The ABC, Screen Australia and VicScreen are thrilled to announce that production has commenced on the Beyond Entertainment and Muse Entertainment co-production The Family Next Door, a captivating new six-part drama series, led by Teresa Palmer (The Clearing, The Fall Guy), Bella Heathcote (The Moogai, Pieces of Her) and Philippa Northeast (Territory, The Newsreader).
Based on New York Times bestselling Australian author Sally Hepworth’s novel of the same name and adapted for television by award-winning screenwriter Sarah Scheller (Strife, The Letdown), The Family Next Door is also written by Pip Karmel (Total Control), Julia Moriarty (Total Control) and Andrew Anastasios (Troppo), and tells the story of enigmatic Isabelle (Palmer) who moves into a small seaside cul-de-sac where her obsessive drive to solve a mystery casts suspicion on four neighbouring families.
Currently filming in Victoria, The Family Next Door is directed by Emma Freeman (The Newsreader, Interview with the Vampire) and also stars a stellar ensemble cast including Catherine McClements (Return to Paradise, Total Control), Ming Zhu Hii (Prosper, La Brea), Jane Harber (Offspring, In Limbo), Bob Morley (The 100, In Limbo), Daniel Henshall (Snowtown, How to Make Gravy), Tane Williams Accra (Shortland Street, Fantasy Island), Dominic Ona Ariki (One Lane Bridge, Erotic Stories) and Maria Angelico (Strife, The Newsreader).
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “We are excited to support The Family Next Door, a gripping new drama that expertly intertwines mystery with the complexities of family and motherhood. Under Sarah Scheller’s creative vision and Emma Freeman’s direction, this series promises to engage audiences with its rich storytelling and intriguing characters. We believe it will resonate not just in Australia, but internationally, showcasing the strength of Australian narratives in the mystery genre.”
ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine said, “The Family Next Door is a funny and authentic portrayal of suburban life and exploration of motherhood, underpinned by a compelling mystery. We are so excited to be part of bringing Sally Hepworth’s propulsive novel to the screen, steered by an incredibly talented team of creatives.”
Producer Melinda Wearne said, “Beyond is thrilled to announce The Family Next Door, a contemporary Australian story of a woman on a quest to solve a mystery who disrupts the lives of four families, revealing the love that binds them and the secrets that can tear them apart. It is a privilege to be working with Australia’s leading talent and key creatives to produce this story for global audiences.”
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “We are delighted to support the screen adaptation of The Family Next Door, by New York Times bestselling Victorian author Sally Hepworth. With some of Australia’s most exciting talent in front of and behind the camera including writer Sarah Scheller, director Emma Freeman, and Victoria’s stunning coastal locations as a backdrop to the riveting drama. This enthralling project is yet another VicScreen-supported production that will showcase our local screen industry to global audiences.”
The Family Next Door will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2025.
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Production credit: Commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. A Beyond Entertainment and Muse Entertainment co production. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC. Developed and produced in association with VicScreen. International Distribution Sphere Abacus. Written by Sarah Scheller, Pip Karmel, Julia Moriarty and Andrew Anastasios. Directed by Emma Freeman. Series Producer Dean O’Toole. Produced by Melinda Wearne. Beyond Executive Producers David Ogilvy, Jenny O’Shea. Muse Executive Producers Joel Rice and Meghan Mathes Jacobs. ABC Executive Producers Rachel Okine and Rebecca Anderson. Author, Sally Hepworth.
