitchell plays Lady Belle Fox, the governor's strong-willed daughter who studies medical literature and wants Jack to train her as a surgeon. Damon Herriman appears as Captain Lucien Gaines, the colony's cruel commander. Tim Minchin plays Darius Cracksworth, the corrupt harbour master. Luke Bracey joins in season 2 as Inspector Henry Boxer, who investigates murders. Miranda Tapsell plays Frances 'Red' Scrubbs, a wanted criminal. Other cast members include Luke Carroll as Tim Billiberllary, Kym Gyngell as Professor Alistair McGregor, Vivienne Awosoga as Hetty Baggett, Nicholas Burton as Dr Rainsford Sneed, Susie Porter as Lady Jane Fox, Damien Garvey as Governor Edmund Fox, Lucy-Rose Leonard as Lady Fanny Fox, Jessica De Gouw as Peggy Gaines, Andrea Demetriades as Marianne Cracksworth, Albert Latailakepa as Aputi Savea, and Justin Smith as Tinkler Duckett.

Production

The series was developed by James McNamara, David Maher, and David Taylor, announced in 2022, and co-produced by Curio Pictures and Beach Road Pictures. Jo Porter executive produces for Curio Pictures, with David Maher and David Taylor for Beach Road Pictures; Ross Allsop is series producer. Writers for the first season include McNamara, Andrew Knight, Vivienne Walshe, and Dan Knight; directors include Jeffrey Walker, Corrie Chen, and Gracie Otto. The second series, renewed in November 2024, brought back McNamara and Dan Knight as writers, with new writers Kate Mulvany and Miranda Tapsell; Gracie Otto returned to direct alongside Ben Young and Ben C. Lucas. Filming for the first series took place from November 2022 to March 2023 in Sydney, including a former psychiatric hospital precinct, Elizabeth Farm, Rookwood Cemetery, Callan Park, and Cape Banks. The second series filmed from February to May 2025 at Callan Park.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds a 92% approval rating from 25 critics. Luke Buckmaster of The Guardian gave it four stars, calling it darkly comedic with wild energy. Maggie Lovitt of Collider praised the cast, costumes, score, and story. Dan Einav of The Financial Times highlighted Thewlis's scene-stealing performance and Brodie-Sangster's casting.