ABC Australia Sets New Kids’ Slate

ABC Australia has commissioned four original titles, spanning three animations and one live-action hybrid series, for its kids’ slate in 2025 and beyond.

The broadcaster unveiled the programs alongside Screen Australia in association with VicScreen, Screen NSW and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) at the Australian Children’s Content Summit. Do Not Watch This Show, an animated adaptation of the children’s book series Do Not Open This Book, is set to bow on ABC Family and iview next year.

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher commented, “Andy Lee’s new animation series Do Not Watch This Show leads a terrific lineup of new children’s TV shows supported by the Victorian Government that showcase our creativity and screen industry talent. We are proud to continue to back quality children’s entertainment and support the Victorian screen industry to bring these wonderful new stories to our screens.”

The animated series Andrew the Big BIG Unicorn will follow the adventures of Andrew, a wide-eyed, joyful young rhino. The Pirate Size Productions, Mainframe Studios and Infinite Studios production for the ABC, CBC and SRC is set to debut on ABC Kids and iview in 2025.

Flower & Flour, another upcoming animation, will allow audiences to tag along on the everyday adventures of imaginative 7-year-old Flower and her best friend, Flour. The preschool series from Cheeky Little Media is slated to air on ABC Kids and iview in 2026.

Kyas Hepworth, head of Screen NSW, said, “Screen NSW is thrilled to support the team at Cheeky Little Media create another engaging and heartwarming animation series for the young, and young at heart, to enjoy. Flower & Flour joins the exciting slate of original IP from Cheeky Little Media and is another great example of how our Slate Development Program enables NSW companies to move multiple projects into production, ensuring there is a pipeline of standout Australian content.”

The brand-new live-action hybrid preschool series Knee High Spies is being backed by Werner Film Productions and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). Twenty episodes are set to debut on ABC Kids and iview in 2026.

Jennifer Collins, head of screen content for ABC, said, “I can’t wait to see this slate of incredible children’s programs come to life. The ABC has long been the home of the very best creative and original children’s programming and these imaginative and distinctive shows are testament to that. I would like to thank our production and funding partners who share our ambition to entertain and inspire the next generation of Australian children.”

Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Australia COO, added, “It’s vital that Australian kids can see their stories and experiences reflected on screen. Families across the country are in for a treat with these four new projects, spanning animation and live-action. Australian creatives consistently deliver high-quality, culturally rich children’s content that resonates globally. I can’t wait to see these shows captivate a new generation on the ABC.”