Eddie’s Lil’ Homies Adaptation in the Works with Netflix

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies, inspired by Eddie Betts’ children’s book series, has been co-commissioned by Netflix and Australia’s National Indigenous Television (NITV).

With major production investment from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), the series follows 8-year-old Eddie and his two best friends as they navigate childhood.

The playground serves as Eddie, Lottie and Tal’s universe, where imaginary friends can be real, games of rock paper scissors can take on great importance and kindness, empathy and a rap can help make anything right.

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies is produced by Sophie Byrne (The Lost Thing), Betts and Anna Scullie. It is inspired by the Eddie’s Lil’ Homies books for early readers by Betts, an Australian Football League great. The books were written to motivate and inspire literacy and learning. The book My Kind focuses on spreading kindness, understanding, acceptance and equality, and My People is designed to start conversations about First Nations cultures and to combat racism and bias.

In addition to investment from the ACTF, the production has also received support from Coles and the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC). The ACTF will distribute the series internationally.

“The Eddie’s Lil’ Homies books have been a labor of love for myself and Anna and something I’m really passionate about,” Betts said. “Seeing the enthusiasm for the books as I go around Australia and kids doing the raps on social media and asking us about more stories were what pushed us to team up with Sophie Byrne and the ACTF to develop the animated series. To then have Netflix and NITV immediately see our vision for the series and come on board to help us bring Eddie’s Lil’ Homies to life is really exciting. I can’t wait for the kids to see it!”

“NITV continues to bring world-class First Nations children’s stories to our audience,” said Marissa McDowell, head of commissions at NITV. “We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with the ACTF following previous success with Barrumbi Kids and Thalu. We are also thrilled to be working with Netflix for the first time, and we hope that children come to love this brand-new series inspired by Eddie Betts’ wonderful books.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with ACTF and NITV for the first time on this charming and fantastical look into the wonder of childhood,” commented Que Minh Luu, director of content for ANZ at Netflix. “As we deepen our local investment, we continue to focus on stories and ideas that make Australian audiences feel seen, heard and understood.”

Bernadette O’Mahony, head of content at the ACTF, added, “Eddie Betts has always been a role model for kids across Australia, so when he, Anna and Sophie first approached us, we loved the idea of taking Eddie’s message of respect, acceptance and inclusion for each other and country to the screen in an entertaining, funny and imaginative series. We know kids here and around the world will want to hang out with Eddie, Lottie, Tal, Decks, Junior and friends in their inner-city neighborhood as they explore, laugh, learn and rap their way through life.”