Mako: Island of Secrets
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Jonathan M. Shiff |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | International |
Key people | Jonathan M. Shiff (creator) |
| Products | Children's and teen television series |
| Parent | Jonathan M. Shiff Productions |
Mako: Island of Secrets is a children's and teen television series from Australia, created by Jonathan M. Shiff. Internationally, it is recognized as Mako Mermaids, serving as a spin-off of H2O: Just Add Water. The show is produced by Jonathan M. Shiff Productions in collaboration with Network Ten, ZDF, and Netflix, with additional backing from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland.
The narrative follows Zac, a teenage boy who transforms into a merman after an accidental fall into a magical pool located on the fictional Mako Island.
Plot
While camping on Mako Island, Zac is unknowingly watched by three mermaids—Lyla, Nixie, and Sirena—who serve as the island's protectors. After coming into contact with the enchanted water of the Moon Pool during a full moon, Zac gains control over water and eventually changes into a merman. This development risks exposing the existence of merpeople. As a consequence of permitting Zac onto the island, the mermaids are exiled and must venture onto land to strip Zac of his powers while adjusting to human life.
In the second season, the mermaids delve deeper into Mako's mysteries and explore the merman chamber. Lyla and Nixie embark on a quest to find a new home, whereas Sirena remains with Ondina and Mimmi, who persist in their efforts to remove Zac’s powers and reclaim control of the island. Zac’s girlfriend Evie becomes a mermaid, facing various trials but receiving support from her peers. The introduction of Erik, another merman, adds further complexity; it is revealed that Zac is a natural-born merman and that Mimmi is his sister.
The third season introduces Weilan, an Eastern mermaid fleeing from a magical water dragon that endangers merfolk. Meanwhile, Sirena travels to Hawaii with her sister Aquata. Evie loses her tail and powers after confronting the dragon but readjusts to human life. The group discovers that the dragon is Nerissa, Zac and Mimmi’s long-missing mother, leading them to embark on a mission to rescue her.
Main
- Lucy Fry as Lyla (season 1), the leader of the trio of mermaids; intelligent and determined. Initially intent on removing Zac’s abilities but gradually develops affection for him. Departs with Nixie in season 2 to seek a new home.
- Ivy Latimer as Nixie (season 1), a bold and just mermaid; leaves alongside Lyla in season 2.
- Amy Ruffle as Sirena (seasons 1–2), innocent and kind-hearted mediator among the mermaids; relocates to Hawaii in season 3.
- Chai Romruen as Zac, an athletic teenager transformed into a merman following exposure to Moon Pool magic; discovers his true heritage as a born merman and learns that Mimmi is his sister.
- Isabel Durant as Ondina (seasons 2–3), a strong-willed mermaid dedicated to removing Zac’s powers.
- Allie Bertram as Mimmi (seasons 2–3), an intelligent mermaid who assists in stripping Zac’s abilities; uncovers her familial connection to him.
- Gemma Forsyth as Evie (recurring season 1; main seasons 2–3), Zac’s girlfriend who becomes a mermaid in season 2 and reverts to human form in season 3.
- Alex Cubis as Erik (season 2), a mysterious merman descended from an ancient lineage; employed as a waiter at Ocean Cafe.
- Linda Ngo as Weilan (season 3), a Chinese mermaid seeking refuge from a magical water dragon; prefers life on land due to oceanic threats.
Recurring
- Dominic Deutscher portrays Cam, Zac's closest friend who discovers Zac's transformation into a merman. While initially supportive, Cam becomes envious of Zac's abilities and desires to become a merman himself. Eventually, they mend their relationship, with Cam assisting Zac in destroying the merman chamber.
- Kerith Atkinson plays Rita, the school principal who is also a mermaid that left her pod for a human lover who passed away before they could marry. She offers the girls valuable insight and mentorship on controlling their powers.
- Rowan Hills appears as David, an employee at the Ocean Cafe and a shared romantic interest of Sirena. By the conclusion of the second series, he uncovers the existence of mermaids.
- Brooke Lee acts as Carly, another Ocean Cafe worker, initially attracted to David but later involved with Cam. She is Evie's closest friend and becomes aware of the merpeople by series two.
Series one
The show was announced in July 2011 and consists of 26 episodes, each lasting 26 minutes, with an additional option for a 90-minute feature. Filming commenced in May 2012 and wrapped up in October 2012. The first season had a production budget totaling AUD 12.3 million. The series was originally named Mako: Island of Secrets, then Secret of Mako Island, before its international release under the title Mako Mermaids. It premiered in Australia on Network Ten on 26 July 2013.
In collaboration with Shiff Productions, Netflix obtained exclusive online streaming rights. The initial thirteen episodes were made available on Netflix on 26 July 2013, followed by the remaining episodes on 15 September 2013. On 8 November 2013, broadcasting shifted from Network Ten to the digital channel Eleven, first airing on Friday mornings before moving to Sunday mornings.
Series two
The renewal for a second season was confirmed in February 2013, with production beginning late that year following funding approval from Screen Australia. The first half debuted on Netflix on 13 February 2015 across North and Latin America, the UK, and other territories. In Australia, it aired on Eleven Sunday mornings starting 15 February 2015. The second half was released on Netflix on 29 May 2015. Netflix categorized the first half as series two and the latter half as series three.
Series three
A third installment consisting of 16 episodes was announced in 2014; it premiered on Eleven from 15 May 2016 and became available on Netflix on 27 May 2016. This season introduced Weilan (Linda Ngo), a Chinese mermaid, and featured Cariba Heine reprising her role as Rikki Chadwick during the final two episodes.
Plans for a feature film continuation have been indefinitely delayed.
Due to the division of series two into two parts in 2015, Series three is listed as Season four on Netflix.
International release dates
| Country / region | Channel | Series premiere | Title in country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Network Ten Eleven |
26 July 2013 | Mako: Island of Secrets |
| United Kingdom | Netflix | 26 July 2013 | Mako Mermaids |
| United States | Netflix | 26 July 2013 | Mako Mermaids: An H2O Adventure |
External links
- Mako: Island of Secrets – Eleven
- Mako Mermaids hosted by the Australian Television Information Archive
- Mako Mermaids – promotional website by ZDF Enterprises
- Articles with short description
- H2O: Just Add Water
- 10 Peach original programming
- 2013 Australian television series debuts
- 2016 Australian television series conclusions
- Australian adventure TV series
- Australian children's fantasy shows
- Australian television spin-offs
- Australian English-language programs
- Television series featuring mermaids
- Network 10 original productions
- Sea World (Australia)
- Sequel television programs
- Television series involving shapeshifting
- Television shows set in Gold Coast, Queensland