Sunny Nights: Will Forte and D’Arcy Carden Light Up Australia’s Crime-Comedy Scene

In the crowded landscape of streaming comedies, Sunny Nights stands out for its deft blend of crime, humor, and heartfelt sibling drama. Starring Will Forte and D’Arcy Carden—two American imports with a knack for quick-witted banter—the Stan Original series invites viewers to Sydney, where the sun isn’t the only thing that burns. The story follows Martin (Forte), a straight-laced everyman reeling from a recent divorce, and his irreverent sister Vicki (Carden), as they try to turn their spray tan startup, Tansform, into an empire. But in the land of opportunity, their pursuit of success quickly gets tangled in Sydney’s criminal underworld, and nothing is as simple as it first appears.

Directed by Trent O’Donnell, a staple of Australian comedy (notably No Activity), and created by Nick Keetch and Ty Freer, the series is both a celebration of outsider ambition and a playful riff on classic crime tropes. From the rundown motel that lends the show its title to the eccentric parade of loan sharks and gangsters, Sunny Nights revels in its outlandishness—deliberately leaning into cartoonish, larger-than-life villains that feel lifted straight from the genre’s playbook. Rachel House shines as Mony, the local crime boss, injecting the ensemble with extra energy and sly humor (News SSBCrack).

What makes Sunny Nights truly sing is the chemistry between Forte and Carden. Forte’s Martin is a man beset by doubts and questionable choices, while Carden’s Vicki is a whirlwind of brassy enthusiasm and comic timing. Their sibling dynamic anchors the show, giving depth to the chaos around them. It’s a classic formula—two people in over their heads, scrambling to stay afloat—but Forte and Carden’s performances elevate it beyond mere farce. Moments like Martin’s awkward confession of love (met with Vicki’s deadpan “Ew, I’m your sister”) would be flat on paper, yet on screen they’re pure gold (The Guardian).

Filming began in Sydney in mid-2024, with Forte relocating his family for three months to soak in the local atmosphere. The move wasn’t just professional; it was personal. Forte describes the experience as life-changing, finding kinship with Carden and the Australian cast, and falling in love with the city’s familiar-yet-new energy. “Looking back, it is the greatest decision of my life,” Forte told Rolling Stone AU/NZ. The production’s positive energy seems to have spilled over into the performances, creating a sense of camaraderie that’s palpable on screen.

Structurally, Sunny Nights stretches the sitcom format, opting for hour-long episodes that allow both comedic and dramatic beats to breathe. The show’s pacing sometimes meanders, but the longer format gives room for character development—Martin’s gradual acceptance of his flaws and Vicki’s relentless optimism—and for the tension to build as the siblings’ business ambitions draw them deeper into trouble. While the criminal elements are exaggerated, they serve as a backdrop for exploring more nuanced themes: family loyalty, self-worth, and the search for belonging in a new land (News SSBCrack).

In terms of reception, Sunny Nights debuted alongside a slate of holiday programming on December 25, 2025, in Australia. Though not topping the ratings charts against perennial favorites like Love Actually or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, the series has found a dedicated audience drawn to its offbeat charm and unique perspective (TV Tonight). The show’s reach is promising, and with streaming platforms favoring bingeable, character-driven series, its chances for a second season look bright—especially given the unresolved cliffhanger Forte hints at in interviews.

For Forte, who made his mark as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live and later in cult favorites like The Last Man on Earth, Sunny Nights represents both a return to form and a leap forward. He’s long been celebrated for his quirky, scene-stealing roles, but this series lets him flex his dramatic muscles without losing the comedic edge. As he reflects, “I probably would have done it earlier, but I don’t think anybody would ever think of me in that way. I just got really lucky.” His humility is genuine—and perhaps that’s what makes his performances so relatable, even when the stakes are as absurd as escaping a gangster in a spray-tan van.

Carden, too, brings fresh energy to the Australian screen. Her Vicki is bold, loud, and unapologetically herself, a perfect foil to Forte’s more reserved Martin. Their rapport gives the show emotional weight, keeping it from tipping into pure slapstick. Supporting cast members, including Jessica De Gouw and former NRL star Willie Mason, round out the ensemble, contributing to the show’s blend of local flavor and international appeal.

As the series continues to stream on Stan, the buzz is building—not just for the clever writing and sharp performances, but for the possibility of seeing more of Martin and Vicki’s misadventures. Forte himself is open to returning, though logistics may be tricky with family and school schedules. But as he says, “Australia brought out the best in all of us. Darcy and I talk about it all the time, just like, ‘We could live there. Why don’t we move to Sydney?’” The city’s blend of the familiar and the new, the sun-soaked streets and looming shadows, is the perfect setting for a show that’s equal parts heart and hilarity.

Ultimately, Sunny Nights isn’t just another fish-out-of-water comedy. It’s a story about risk, reinvention, and finding light in unlikely places—even when you’re up against the odds. As the credits roll, you’re left wondering: in a world this unpredictable, who wouldn’t want to chase a little sunshine?

Analysis: By embracing both the comedic and crime elements, “Sunny Nights” delivers an entertaining portrait of sibling ambition against the backdrop of Sydney’s underbelly. The show’s success lies not just in its lively script or its star power, but in the genuine connection between its leads—a chemistry that elevates familiar tropes into fresh, engaging storytelling. Its future looks promising, especially if it continues to balance heart and humor with the unpredictable twists of its setting.