Netflix has acquired the Australian TV show, Mako Mermaids.
The online streaming site will release the series simultaneously in line with the Australian premiere on NetworkTen on July 26, explains the Hollywood Reporter. Netflix’s deal includes the exclusive premiere rights to the first and second seasons.
Mako Mermaids of Jonathan M. Shiff Productions tells a tale of three mermaids who must protect their magical Mako Island from trespassers. Sixteen-year-old Zac comes to the Island and to the mermaids’ surprise, acquires amazing powers and merman qualities. The mermaid pod feels threatened by Zac’s arrival and is forced to move away, leaving the three young mermaids behind. In order to rejoin their fellow mermaids, they much get legs, venture onto land, and take back Zac’s powers.
The show is a spin-off from the successful series H2O: Just Add Water. It will consist of twenty-six half-hour episodes and is produced by Jonathan M. Shiff Productions, in association with Screen Australia, Network Ten, ZDF Enterprises and Screen Queensland, with assistance from Gold Coast City Council’s Business Gold Coast, says the Hollywood Reporter.
“This exclusive first-run deal, and Netflix’s commitment to the brand, is unprecedented — not just for children’s, but for any Australian program. It is a game changer,” said executive producer Jonathan M. Shiff. “With the instant delivery of first-run series, as seen with their series House of Cards, Netflix is an exciting and prestigious platform.”
Screen Australia CEO Ruth Harley added: “This is an extremely significant deal for an Australian television program and reinforces that our children’s television sector is highly regarded internationally for the high-quality content it produces. There’s clearly an appetite for quality Australian children’s television content both at home and abroad.”
Netflix’s streaming service is not yet available in Australia.