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Fresh Blood pilot ‘Why Are You Like This’ to go to full series for the ABC

'Why Are You LIke This?'

‘Why Are You Like This‘.

Comedy Why Are You Like This, one of four pilots supported through Screen Australia and the ABC’s Fresh Blood initiative, has been greenlit for a six-part series.

Created and written by Naomi HigginsHumyara Mahbub and Aunty Donna’s Mark Samual Bonanno, Why Are You Like This follows best friends Mia and Penny as they navigate their 20s in Melbourne, along with Penny’s dramatic and aloof housemate, Austin. Guided by their own modern day moral code, they confront complex social issues in an outrage driven world, leaving a path of destruction in their wake.

Screen Australia and the ABC’s ongoing Fresh Blood initiative is designed to uncover a new generation of comedic talent. Why Are You Like This was one of four pilots produced thanks to the program in 2018, alongside Michael Cusack’s AACTA-nominated Koala Man, Becky Lucas and Cameron James’ Be Your Own Boss and Nina Oyama and Angus Thompson’s The Angus Project.

Why Are You Like This is a CKOL production, and will be directed by Jessie Oldfield and Adam Murfet, with Sarah Freeman producing. Niki Aken (The Hunting, Janet King) is the script producer. Oldfield and Murfet will also executive produce alongside Amanda Higgs.

Creator and star Higgins said: “We’re so grateful to Screen Australia and ABC’s Fresh Blood program for this opportunity to tell the stories of entitled diverse idiots. This is a dream come true and we can’t wait to make this show!”

Screen Australia online investment manager Lee Naimo said: “Why Are You Like This impressed us with its tone and execution. The pilot was witty, topical and a great reflection of issues many young people are navigating in the world today. We’re committed to supporting original and innovative content, and I can’t wait to see this team build on the pilot and take this narrative comedy to series.”

ABC’s head Of entertainment and factual Josie Mason-Campbell said: “This is a fantastic new show from a new team of incredible young creatives that will surely make waves. We are delighted to be taking Why Are You Like This to series.”

Why Are You Like This will start production in March 2020.

Watch the pilot below: