ABC Australia Commissions New Children’s Series

ABC, Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) have announced two new children’s series—Happy House and Caper Crew—that will be coming in 2026.

“These two projects are fresh, clever and original and are set to become family favorites,” said Bernadette O’Mahony, head of content at the ACTF. “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.”

From Media World Pictures with animation by 12field Animation, Happy House is set in a world where internet-famous animals are the creators of their own viral content. The series follows a group of teen content creators as they navigate friendships, rivalries and awkward crushes while juggling the pressures of being teenagers in the digital age. It is co-created and written by Alix Beane (Surviving Summer) and Marisa Nathar (Rock Island Mysteries). Kelly Lynagh (The Flamin’ Thongs) is directing.

In Caper Crew, from Easy Tiger, Amelia and Kai Delaney’s quiet lives are upended when their con artist grandmother mysteriously turns up and teaches them the art of the grift. Set-up director Guy Edmonds (Hardball) is 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).

“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,” said Jennifer Collins, director of screen at ABC. “Happy House dives into content creator culture with sharp humor and fun, and Caper Crew brings mystery and mayhem with a uniquely Australian quirkiness.”

Louise Gough, director of narrative content at Screen Australia, commented, “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.”

“Happy House is an imaginative and hilarious animated series with internet-famous animals that will delight young viewers,” added Caroline Pitcher, CEO of VicScreen. “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.”