ABC Australia Commissions Bay of Fires Season Two

ABC Australia has ordered a second season of Bay of Fires from Archipelago Productions and Fremantle Australia.

Marta Dusseldorp will reprise her role as Stella Heikkinen, a single mother of two who is forced into witness protection and relocated to a remote Tasmanian town filled with suspicious, criminally inclined people. In season two, she sees a glimmer of hope as no one has tried to kill her for several months and she finds herself in a position of power.

Major production investment for the series comes from the ABC and Screen Australia, in association with Screen Tasmania and VicScreen. Fremantle handles international sales.

Joining Andrew Knight (The Artful Dodger, Rake, Jack Irish) and Max Dann (Siam Sunset, Spotswood, Dance Academy) on the writing team for season two are Romina Accurso (The Heights, Wellmania), Josephine Dee Barrett (Love Child, Wonderland) and Hannah Samuel (The PM’s Daughter).

“Garnering a legion of fans, in 2023, Bay of Fires was ABC’s number one Australian drama series,” said Rachel Okine, head of scripted at ABC. “Featuring an array of quirky characters, twisty plotlines and the stunning backdrop of the Tasmanian wilderness, we’re thrilled to be partnering once again with Marta and the teams at Archipelago and Fremantle. I can’t wait to share this new season with our audiences next year on ABC.”

Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Australia’s director of content, said, “We’re delighted to be diving back into the fiery brilliance of Bay of Fires and supporting a second season of this hugely popular series. With a stellar cast and crew at the helm, all set against the stunning scenery of North West Tasmania, season two promises even more entertaining twists, turns and hilarious plot developments.”

“Bay of Fires is a landmark Tasmanian series, and Screen Tasmania, on behalf of the Tasmanian Government, is proud to support the production of season two,” commented Alex Sangston, executive manager of Screen Tasmania. “The West Coast of Tasmania is a spectacular part of the world, and we’re delighted to be able to showcase it around the globe. We’re equally thrilled that this production will contribute so much to the Tasmanian economy and make a real impact to the community in regional Tasmania.”

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher added, “We’re proud to support the return of AACTA-nominated series Bay of Fires. The second season will continue to work with Victorian talent, both behind and in front of the camera, with over 120 Victorians working on the production. We can’t wait for audiences across the country to devour this new season.”