Fresh Blood (TV series)
| Company type | Television series project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Comedy anthology series, comedy pilots |
Fresh Blood is an Australian comedy anthology series that debuted in May 2016 on ABC. This program features comedy pilots that have the potential to be developed into full television series.
History
The Fresh Blood project was initiated in 2013 with the goal of uncovering new comedic talent. Initially, funding was provided to 24 projects to create three short sketches (lasting between 2 and 5 minutes) for ABC's digital platform ABC iview in 2014, which collectively amassed over 900,000 views. A "Best of Fresh Blood" special was broadcast on ABC Comedy in 2017. Out of these, five groups progressed to produce pilot episodes, with the highest-rated pilot receiving a commission for a full series.
During the 2015 Fresh Blood Pilot Season, both Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am and Fancy Boy were greenlit for series production, premiering in 2016 on ABC2. In the 2018 season, Why Are You Like This and Koala Man secured series commissions; Why Are You Like This premiered on ABC TV Plus in 2021, while Koala Man launched on Disney Plus Australia and Hulu USA in January 2023.
Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am
A blend of sketch comedy, music, and storytelling that highlights female viewpoints.
Fancy Boy
A sketch comedy series centered around eccentric suburban life.
Aunty Donna
Combines narrative and sketches featuring Melbourne’s surreal comedy group Aunty Donna.
The Record
Focuses on couples who are either attempting or maintaining various world records.
BedHead
BedHead is a romantic comedy about best friends Nick and Sophie who begin sleeping together but agree it doesn’t imply a romantic relationship.
Why Are You Like This
Why Are You Like This follows socially aware twenty-somethings Penny and Mia along with their housemate Austin as they navigate early adulthood.
Koala Man
Created by Michael Cusack, Koala Man is an animated comedy about Kevin, a suburban father with a mundane council job who transforms into a koala-costumed superhero by night.
The Angus Project
This series centers on Angus, an aspiring sports journalist with cerebral palsy, who employs his struggling university student friend Nina as his carer.
Be Your Own Boss
Profiles small business owners who were granted free rent in an arcade seven years prior; as the lease renewal approaches, they must demonstrate their community value to continue operating.