The wheels are in motion for the second season of the ABC television series, Austin, which is partly based in Canberra.

Season one was released earlier this year, with production crews in Canberra and the United Kingdom filming season two in early 2025.

Season one followed the relationship between author Julian Hartswood (played by English actor and comedian Ben Miller) and the son he never knew about, Austin (played by Michael Theo, of Love on the Spectrum fame).

Screen Canberra chief executive officer Dr Holly Trueman said it was fantastic to see the story continue in the ACT.

“It’s fantastic to be able to get such a high calibre production here,” Dr Trueman said.

“The first season was one of the most successful drama comedies on the ABC this year.”

She said one of the aspects of Canberra that viewers got to see, which they normally wouldn’t, was the suburbs.

“Whenever they see Canberra, it’s Parliament House,” Dr Trueman said.

“It’s good to have it back in town. Hopefully it makes other production companies realise it’s possible to film in Canberra. Not only do we have the locations, but we also have the crew available.”

Dr Trueman said the series used a mix of Australian and British crews.

The ACT Government shared a post on their Facebook page when the second season of the eight-part series was announced.

“The crew begins filming in the UK next month and will be back in Canberra to film in early 2025,” the post said.

“The first season of Austin shone a spotlight on Canberra’s cultural icons, institutions and beautiful scenery, and was a hit with audiences across the globe.”

The ACT Government said the next series started with Austin and Julian in the UK where Austin’s own publishing career has taken off.

“As his fame grows, he falls under the professional spell of his new agent,” the statement said.

“To his family’s horror, Austin behaves in a manner unbefitting his true self.

“Meanwhile, an Australian production company options Julian’s (book) Big Bear for TV.

“Julian, his wife Ingrid (played by Sally Phillips), and Austin return to Canberra. Unfortunately, they find the company wants to reinvent the Big Bear brand – without Julian.”

The show’s executive producer, Miller, is excited to once again feature alongside fellow UK actress co-executive producer Phillips and his Australian castmates, including Gia Carides (Mel Hogan) and Roy Billing (Bill Hogan).

“Love is in the air in season two, and as Austin’s dad, I’m excited to see him dive into the world of romance,” Miller said.

“That said, I would advise against any 90s-style double dating. One decade of that was plenty…

“A huge thank you to the peerless ABC, ably abetted by ITV Studios, and our friends at Screen Australia and Screen Canberra, for helping bring Austin’s journey back to life.

“We are all beyond excited to start filming again and reunite our joyously neurodivergent family.”

Austin is commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and is a Northern Pictures production with Lincoln Pictures, in association with and distributed by ITV Studios.

The series received major production investment from the ABC, in association with Screen Australia, the ACT Government, and Screen Canberra. Post-production was completed with the assistance of the NSW Government.

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