Media Release: Much-loved series Austin returns for a second season

ABC, Screen Australia, ITV Studios, and Screen Canberra are thrilled to announce that the much-loved eight-part narrative comedy series, Austin, has been commissioned for a second season.

Produced by Northern Pictures with Lincoln Pictures, filming will commence in the UK early next month. Following his breakout performance in season one, Michael Theo returns as the straight-talking Austin. Beloved UK performers Ben Miller (Bridgerton, Death in Paradise) and Sally Phillips (Veep, Bridget Jones’s Diary), along with favourite Australian actors Gia Carides (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Big Little Lies) and Roy Billing (Jack Irish, Underbelly) also reprise their roles.

As we enter season two, Austin’s (Michael Theo) publishing career takes off when “Game Of Scones: Doing Britain On The Spectrum” is picked by an international publisher. As his fame among the bespoke travelling readers grows, he falls under the professional spell of his new agent, and to the horror of his family breaks bad – behaving in a manner unbefitting his true self. Meanwhile, an Australian production company options Big Bear to adapt into a TV series. Julian (Ben Miller) and Ingrid (Sally Phillips), with Austin in tow, head to Canberra, Australia, but the joy is short lived when they discover the production company wants to exclude Julian and reinvent the Big Bear brand.

Ben Miller, star, co-creator and Executive Producer, says: “Love is in the air in season two, and as Austin’s dad, I’m excited to see him dive into the world of romance. That said, I would advise against any 90s-style double dating. One decade of that was plenty… A huge thank you to the peerless ABC, ably abetted by ITV Studios, and our friends at Screen Australia and Screen Canberra, for helping bring Austin’s journey back to life. We are all beyond excited to start filming again, and reunite our joyously neurodivergent family.”

Catherine Nebauer and Darren Ashton, Executive Producers from Northern Pictures, says: “It was such a joy to bring Austin to audiences globally and at home and it’s such a treat to be starting this process all over again! Audiences were drawn to Austin because of his big heart and warmth but season two will see our lead behaving in a slightly different light… let’s hope he can learn a thing or two and not let fame change him!”

ABC Head of Scripted Rachel Okine says “During season one, audiences fell in love with Austin and his extended, complicated family. We can’t wait to deliver more heart and humour in spades, as he navigates his unexpected catapult to fame and all the tumult that brings. Austin season two is an example of international collaboration at its finest.”

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough says, “Austin is a ground-breaking series that has captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling, humour and exploration of neurodiversity and acceptance. Seeing authentic representation of the diverse experiences of all Australians on screen is vital and we’re very proud to support this talented creative team and cast as they build on the success of the first season. We look forward to seeing Michael Theo deliver another scene-stealing performance.”

Julie Meldal-Johnsen, EVP Global Content, ITV Studios said, “We’re so delighted that the wonderful world of Austin will be returning to give our global partners even more laughter, love and heartwarming feels. It’s our privilege to work with our friends at Northern Pictures and the ABC on this smart, life-affirming and unashamedly diverse show.”

Holly Trueman, CEO of Screen Canberra says, “Having the cast and production team of Austin back to film in the ACT is fantastic for our local industry. To be part of such a progressive show fits perfectly with the values of Screen Canberra. I can’t wait for the cameras to roll again.”

Austin season two will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2025. Until then watch Austin season one now on ABC iview.

Production Credits: Commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. A Northern Pictures production with Lincoln Pictures, in association with and distributed by ITV Studios. Major Production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia, the ACT Government, and Screen Canberra. Post Produced with the assistance of the NSW Government.

Created by Darren Ashton, Ben Miller, Joe Tucker and Lloyd Woolf. Executive Producers: Ben Miller, Sally Phillips, Jessica Parker, Joe Tucker, Lloyd Woolf, Peter Anderson, Darren Ashton and Catherine Nebauer. Produced by Joe Weatherstone. ABC Executive Producers: Rebecca Anderson and Rachel Okine. Written by Joe Tucker, Lloyd Woolf, Adam Zwar, Andy Riley, Kevin Cecil, Amy Stewart, Emma Jane Unsworth. Directed by Darren Ashton, Madeleine Dyer, Rebecca O’Brien.