ABC drama Austin is relocating to South Australia for its third season, with Hardy White Pictures joining Northern Pictures and Lincoln Pictures to produce the next chapter.
Filming has begun on the six-part series in Australia and the UK, with Michael Teo returning as the title character and also starring British cast members Ben Miller, Sally Phillips and Ellie McKay, as well as Australian actors Gia Karides, Roy Billing and Natalie Abbott.
In the new season, Austin prepares for his wedding to Haley while navigating the unfamiliar world of in-laws and mounting expectations. Julian and Ingrid are enjoying an amicable divorce, but it is complicated by Ingrid’s relationship with a new man and the pressure of developing a new book series alongside her Big Bear TV show.
When everyone is whisked off to a wedding at Hayley’s parents’ farm in rural Australia, tensions rise and suspicion creeps in as the big day approaches. Austin and Haley begin to question their future, and Julian and Ingrid have second thoughts about divorce.
Darren Ashton, Miller, Joe Tucker, and Lloyd Wolf created the series, with Miller executive producing alongside Phillips, Jessica Parker, Matt Vitins, Katherine Nebauer, and lead director Ashton. Erin White will join the creative team and direct several episodes.
Joe Weatherstone will serve as producer, with Michelle Hardy serving as co-producer with Shannon Wilson McClinton. Rebecca Anderson and Rachel Okine will serve as executive producers for ABC.
The third season will feature 13 South Australian department heads, including production designer Gareth Wilkes, costume designer Renate Henschke, hair and make-up designer Fiona Rees-Jones, recording director Nick Steele and 1st AD Travis Carre. The team consists of Nandra, location manager Maria Humphries, gaffer Matthew Schmidt, key grip Matan Tataruko, head of catering Rachel Marcus, extras casting agent Angie Christoffel, and script supervisor. William Hadinata, Unit Manager Cameron McQueen, and Safety Supervisor Paul Lightfoot.
In all, the production will employ 79 staff and 180 extras from the state and will cost $3 million both in Adelaide and regionally.
The series is produced and distributed in partnership with ITV Studios, with significant production investment from Screen Australia and funding support from the South Australian Film Corporation. Screen NSW supports post, digital and visual effects.
Okine said “Austin” has become a deeply loved series among ABC viewers because of its “warmth, humor and beautifully drawn characters.”
“As the show enters its third season, we’re excited to bring even more laughter, heart and humanity to screens across Australia,” she said.
Ashton said the new season took the story into “new, heartfelt territory.”
“‘Austin’ has been fun to make since day one and I’m excited to be back for Season 3,” he said.
“When Ben and I first cast Michael Theo, we never imagined this series would become such a defining part of our creative lives. Being able to return to the same outstanding cast and crew truly feels like coming home.”
SAFC CEO Kate Crozer said her agency was delighted to welcome Austin to South Australia.
“I congratulate South Australian company Hardy-White Pictures, co-producer Michelle Hardy and director Erin White on joining the team on this ground-breaking, heart-warming and inclusive series,” she said.
“The SAFC ABC Pipeline Initiative continues to strengthen our industry, demonstrating the capabilities of our world-class staff and great location.”
Austin season 3 will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2026.
