Boy Swallows Universe: Limited Series
Boy Swallows Universe is an Australian coming of age television miniseries for Netflix based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Trent Dalton. Set in 1980s Brisbane, the story revolves around Eli Bell, a precocious and working-class youth, and his selectively mute brother. The narrative follows their suburban odyssey of love, redemption, and retribution after their family is torn apart by a drug lo
Season 1 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- The series is set in the suburbs of 1980s Brisbane.
- The story centers on a precocious young boy and his selectively mute brother.
- The family faces looming dangers and is torn apart by a drug lord.
- The working-class youth enters Brisbane's underworld on an odyssey of love, redemption, and retribution.
Season overview
Boy Swallows Universe is an Australian coming of age television miniseries for Netflix based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Trent Dalton. Set in 1980s Brisbane, the story revolves around Eli Bell, a precocious and working-class youth, and his selectively mute brother. The narrative follows their suburban odyssey of love, redemption, and retribution after their family is torn apart by a drug lord. As the brothers grow up in the suburbs, the young boy faces the harsh realities of life and the looming dangers that threaten his family, entering Brisbane's underworld. The series is produced by Andrew Mason and Troy Lum, written by John Collee, and stars Simon Baker, Travis Fimmel, Bryan Brown, and Phoebe Tonkin across its running time of 404 minutes.
Episode Guide
Season 1 Progress Shield
Boy Smells Rat
Jan 11, 2024 · 56 min
Eli starts the day with a turbulent driving lesson from Slim. School bullies confront Eli with a challenge, but a teacher catches them in the act.
Boy Gets Chop
Jan 11, 2024 · 52 min
Lyle shows Eli and Gus around his workplace and introduces them to his boss, Tytus Broz. Later, a surprise visit to Eli's house leads to trouble.
Run Boy Run
Jan 11, 2024 · 49 min
Frankie gets herself in trouble for protecting her sons. Eli searches for a way back home to look for his stepdad — and his missing stash.
Boy Loses Dad
Jan 11, 2024 · 57 min
Caitlyn continues investigating Lyle's disappearance. Accompanied by police, the school's guidance counselor checks on the boys.
Boy Takes Flight
Jan 11, 2024 · 57 min
Eli asks for a big favor from Slim's old acquaintance and comes across a major clue about Lyle's disappearance.
Boy Seeks Work
Jan 11, 2024 · 55 min
Eli and Gus show Frankie what they've planned for their future. Later, Eli attempts to get a job as a journalist at the local paper.
Boy Meets End
Jan 11, 2024 · 78 min
Eli finds an unlikely source for a story to submit to The Courier-Mail. New evidence leads Caitlyn to uncover the truth about the criminal underworld.