From Mermaids to MaveriX: Netflix’s Commitment to Aussie Kids’ Content

One of Netflix’s initial investments in Australian content was Mako Mermaids: An H2O Adventure in 2013, a fantasy tween drama set in the beloved world of Aussie IP H2O: Just Add Water. In partnership with Australian production company Shiff Productions and Network Ten, Netflix helped bring the show to global audiences, marking the start of our commitment to Australian programming. 

Netflix officially launched its streaming service in Australia in 2015. Since then, we have consistently released new Australian children's content worldwide. Our aim is not only to provide Aussie kids with a reflection of their lives on screen, but  also to introduce fuzzy koalas, ocean adventures and Aussie slang into homes around the world. 

As a result, Netflix has become a significant contributor in this domain, investing over $276M in new Australian & Australian-related children’s programming between 2017 and 2022. This investment in local content ensures that Australian children are not only entertained but also inspired to explore their own creativity and cultural heritage.

Our kids’ shows are set in various parts of the country, and our investment in children’s content takes different forms: 

• We commission and co-commission a variety of stories suitable for different age groups, such as Surviving Summer, Back to the Outback, The InBESTigators, Izzy’s Koala World, Alien TV, Gymnastics Academy: A Second Chance, Dive Club, True Spirit, and upcoming animated series Eddie’s Lil’ Homies, which is inspired by the popular book series of the same name by Eddie Betts, to name a few. 

• Some of these shows have their initial run on free-to-air television, while others premiere and stream exclusively on Netflix. Regardless of how these shows come to us, we support these Aussie stories and our investment has a ripple effect on the industry, often in collaboration with local broadcasters.

• We also breathe new life into Aussie classics like Bottersnikes and Gumbles, Round the Twist, Bananas in Pyjamas, The Wiggles: Ready, Steady Wiggle, Little Lunch, and more through licensing agreements that put money back into the hands of local producers and production companies.

Most recently, Netflix announced a development funding initiative with The Australian Children’s Television Foundation to fund the development of two new original Australian children’s series. 

We’re proud of the impact we have made in the vibrant landscape of children's content in Australia. With endless creativity and unique stories yet to grace the screens, this is still just the beginning of our journey.