Global film and TV studio Fifth Season has secured deals with the BBC (UK) and AMC Networks’ streamer Sundance Now (U.S.) for the upcoming six-part Australian series “The Last Anniversary”, based on Liane Moriarty’s best-selling novel of the same name. Currently in post-production, “The Last Anniversary” is commissioned by the Foxtel Group for BINGE in Australia from award-winning production companies Blossom Films and Made Up Stories and global film and TV studio Fifth Season.
“The Last Anniversary” is a dramedy wrapped in a gripping mystery about family, motherhood and the women who define the generations that come after them. Samantha Strauss (“Nine Perfect Strangers”, “Dance Academy”) serves as head writer, with John Polson (“Law & Order: Organized Crime”, “Tell Me Your Secrets”) directing all six episodes. Fifth Season also handles worldwide rights to the series.
The cast is led by Teresa Palmer (“The Clearing”, “A Discovery of Witches”, “The Fall Guy”), Miranda Richardson (“Good Omens”, “Spider”) and Danielle Macdonald (“The Tourist”, “Patti Cake$”), with Helen Thomson (“Elvis,” “Colin From Accounts”), Susan Prior (“Animal Kingdom,” “Puberty Blues”), Claude Scott-Mitchell (“The Dry,” “Hotel Portofino”), Charlie Garber (“Barons”, “The Outlaw Michael Howe”), Uli Latukefu (“Young Rock”, “Next Goal Wins”) and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor (“Force of Nature: The Dry 2,” “Puberty Blues”).
Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky are executive producing and Casey Haver co-executive producing for Made Up Stories with Per Saari and Nicole Kidman executive producing for Blossom Films alongside Alison Hurbert-Burns and Lana Greenhalgh for BINGE. Strauss, Polson and Liane Moriarty are executive producers. Sarah L. Walker serves as script producer.
“The Last Anniversary” is set on Scribbly Gum Island, a place of many secrets. The one that made it famous – the disappearance of a young couple decades ago – might have made the island a destination for true crime tourists but when it comes to secrets, the three generations of women that call Scribbly Gum home hold far more. When Sophie Honeywell (Palmer) inherits a house on the island, left only to her by her ex-boyfriend’s great-aunt Connie, it’s the fresh start she’s craving, despite the unwelcome reception she receives on arrival. Single and approaching 40, Sophie is intrigued by something else Connie left her – a promise that she might finally find the man of her dreams on Scribbly Gum Island. But perhaps what Sophie needs is an island full of women instead?
Prentiss Fraser, President of Television Distribution at Fifth Season, said: “Pre-sales and co-productions have always been a fundamental strength of the Fifth Season business and now more than ever are top of mind for producers and commissioners around the world – I’m thrilled the team secured these tentpole partnerships for ‘The Last Anniversary,’ Liane Moriarty’s next novel to be adapted to the small screen. The series is a contemporary family drama, a genre that continues to thrive with audiences and buyers alike, and ‘The Last Anniversary’ brings an added bonus of mystery and intrigue.”
Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, added: “‘The Last Anniversary’ is an entertaining drama full of vivid characters, comedy and romance, with a compelling mystery at its heart – I’m sure BBC viewers will thoroughly enjoy their visit to beautiful Scribbly Gum Island.”
Shannon Cooper, Vice President of Programming for Sundance Now, commented: “We continue to applaud the incomparable brilliance of Teresa Palmer and are elated to work with her again after the ongoing success of ‘A Discovery of Witches.’ Additionally, ‘The Last Anniversary’ ticks every box on the Sundance Now audience’s list – drama, crime, exploration, elevated performances and intrigue from start to finish. Thanks to our partners at Fifth Season, Made Up, Blossom Films and BINGE for their dedication across this series.”
“The Last Anniversary” is a co-production between Made Up Stories, Blossom Films and Fifth Season. Fifth Season handles worldwide rights to the series. The series is supported by the NSW Government through Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund. “The Last Anniversary” is commissioned by the Foxtel Group for BINGE and will also be available on Foxtel.