The ABC, Screen Australia and the Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF) have announced two new children's series at the Australian Children's Content Summit in Coffs Harbour. Animated sit-com Happy House, supported by VicScreen, and live-action comedy Caper Crew, supported by Screen NSW, will be coming to the ABC from 2026.
In Caper Crew, Amelia and Kai Delaney's quiet lives are upended when their con-artist Grandmother Queenie mysteriously turns up, teaching them the art of the grift – sparking their hunt for the priceless Woodspring Nug. This is the first children's series from acclaimed production company Easy Tiger. Set up director is Guy Edmonds (Hardball), joined by directors Stef Smith (It's Fine, I'm Fine) and Shelly Lauman (Birdie). The series is written by Keith Thompson (Lockie Leonard), Matthew Whittet (Heartbreak High), Amy Stewart (Beep and Mort), Jack Yabsley (Gold Diggers) and Erica Harrison (Gold Diggers).
Happy House is set in a world where internet-famous animals are the creators of their own adorable viral content. The series follows a crew of teen animal content creators as they navigate friendships, rivalries and awkward crushes, all while juggling the pressures of being teens in the digital age. Happy House is co-created and written by Alix Beane (Surviving Summer) and Marisa Nathar (Rock Island Mysteries), with animation by 12field Animation and directed by Kelly Lynagh (The Flamin' Thongs). Produced by Media World Pictures.
ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins said, "The ABC is proud to deliver on our commitment to world-class children's stories and we're delighted to bring these original series to the screen. Happy House dives into content-creator culture with sharp humour and fun, and Caper Crew brings mystery and mayhem with a uniquely Australian quirkiness."
ACTF Head of Content Bernadette O'Mahony said, "These two projects are fresh, clever and original and are set to become family favourites. Happy House is a hilarious and whip-smart animation that kids will relate to, while Caper Crew is a quirky and comedy led live-action series that will keep audiences guessing. Both series are high on laughs and will resonate with audiences here and globally."
Screen Australia's Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, "We're excited to support Easy Tiger's first foray into Children's content with Caper Crew, a live action series full of adventure and heart, set to captivate kids and parents alike. Media World Pictures' animation Happy House offers a timely look at happiness in a contemporary online world, in a fun and adorable way. These series will extend the canon of high-quality Australian stories for children here and around the world."
Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, "Screen NSW is thrilled to support Easy Tiger bring Caper Crew, their first foray into children's content, to the ABC. Through the Made in NSW - TV Drama Fund, Screen NSW are dedicated to creating a pipeline of high-end Australian content and generating new opportunities for NSW creatives, and we are excited to see where this standout creative team, led by executive producers Ian Collie and Rob Gibson, will take this story. Caper Crew is set to be a charming and whimsical mystery, with a sense of Australian nostalgia that is sure to delight children and adults alike."
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, "Happy House is an imaginative and hilarious animated series with internet-famous animals that will delight young viewers. VicScreen is proud to support the creative team at Media World Pictures (Little J & Big Cuz) and the Victorian screen industry to bring another quality children's show to Australian audiences."
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The Caper Crew cast in pre-production (L-R: Isabella Zhang, Caitlin Niemotko, Luka Sero and Tevita Hau), photo by Lisa Tomasetti.
Production credits:
Happy House is a Media World Pictures production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia, ABC and the Australian Children's Television Foundation. Financed in association with VicScreen. Distribution by the Australian Children's Television Foundation. Co-created and written by Alix Beane and Marisa Nathar. Animation by 12field Animation. Directed by Kelly Lynagh. Producer: Carmel McAloon. Executive Producers: Colin South, Carmel McAloon, Alix Beane and Marisa Nathar.
Caper Crew is an Easy Tiger production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia, ABC and the Australian Children's Television Foundation. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Distribution by the Australian Children's Television Foundation. Set up director Guy Edmonds, directors Stef Smith and Shelly Lauman. Written by Keith Thompson, Matthew Whittet, Amy Stewart, Jack Yabsley and Erica Harrison. Script Producer: Keith Thompson, Guy Edmonds. Series Producer: Yingna Lu. Executive Producers: Ian Collie, Rob Gibson.
