Two new comedy pilots, part of the ABC and Screen Australia’s “Fresh Blood” initiative, are launching on ABC iview this April. Urvi Went To An All Girls School and Westerners both present unique takes on Australian life, and will both also air on ABC TV.
Here’s the Lowdown: Urvi Went To An All Girls School, premiering on ABC iview on Wednesday, April 9 (and on ABC TV on Wednesday, April 9 at 9pm), follows awkward 16-year-old Urvi (played by Urvi Majumdar) as she copes with the pressures of a selective all-girls high school and her dreams of becoming a famous actress. Westerners, debuting on ABC iview on Wednesday April 9 (and on ABC TV on Wednesday, April 16 at 9pm), follows three young adults from immigrant backgrounds dealing with the everyday absurdities of life in Western Sydney.
What This Means Now: These pilots highlight fresh, emerging Australian comedic talent, both in front of and behind the camera. They present diverse experiences, with Urvi focusing on the trials of teenage life and Westerners focusing on the lives of young adults in a specific cultural context.
The Bigger Picture: The “Fresh Blood” initiative is designed to support new voices and innovative storytelling in Australian comedy. The pilots represent an investment in the future of Australian television, providing a platform for up-and-coming creators and performers to reach a wider audience. The two very different shows demonstrate the ABC’s goal of featuring shows for all Australians.
