Josh Thomas’ comedy Please Like Me is set to sell to a growing list of international markets after the ABC and US cable network Pivot commissioned a third season.
The second series of 10 episodes will premiere on ABC2 at 9.30 pm on Tuesday August 12 and in the US on August 8.
“ABC TV’s third season pickup of Please Like Me before season two even airs is unprecedented, and yet fitting for a show which has become our most watched original ABC2 comedy series,” said ABC Head of Comedy Rick Kalowski.
The international distributor, Melbourne-based Guesswork Television, sold the first season to Pivot and to broadcasters in France (Canalplay), Germany (Einsfestival), Sweden (SVT), Finland and Israel, working with London-based sales agent Avalon Distribution.
“We have a number of markets being negotiated now that we have series two available,” Guesswork TV’s Kevin Whyte tells IF. “The first series was only six eps so now we have 16 eps there are a lot more discussions.
“The series three commitment will bring on more markets – 26 episodes is very helpful.”
Created, written by and starring Thomas, Please Like Me won the 2014 AACTA Award for best TV comedy series, the AWGIE for best comedy script and the ADG Award for best direction in a TV comedy.
Series two sees Josh half-heartedly trying to get through the day without upsetting anyone. His mum (Debra Lawrance) continues to struggle with mental illness; his best friend Tom (Thomas Ward) chooses all the wrong girls; and his dad (David Roberts) has a new baby to look after; while Josh tries to find a boyfriend.
As for the third season, Kalowski says, “Josh is just starting to work on storylines now so very early days in that process. Production probably won't start til early 2015 but no there is no set schedule yet.”
Please Like Me is a Pigeon Fancier and John & Josh International Production, produced in association with ABC TV and Pivot. The EPs are Thomas, Todd Abbott and Whyte, and for the ABC, Kalowski and Brett Sleigh.