The new, eight-episode Australian romantic mystery series Darby and Joan premieres today (Monday Aug 8) on Acorn TV.
Produced by CJZ, this bold, irreverent series stars Emmy-nominated and Logie-winning actor Bryan Brown (Bloom, Cocktail, The Thorn Birds) and Emmy-winning actress Greta Scacchi (War & Peace, The Terror, Rasputin) as two lone strangers trekking on the road.
Darby and Joan tells the story of a retired Australian policeman with a dog as his only company and a widowed English nurse who meet each other and embark together on an epic odyssey in the outback of northern Australia.
Darby and Joan shines a light on isolated, fascinating and often unseen areas of regional Australia, and a myriad of fascinating characters moving through a world where everyone seems to be searching for something – or trying to escape it.
Mysteries and secrets lurk for those who bother to look. Retired Australian detective Jack Darby (Brown) is fleeing his past mistakes, while English widow Joan Kirkhope (Scacchi) is attempting to outrun her grief. Their worlds collide on a remote backroad.
They couldn’t be more different: the directionless, blunt Aussie and the sharp-tongued Englishwoman.
But thrown together and drawn into the intriguing mysteries lurking in the isolated, tropical corners of a vast continent, it quickly becomes clear the most fascinating mystery they face is each other.
Thus begins an epic love story; a non-stop road movie; a mystery series; an Outback odyssey. Darby and Joan asks: can you find yourself in the middle of nowhere?
The series will be produced by CJZ, with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Queensland.
Darby and Joan is executive produced by Claire Tonkin (My Life is Murder), David Hannam (Secret Bridesmaid’s Business), Matt Campbell, Bea Tammer and Catherine Mackin,with series producer Pino Amenta (Five Bedrooms, Wentworth). Created by Glenys Rowe and Phillip Gwynne, the series’ writers include David Hannam, Beck Cole, Andrew Anastasios, Giula Sandler, Ainslie Clouston, Adam Zwar and Paul Bennett. Set-up director is David Caesar (Dirty Deeds).
Matt Campbell, CEO of CJZ, said,
“From its embryonic state some 10 years ago we always believed Darby and Joan would become a favourite crime solving couple.
We are so pleased Acorn could see what we were trying to say with the series and have backed it every inch of the way since the pitch.
We couldn’t want for a better partner. Also Screen Australia and Screen Queensland for their invaluable support as always.”
Catherine Mackin, Managing Director of Acorn Media Enterprises, added:
“Acorn TV is thrilled to work with CJZ on this rollicking road trip adventure series featuring an unlikely pair solving crimes in the Outback.
We feel the series’ mix of intrigue, adventure and mystery will greatly resonate with our viewers, and the characters’ pursuit of love is a universal touchstone for all ages.”
Absolutely brilliant series I hope there is more beautiful scenery and great acting
Just watched the first episode of Darby & Joan. Absolutely loved it. Loved the dog too.
Can’t wait to watch the rest of the series.
Brilliant and soo much needed in our world today. We need to see more of older actors beautiful Australia. If I was hesitant of ever traveling to Australia it’s changed my view and piqued my interest. Binged watch all 8 episodes and if they don’t due more seasons they are bonkers. It was great chemistry with both actors let alone all the rest!!!