“Eddie’s Lil’ Homies” New Australian Animation for Netflix and NITV

The animated TV series “Eddie’s Lil’ Homies,” based on the books written by Eddie Betts, an Australian rules player, has begun production in South Australia and Victoria.

This is the first co-commissioned project between Netflix and National Indigenous Television (NITV), and the 10-episode, 12-minute comedy series will air on both platforms.

In this series, Eddie, age 8, and his best pals, Lottie and Tal, explore the fantastical realm of childhood together.

The children see their peers as extended family, and the playground as a fantastical world where anything—from make-believe creatures to games with cosmic significance—is possible. Topics of compassion, understanding, and the transformative power of great music will be highlighted throughout the series.

The Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) funded a large portion of the development of the programme, which was created by Sophie Byrne, Eddie Betts, and Anna Scullie. Both Coles and the South Australian Film Corporation contributed to the series.

Australia’s kids will be glued to their screens as Mark O’Toole produces stories written by Dave Woodhead, Yaraman Thorne, Ray Boseley, Lorin Clarke, and Julie Sam-Yue.

The series’ source material, Eddie Betts’s “My Kind” and “My People,” are meant to encourage and stimulate reading and learning by introducing topics such as First Nations culture and racism/bias education.

Producer Eddie Betts said: “The Eddie’s Lil’Homies books have been a labour of love for myself and Anna and something I’m really passionate about. Seeing the enthusiasm for the books as I go around the country, and kids doing the raps on social media and asking us about more stories, were what pushed us to team up with Sophie Byrne and the ACTF to develop the animated series. To then have Netflix and NITV immediately see our vision for the series and come onboard to help us bring Eddie’s Lil’ Homies to life is really exciting. I can’t wait for the kids across the country to see it!”

NITV 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 following previous success with Barrumbi Kids and Thalu. We are also thrilled to be working with Netflix for the first time, and 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: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with ACTF and NITV for the first time on this charming and fantastical look into the wonder of childhood. As we deepen our local investment we continue to focus on stories and ideas that make Australian audiences feel seen, heard and understood.”