“An undertow of intrigue”

Last week ABC announced the commission of a bold, new psychological drama Significant Others.

Set to air in 2022 the six-part series is created writer Tommy Murphy (Holding the Man, Devil’s Playground).

Significant Others tells the intriguing story of a single mother who fails to return from her morning swim, leaving behind two teenagers and a fractured family searching for clues in the rubble of the catastrophe. Putting the pieces together is the awakening that threatens to tear this family apart.

Tommy Murphy (pictured) said: “Significant Others is a character-driven series with an undertow of intrigue. It follows a family tearing each other apart over a missing loved-one. It is equally about how they put themselves back together. I am thrilled to be working with such an experienced, brilliant team on this story.”

ABC Head of Drama, Comedy & Indigenous Sally Riley says “It is our absolute pleasure to be working with Tommy Murphy on this captivating drama that provides surprising and often sideways insights into grief, family and loss. We are proud to be uniting with our production partners to bring Significant Others to ABC audiences next year.”

Executive producers, Chris Oliver-Taylor, CEO Asia Pacific Fremantle and Justin Davies, said: “Significant Others is a triumphant, edge of your seat series full of intrigue and suspense about a very contemporary family scrambling to rebuild from catastrophe. Beautifully crafted by Tommy Murphy, we are excited to work with our broadcast partner in Australia, the ABC and Fremantle International to see the series come to life in 2022.”

Screen Australia’s Head of Content Sally Caplan said: “We’re proud to support this original, moving drama from Tommy Murphy, together with some of the country’s top writers and the exceptional team at Fremantle. Exploring fractured family dynamics in the wake of a devastating tragedy, I’m confident Significant Others will engage viewers on the ABC and find a global audience.”

Working alongside Tommy Murphy are some of Australia’s most respected writers including; Sue Smith (Brides of Christ, Saving Mr Banks), Louise Fox (Glitch, Broadchurch), Niki Aken (The Hunting), Blake Ayshford (Mystery Road) and Vonne Patiag (The Unusual Suspects). The series will be executive produced by Chris Oliver-Taylor (Glitch) and Justin Davies (Beautiful People). ABC Executive producers are Louise Smith and Sally Riley. Acclaimed producer Matt Reeder (Hearts & Bones) is series producer.

Production Credit: A Fremantle Production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC and financed with support from Screen NSW. Created by Tommy Murphy. Produced by Matt Reeder. Executive Producers Chris Oliver-Taylor and Justin Davies. ABC Executive Producers Louise Smith and Sally Riley. Distribution by Fremantle International.