ABC and Screen Australia are pleased to announce the commission of a bold, new psychological drama Significant Others. Set to air in 2022 on ABC TV and ABC iview, the six-part series is created by award-winning writer Tommy Murphy (Holding the Man, Devil’s Playground). Produced by Fremantle Australia with finance support from Screen NSW, Significant Others tells the intriguing story of a single mother who fails to return from her morning swim, leaving behind two teenagers and a fractured family searching for clues in the rubble of the catastrophe. Putting the pieces together is the awakening that threatens to tear this family apart.
Working alongside Tommy Murphy are some of Australia’s most respected writers including; Sue Smith (Brides of Christ, Saving Mr Banks), Louise Fox (Glitch, Broadchurch), Niki Aken (The Hunting), Blake Ayshford (Mystery Road) and Vonne Patiag (The Unusual Suspects). The series will be executive produced by Chris Oliver-Taylor (Glitch) and Justin Davies (Beautiful People). ABC Executive producers are Louise Smith and Sally Riley. Acclaimed producer Matt Reeder (Hearts & Bones) is series producer.
“Significant Others is a character-driven series with an undertow of intrigue. It follows a family tearing each other apart over a missing loved-one. It is equally about how they put themselves back together. I am thrilled to be working with such an experienced, brilliant team on this story.” Tommy Murphy, creator and writer commented.
“We’re proud to support this original, moving drama from Tommy Murphy, together with some of the country’s top writers and the exceptional team at Fremantle. Exploring fractured family dynamics in the wake of a devastating tragedy, I’m confident Significant Others will engage viewers on the ABC and find a global audience.” Screen Australia’s Head of Content Sally Caplan commented.
“It is our absolute pleasure to be working with Tommy Murphy on this captivating drama that provides surprising and often sideways insights into grief, family and loss. We are proud to be uniting with our production partners to bring Significant Others to ABC audiences next year.” ABC Head of Drama, Comedy & Indigenous Sally Riley commented.
“Significant Others is a triumphant, edge of your seat series full of intrigue and suspense about a very contemporary family scrambling to rebuild from catastrophe. Beautifully crafted by Tommy Murphy, we are excited to work with our broadcast partner in Australia, the ABC and Fremantle International to see the series come to life in 2022.” Executive producers, Chris Oliver-Taylor, CEO Asia Pacific Fremantle and Justin Davies commented.