Eddie Betts’ Animated Series, ‘Eddie’s Lil’ Homies,’ Set for NITV and Netflix Debut on 16 February
A new highlight in children’s entertainment, ‘Eddie’s Lil’ Homies,’ is set to make its debut on National Indigenous Television (NITV) and Netflix in Australia. The premiere date is slated for Friday, 16 February 2024. This children’s comedy series, deriving inspiration from the book series authored by the former AFL star Eddie Betts, promises to be an exciting addition to the genre.
The series features an impressive voice cast, including Hunter Page-Lochard (known for his roles in Cleverman, The Newsreader, and Barons) voicing Eddie, and Miah Madden (who starred in Bali 2002, The Clearing, and The Bureau of Magical Things) lending her voice to Lottie.
The cast is further bolstered by Andrew Dang as Tal and Billy Betts, Eddie Betts’ eight-year-old son, as Junior. The additional cast includes Leela Varghese as Shanti, James Smith as Lachie, and Crystal Nguyen as Decks.
‘Eddie’s Lil’ Homies’ takes its young viewers on a journey with Eddie and his diverse group of friends. Set in the imaginative realm of a playground, the series explores themes of friendship, imagination, and empathy. It’s a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and life lessons are learned through engaging and whimsical experiences.
In a statement, Eddie Betts expressed his excitement for the series:
“I can’t wait for children all over Australia to watch, laugh, and rap along with each episode.
I could never have imagined when Anna and I published the first Eddie’s Lil’ Homies book that it would inspire an animated series with such a great group of characters and that the whole idea would attract such talent to every stage of production.”
Behind this imaginative venture is Sophie Byrne of Highly Spirited and Eddie Betts and Anna Scullie of Betts Promotions, with Mark O’Toole serving as Executive/Story Producer. The series is the first joint venture between Netflix and NITV, backed significantly by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF).
The series is animated under the direction of Arthur Moody and co-director Luke Jurevicius, with animation services by Vishus Productions and post-production by Artisan Post Group. Notably, ‘Eddie’s Lil’ Homies’ was produced in South Australia with support from the South Australian Film Corporation and distributed by the ACTF.
Viewers can catch the premiere of ‘Eddie’s Lil’ Homies’ on NITV at 7.30 pm and on Netflix from midnight on 16 February 2024. It will also be accessible on SBS On Demand, featuring captions in multiple languages and audio description.
The series comprises ten episodes, with titles like “Yoinks,” “Rock Paper Eddie,” “The Dawg,” “Dial M for Mayhem,” and more, each offering a unique and engaging story.
Marissa McDowell, NITV’s Head of Commissions, highlighted the significance of the show in representing First Nations children’s stories:
“NITV continues to bring world-class, First Nations children’s stories to Australians. We are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with the ACTF and to be working with Netflix for the first time.”
Que Minh Luu, Netflix Director of Content ANZ, emphasized the importance of representation in children’s programming:
“It’s important that kids have access to great stories where they can truly see themselves represented on-screen.
Partnering with NITV, ACTF, and Eddie to share this story lends even more opportunities for Eddie’s Lil’ Homies to be celebrated by kids and families across Australia.”
