ABC, Screen Australia and Cheeky Little Media are pleased to announce production funding for a second series of . The series will splash onto screens summer 2023.
The second series of Kangaroo Beach will offer further beach-based fun adventures with our four cadets, Pounce, Frizzy, Neville and Gemma and continue to explore new water safety themes for pre-schoolers and their families. Australian actor Miranda Tapsell will also be joining the cast as a guest character.
Since the series burst onto screens in 2020, it’s quickly become a smash hit with its young audience and their families, amassing an average of 1.6 million views* per episode on broadcast TV and ABC iview and securing a top #3 position of most viewed program of 2021 (within both kids and adults’ series). This was in addition to 14.9 million plays** on ABC iview within the past year. Further success has come with a Summer Special release at the end of 2021 and a release of consumer products, including a book series, kids’ swimwear and clothing, bedding and toys being available at major retailers and select independents.
With major production investment from Screen Australia, key partners onboard for Series 2 include the ABC, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and Surf Life Saving Australia. ACTF will also distribute the series. Cheeky Little Commercial continues as the global brand manager.
Cheeky Little’s Executive Producer Patrick Egerton said, “We’re so happy to be heading into season 2 of Kangaroo Beach. Congratulations to the entire Cheeky Little team for making a wonderful show that resonates so strongly with kids and their families. After the rapid success here in Australia it’s madly exciting to see the show make a huge splash in the UK, LATAM and beyond. I think 2022 will be a big year for our little lifeguard cadets!”
ABC Head of Children’s Production Libbie Doherty said, “Kangaroo Beach has quickly become a beloved ABC Kids Brand thanks to the lovable surf cadets who’ve connected via humour and geniune warmth. The distinctive Australian beach setting is a rich storyworld with plenty of fun and action to explore beach culture that is relatable to kids all over the world in the new episodes for next summer.”
Screen Australia’s Head of Content Grainne Brunsdon said, “We are excited to support the second season of this charming, funny and educational series from Cheeky Little Media that has made waves around the world. We look forward to this series engaging young viewers on the ABC later in the year.”
Bernadette O’Mahony, ACTF Head of Content said, “ACTF is pleased to be teaming up with Cheeky Little on Kangaroo Beach and to be able to bring this delightful and positive series to the world.
Production Credit: Kangaroo Beach Series 2 is a Cheeky Little Media production for the ABC. Major production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia. Financed with support from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia. International sales by ACTF and Infinite Frameworks. Cheeky Little Commercial continues as the global brand manager.
* Sources: OzTAM Metro & Regional TAM data; OzTAM VPM data
