Photo Credit: Dave Choo
Last Wednesday evening, December 4, the cast and crew of the much-loved Stan Original Series Bump gathered at Mov’in Bed in Sydney’s Barangaroo to mark the beginning of the end of a show that has captured hearts across Australia. With its fifth and final season set to drop on Boxing Day, this was a bittersweet yet celebratory send-off for a series that has redefined family drama for a new generation of viewers.
The event, hosted under the summer stars, featured a double-episode screening and an engaging Q&A session led by the inimitable Dylan Alcott, whose lively banter with the cast, particularly Paula Garcia, kept the crowd entertained. Hundreds of fans attended, soaking up the atmosphere and celebrating the show that has become an emblem of Australian storytelling at its finest.
Photo Credit: Dave Choo
A Bittersweet Farewell
As the cast reflected on five seasons of storytelling, a sense of pride and gratitude permeated the evening. Claudia Karvan, a veteran of Australian television and a driving force behind the series, spoke with heartfelt emotion about what made Bump so special:
“It is Kelsey Munro and the writing team—Tim, Nick, Shanti, and all the writers we’ve had over the five seasons. Beautiful writing, a sense of place and authenticity, and a connection between the amazing cast. I feel like a very proud TV mum.”
For Karvan, who has worn multiple hats as both producer and cast member, the show’s enduring appeal is rooted in its ability to authentically capture the chaos, humour, and love of family life.
Angus Sampson, another standout performer on the series, echoed her sentiments, saying:
“I’m humbled to be a small part of this family. The fact that we’re doing it for five seasons, five years, is due to our beautiful audience, our incredible partners at Stan, and the amazing crew who turn up every day.”
Photo Credit: Dave Choo
From Surprise Baby to Final Farewell
The journey of Bump began in January 2021 when the first season premiered on Stan. The series introduced audiences to Oly (Nathalie Morris), a high-achieving teenage girl whose life takes an unexpected turn when she and her boyfriend, Santi (Carlos Sanson Jr.), both still at school, welcome a surprise baby.
The ripple effects of this life-changing event extended far beyond the young couple, pulling in an intricate web of interconnected family dynamics and friendships. Oly’s strict yet caring mother, Angie (Claudia Karvan), and her charmingly flawed father, Dom (Angus Sampson), were at the heart of this dynamic, offering comic relief and poignant moments as they navigated their evolving roles.
Following its highly successful debut, Bump continued to explore these complex relationships across Seasons 2, 3, and 4, earning a devoted fanbase. In June 2023, Stan expanded the Bump universe with the release of Year Of, a spin-off series exploring a new set of stories with a similar mix of heart and humour.
What to Expect in Season 5
The fifth and final season of Bump promises to deliver an emotional crescendo, with the show tackling even more family complexities. Themes of love, loss, and resilience take centre stage as the characters face new challenges, including babies and a heart-wrenching cancer storyline involving Claudia Karvan’s Angie.
As Karvan puts it, Bump’s strength lies in its authenticity and its ability to reflect the messy, beautiful realities of family life. This season will undoubtedly push those boundaries further, offering fans a deeply moving conclusion to a beloved series.
An All-Star Evening
The farewell event was attended by a who’s who of Bump stars, including Nathalie Morris, Carlos Sanson Jr., Claudia Karvan, Angus Sampson, Ava Cannon, Christian Byers, Paula Garcia, Steph Tisdell, Safia Arain, Ioane Sa’ula, Claudia Di Giusti, and Ryan Johnson. Co-creator Kelsey Munro and producers John and Dan Edwards, who have shepherded the show from its inception to its poignant conclusion, joined them.
The night’s highlight was undoubtedly the hilarious back-and-forth between Dylan Alcott and Paula Garcia during the Q&A. Fans were treated to behind-the-scenes anecdotes and heartfelt farewells, with laughter and tears shared by all.
The Legacy of Bump
Since its debut, Bump has resonated with audiences for its sharp writing, relatable characters, and a distinctly Australian voice. The show has become a cultural touchstone, exploring modern family dynamics with warmth, humour, and irreverence.
At its core, Bump is a story of growth for its characters and audience. It has shown the messy, unfiltered realities of parenthood, adolescence, and relationships, capturing the beauty and chaos of life in a way few series have managed.
A Grateful Goodbye
The final season, set to premiere with all episodes on Boxing Day, is both a farewell and a celebration of a show that has become a part of the family for many Australians.
So, prepare for tears, laughter, and one last ride with the characters you’ve come to love. The Bump finale promises to be the perfect send-off for a series that has redefined Australian television.
