With the launch of our Digital Conversions short form proof of concept initiative, we have put together a list of our favourite digital series success stories to inspire your application.
Applications for round one of Digital Conversions are due 29 May. Rounds will open monthly until October 2020.
The Katering Show
The comedy cooking series started on YouTube in 2015, before their mock morning television program Get Krack!n was picked up by the ABC in 2017.
Beached Az
Starting it’s life in 2008 on YouTube as a viral animated short titled “Beached Whale”, The ABC commissioned an animated series in 2009.
Rick and Morty
From it’s humble beginnings in 2006 as a Back to the Future parody webisode, the concept evolved to eventually become an original series airing on Adult Swim in December 2013. Its is available in Australia on Netflix.
Billy on the Street
The quirky comedy game show set in the streets of New York began as viral YouTube videos created for Billy Eichner’s stage show. US network Fuse commissioned the first series in 2011, which was then picked up by truTV and Netflix. In 2018, the show, produced by Funny or Die (founded by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Mark Kvamme, and Chris Henchy) went exclusively online. The show aired last year in Australia on SBS.
Drunk History
The star-studded comedy Drunk History is yet another series that emerged from Funny or Die webisodes, from 2007. Episodes aired on HBO, before the first series officially premiered on Comedy Central in 2013
Several international versions have launched, including UK and Australian series (Network Ten).
Adam Ruins Everything
The educational and hilarious College Humour web series transitioned from web to the small screen in 2015 with a truTV series debut. The series broadcast in Australia on SBS.
Broad City
The Comedy Central sitcom about two friends trying to “make it” in New York, was an independent web series from 2009 – 2011 before enjoying five seasons on the major network from 2014 – 2019. It aired on ABC in Australia and is currently available on Stan.
Portlandia
The concept of Portlandia came from an online sketch series titled ThunderAnt. A successful pitch to US Network IFC resulted in eight seasons running from 2011 – 2018. It broadcast in Australia on ABC.
