Ada Nya Begini: Why Are You Like This Cast? & Character Guide

Why Are You Like This? focuses on Gen Z culture, so who are the main players? The Australian TV show released on Netflix in April 2021 and follows three roommates who seek love and happiness in Melbourne. Why Are You Like This? was created by Humyara Mahbub and Naomi Higgins, in collaboration with Aunty Donna's Mark Bonanno.

The premise for Why Are You Like This? is based on the real-life friendship between Mahbu and Higgins. The situational comedy stems from the different life perspectives of the female leads, and how they relate (or don't) to the highs and lows of their gay male roommate. Why Are You Like This? is both a celebration and criticism of the Gen Z generation, as the series was inspired by the creators' negative experiences with social media and extremely online individuals.

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The Why Are You Like This? main cast features Higgins as a fictionalized version of herself, while up-and-coming actress Olivia Junkeer portrays a stand-in for Mahbub. The Netflix show doesn't necessarily have one big name from pop culture, though the situational humor will likely resonate with the targeted demographic. Actress Lara Robinson thrives in a small but hilarious supporting role, and Higgins is a real-life stand-up comedian who demonstrates extraordinary comedic timing while portraying the highly self-aware Penny. Here's a cast and character guide for Why Are You Like This?

Naomi Higgins As Penny

Naomi Higgins stars as Penny, a straight white feminist who aggressively pushes her opinions on friends and work colleagues. She means well but favors politically correct behavior over being her true self. Higgins portrayed Sacha in Utopia and Maddison in YOLO: Crystal Fantasy.

Olivia Junkeer As Mia

Olivia Junkeer co-stars as Mia, a bisexual South Asian woman who mostly looks after herself. She appreciates Penny's intentions but often makes her feel like an outsider. Junkeer made her TV debut as Yashvi Rebecchi in Erinsborough High and reprised her role in Neighbours.

Wil King As Austin

Wil King rounds out the main cast as Austin, a drag queen who struggles to find his place in the world. King makes his TV debut in Why Are You Like This? He previously wrote, produced, and starred in the 2017 short film Fragile.

The Why Are You Like This? Supporting Cast & Characters

Lara Robinson as Maddie in Why Are You Like This?

Lara Robinson (above) as Maddie: Mia's co-worker who is trained to lure and manipulate thirsty men. Lara Robinson portrayed Abby/Lucinda in Knowing and Edwina Bright in Upper Middle Bogan.

Lawrence Leung as Daniel: Penny's coworker who is accused of being homophobic but secretly had a sexual encounter with Austin. Lawrence Leung portrayed Dr. Elvis Kwan in Offspring and Nate in Top of the Lake.

Rik Brown as Richard: Penny's boss who is extorted by Mia. Rik Brown portrayed Josh in LoveStuck: The Improvised Feature Project and Wrong Hole Wally in How to Stay Married.

Dailin Gabrielle as Amira: A Muslim woman who is bullied by Mia because of her personality. Dailin Gabrielle portrayed Mellori in Little Raven and Maci in The Safe Zone.

Ra Chapman as Alma Chen: An entrepreneur who experiences the wrath of cancel culture in episode 6. Ra Chapman portrayed Jessica in Knowing and Kim Chang in Wentworth.

Tiama Martina as Grace: Mia's romantic interest in episode 3 who is described as a "race traitor." Tiama Martina portrayed Yasmin Yilmaz in Playing for Keeps and Sabrina in Get Krack!n.

Why Are You Like This? originally premiered in February 2021 on the Australian network ABC TV Plus.

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