Airdate: Trickster

Canadian coming-of-age drama Trickster will premiere on National Indigenous Television in late October.

Based on the best-selling novel Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson, newcomer Joel Oulette plays Jared – an Indigenous teen struggling to keep his dysfunctional family above water.

Jared juggles high school, his job at the local drive-thru and his side hustle selling ecstasy, all while supporting his Mum, Maggie (Crystle Lightning), who self-medicates an undiagnosed mental illness and his unemployable Dad, Phil (Craig Lauzon) while also trying to attract the interest of intriguing new neighbour Sarah (Anna Lambe).

But when Jared starts seeing strange things — talking ravens, doppelgängers and skin monsters— his already chaotic life is turned upside down.

The CBC original series is produced by Streel Films and Sienna Films and directed by Michelle Latimer (RISE, Nuuca). Latimer also took on the role of Executive Producer, alongside Tony Elliott (Orphan Black), Jennifer Kawaja and Julia Sereny.

Tanya Denning-Orman, Director of Indigenous Content at SBS, said: “NITV are thrilled to bring Trickster to Australian screens – co-creators Michelle Latimer and Tony Elliot bring to life Indigenous Canadian author Eden Robinson’s book Son of Trickster.

“The incredible Latimer is reclaiming the narratives around First Nations people as creator and director of all six episodes and bringing talented Indigenous people into as many roles as possible in-front and behind the camera.

“We know this unique coming of age story will strike a chord with our viewers, and we can’t wait to share it, and this history making moment with our audiences.”

Michelle Latimer, Creator and Director, said: “We are thrilled that NITV and SBS On Demand will bring Trickster to Australia. We know that Eden’s amazing story and the stellar work of our cast will resonate for audiences there as they do here.”

Tuesday October 27 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand.