Population 11
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | March 14, 2024 |
Key people | Phil Lloyd (developer), Ben Feldman (lead actor) |
| Products | Comedy-drama series |
| Parent | Stan, Lionsgate (distribution) |
Population 11 is a comedy-drama series that debuted on the Australian streaming platform Stan on 14 March 2024. Developed by Phil Lloyd and featuring Ben Feldman in the lead role, the show is inspired by the 2017 disappearance of Paddy Moriarty in Australia's Northern Territory. The storyline centers on Feldman’s character, who arrives in a secluded outback town with just eleven other inhabitants to investigate the vanishing of his estranged father, with every resident becoming a potential suspect.[1]
Cast
- Ben Feldman portrays Andy Pruden, a bank teller from suburban Ohio
- Perry Mooney plays Cassie Crick, an outsider assisting Andy in unraveling the town’s mysteries
- Katrina Milosevic appears as Sgt. Geraldine Walters
- Darren Gilshenan acts as Hugo Drivas, Andy’s missing father
- Chai Hansen features as Gareth Biggins
- Stephen Curry takes on the role of Noel Pinkus
- Tony Briggs as Jimmy James
- Genevieve Lemon plays Valerie Hogarth
- Rick Donald portrays Leon Croydman
- Pippa Grandison appears as Maureen Taylor
- Steve Le Marquand as Trevor Taylor
- William Zappa acts as Cedric Blumenthal
- Emily Taheny plays Audrey Denning
- Karis Oka as Shoshanna Ling
- Fiona Choi appears as Charmaine Ling
- Sachin Joab portrays Petey P
- Ethan Gosatti as Rory Roberts
- Christopher Kirby plays Dom
Episodes
The series consists of twelve episodes, each lasting 30 minutes, all made available simultaneously on 14 March 2024.[1]
Production
In 2022, Stan formed an "originals development partnership" with Lionsgate, resulting in projects such as Population: 11, which was among the first three productions under this collaboration. It serves as the second joint commission by Stan and Lionsgate following Prosper.
The production was undertaken by Jungle Entertainment alongside Factor 30 Films, with significant funding from Screenwest, Lotterywest, and the Western Australian Regional Screen Fund (WARSF). Development support came from Stan and Screen NSW, while Lionsgate managed distribution internationally.
Nine News noted that the series’ premise closely mirrors the real-life disappearance of Paddy Moriarty in Larrimah, Northern Territory—both settings feature approximately a dozen residents who all become suspects during police inquiries.
Executive producers Lloyd and O'Donnell have previously worked together on The Moodys.
Filming
Principal photography occurred entirely within Western Australia’s Kimberley region, commencing mid-2023 and operating out of Derby. This project represents Stan’s inaugural original series filmed in Western Australia for its streaming service.
Broadcast
Prior to its official release on 14 March 2024, a first-look trailer was unveiled on 31 January 2024.
The series premiered with a screening event held at Luna Leederville, Perth on 10 March 2024, attended by key cast members and production staff.
Accolades
| Year | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Comedy Drama & Sitcom | Population 11 | Nominated |
| Year | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Best Casting in a TV Comedy | Population 11 | Nominated |
| Year | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Best Scripted Comedy Program | Population 11 | Nominated |
| 2024 | Best Lead Actor in a Comedy | Ben Feldman | Nominated |