SQ News

Third and final season of hit comedy The Family Law to film in Queensland


SBS commissions a third and final season of hit comedy The Family Law

 SBS is pleased to announce a third season of the award-winning comedy The Family Law. Everyone’s favourite almost-functional Asian Australian family are back for a final season in 2018, after receiving production funding from Screen Australia in association with Screen Queensland.

The Family Law first hit screens in January 2016 to critical acclaim. The series was awarded ‘Best Casting in a TV Comedy (Casting Guild of Australia)’ and ‘Comedy Series Production of the Year (SPA Award)’ – it also earned two AACTA nominations.

 Written and created by Benjamin Law, and based on his memoir of the same name, The Family Law is a coming-of-age story told through the eyes of teenager Benjamin, as he navigates growing up amidst the chaos of his hilarious, heart-warming and dysfunctional family.

SBS Director of Television and Online Content Marshall Heald said: “We’re thrilled to be back with a third season of this bold, clever, and uniquely SBS series. The Family Law is full of heart and humour and the series has really resonated with Australian audiences.

“It’s one of the first home-grown series to focus on the experiences of Chinese Australians, but has universal relevance. Our distinctive storytelling and our connection to diverse community groups means we can tell stories from a multicultural perspective that no other network can tell.”

Creator and writer of The Family Law Benjamin Law said: “We already reckon Season 3 will be the best one yet. As usual, we promise even more batshit crazy costumes, and that you’ll laugh your head off – but only after you cry buckets. We’re also moving the Laws into new territory, with a storyline fans have been anticipating – and we’ve been flagging – from the very first episode.”

The Family Law is developed and produced by Matchbox Pictures (The Slap, Nowhere Boys, Glitch) with major production funding from Screen Australia in association Screen Queensland.

In making the announcement Matchbox Producer Sophie Miller said: “We are delighted to be bringing The Family Law back for a third series. With the Law’s unique brand of wrong town humour and stories that will bring a tear to your eye, this series promises to be our best yet.”

Head of Production at Screen Australia, Sally Caplan said: “The Family Law has proved there is a strong appetite for stories that authentically represent the Australia of now. Screen Australia is immensely proud to have funded the show since its inception and due to its success with audiences and cultural significance, we are pleased to support a third series.”

Screen Queensland Chair Catherine O’Sullivan said: “Australia has well and truly embraced The Family Law through two successful seasons, with its affectionate view of suburban family life in Queensland.

“Screen Queensland is on board for the latest series, which will film in Brisbane, and tell our stories on a global stage.”

The Family Law season three is executive produced by Debbie Lee (Matchbox Pictures) and SBS’s Sue Masters, and is produced by Julie Eckersley and Sophie Miller (Matchbox Pictures).

Directed by Ben Chessell (Offspring, Rush, Dance Academy), along with Sophie Miller, the show is written by Benjamin Law and Kirsty Fisher.

 The Family Law, season 3, premieres on SBS and SBS On Demand in 2018.

Season 1 and 2 of The Family Law are available on SBS On Demand.

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