In Four Years Later, a couple’s love is tested after four years apart. Set between India and Australia, the new drama debuts on SBS this October.
A fresh addition to SBS’s original drama lineup, Four Years Later, will premiere on Wednesday 2 October, bringing a cross-continental love story to the screen. Produced by Easy Tiger, known for hits like The Twelve and Colin from Accounts, and created by Mithila Gupta, this eight-part series will air double episodes weekly at 9:20 pm on SBS and stream on SBS On Demand.
Set against the contrasting backdrops of India and Australia, Four Years Later explores how love evolves over time and distance. Starring Shahana Goswami (Bombay Begums, A Suitable Boy) and Akshay Ajit Singh (24: India), the series centres on newlyweds Sridevi and Yash, who are separated when Yash secures a prestigious medical traineeship in Australia shortly after their wedding.
The show delves into their long-distance relationship and the challenges they face as they attempt to reconnect after four years apart.
The supporting cast includes Kate Box (Deadloch, Erotic Stories), Taj Aldeeb (The Fall), Roy Joseph (Five Bedrooms, Strife), and Luke Arnold (Scrublands, True Colours). Told through both Hindi and English, the series was filmed across Mumbai, Jaipur, and Sydney, reflecting the dual worlds in which the story unfolds.
At its core, Four Years Later is a deeply human love story, offering insight into the shifting dynamics of intimacy, identity, and cultural belonging. The series highlights the struggles of long-distance relationships, as Sridevi and Yash uncover the complexities of their marriage, facing the challenges of unmet expectations and changing personal aspirations.
Upon her arrival in Australia, Sridevi expects a joyful reunion with Yash. However, she soon realises that the life Yash has built for them in Australia differs vastly from the image he had painted.
While Yash has struggled to adapt to his new environment, Sridevi finds herself flourishing in Australia, shedding the label of a “dutiful housewife” and discovering independence with the help of her new friend Gabs (played by Kate Box), an Australian who opens Sridevi’s eyes to a new world of possibilities.
As they navigate their changed realities, the couple must confront the lies and false promises that have accumulated during their time apart, putting their love and devotion to the test.
SBS’s Nakul Legha, Commissioning Editor for Scripted content, describes the series as
“a modern Australian romance that captures the joy and heartache of trying to make love work across distances, cultures and time.”
“SBS is proud to continue making distinctive Australian dramas like *Four Years Later* for audiences here and across the world.”
Grainne Brunsdon, Chief Operating Officer at Screen Australia, echoed these sentiments, calling it “a captivating exploration of love and distance, bridging two cultures and continents.” She emphasised the show’s global resonance, noting its potential to connect with audiences across generations.
Kyas Hepworth, Head of Screen NSW, highlighted the series’ representation of multicultural Australia, praising its rich portrayal of modern relationships.
“This exciting representation of the rich cultural fabric of NSW, wrapped in a compelling modern love story, is sure to captivate viewers.”
The creative team behind Four Years Later consists of writers Mithila Gupta, Nicole Reddy, and S. Shakthidharan, all of whom have South Asian heritage. Directed by Mohini Herse (Appetite) and Fadia Abboud (House of Gods, Five Bedrooms), the show is produced by Ian Collie, Rob Gibson, and Stephen Corvini.
Mithila Gupta, who serves as lead writer, creator, and executive producer, shared her excitement:
“I am overjoyed to share Four Years Later with Australian audiences. This is a nuanced love story about two very distinct and layered brown characters set between my two homes.”
She expressed her hope that audiences, particularly those who have felt underrepresented, will find a connection to the characters of Sridevi and Yash.
Supported by a major production investment from Screen Australia, in partnership with SBS, the series also received financing through Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund, and contributions from Indian production company Suitable Pictures. ITV Studios will handle international sales.
In an effort to cater to SBS’s diverse audience, Four Years Later will be subtitled in seven languages, including Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Punjabi, with all eight episodes available for streaming on SBS On Demand from 2 October. The series will also feature audio descriptions for the visually impaired.
Four Years Later promises to be a distinctive Australian drama that explores love, identity, and the complexities of bridging cultures and continents.