Airdate: Eddie’s Lil’ Homies

New animated children’s comedy series Eddie’s Lil’ Homies, will premiere on NITV and Netflix from 16 February.

Inspired by books from former AFL star Eddie Betts, the 10-part series stars the voice talents of Hunter Page-Lochard (Cleverman, The Newsreader, Barons) as Eddie, Miah Madden (Bali 2002, The Clearing, The Bureau of Magical Things) as Lottie, Andrew Dang as Tal and Billy Betts (Eddie Betts’ eight-year-old son) as Junior.

Additional cast members include Leela Varghese (A Beginner’s Guide to Grief, Totally Wild) as Shanti, James Smith as Lachie and Crystal Nguyen (Erotic Stories) as Decks.

Eddie Betts said: “I can’t wait for children all over Australia to watch, laugh and rap along with each episode. I could never have imagined when Anna and I published the first Eddie’s Lil’ Homies book that it would inspire an animated series with such a great group of characters and that the whole idea would attract such talent to every stage of production.

“It’s also been great to have been able to work with so many Aboriginal creatives across the series, from directing to script writers to musicians, on our first children’s television series.”

NITV’s Head of Commissions, Marissa McDowell, said: “NITV continues to bring world-class, First Nations children’s stories to Australians. We are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with the ACTF and to be working with Netflix for the first time.

“At NITV, our purpose is to create content made by, for and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Eddie’s Lil’ Homies is the next step in that journey, and we couldn’t do it without the help of Eddie Betts, Anna Scullie and their family, as well as Sophie Byrne, Mark O’Toole, Netflix and ACTF.

“We hope that children come to love this brand-new series inspired by Eddie Betts’ wonderful books.”

Netflix Director of Content ANZ Que Minh Luu, said: “It’s important that kids have access to great stories where they can truly see themselves represented on-screen. Partnering with NITV, ACTF and Eddie to share this story lends even more opportunities for Eddie’s Lil’ Homies to be celebrated by kids and families across Australia.”

ACTF Head of Content, Bernadette O’Mahony, said: “This is such a joyous series, funny, quirky, clever and the raps will stick with you. It’s been a delight to be able to support Eddie’s Lil’ Homies and we can’t wait for the world to see it.”

Inspired by Eddie’s popular book series, Eddie’s Lil’ Homies joins Eddie and his ragtag group of friends on their playground adventures as they navigate the fun and challenges of friendship. Outside of home and away from school, their friends are family and the playground is their universe. It’s a world of competition, imagination and fantasy, where anything and everything is possible, where imaginary friends can be real, games of rock paper scissors can take on stupendous importance, and kindness, empathy and a good rap can help put anything right.

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies is produced by Sophie Byrne (Scarygirl, The Lost Thing) of Highly Spirited, and Eddie Betts and Anna Scullie of Betts Promotions, along with Executive/Story Producer Mark O’Toole (Black Comedy).

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies is the first co-commission between Netflix and NITV, with major production investment from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). The series is produced by Betts Promotions and Highly Spirited. Executive Produced by Bernadette O’Mahony, and Mark O’Toole who also Story Produced. Animation director Arthur Moody, co-director Luke Jurevicius with animation services provided by Vishus Productions and post production services provided by Artisan Post Group. Eddie’s Lil’ Homies was produced in South Australia and financed with the assistance of South Australian Film Corporation. The series is distributed by the ACTF.

7:30pm Friday 16 February on NITV / from midnight on Netflix in Australia and New Zealand.