
Series Two of Little J and Big Cuz Announced
A second series of Indigenous animation Little J and Big Cuz is now in pre-production.
13 episodes by Ned Lander Media, Media World and Blue Rocket will be delivered to NITV and ABC Kids in 2019 for broadcast and catch up online.
The second series will see the return of a diverse, Indigenous writing team and stellar voice talents including Deborah Mailman, Miranda Tapsell, Ningali Lawford, Aaron Fa’oaso, Ursula Yovich and Shari Sebbens.
Miranda Tapsell, who voices ‘Little J’ in the series, said she’s excited that a second series has been announced.
“I had a wonderful time making the first series of Little J and Big Cuz… It’s really important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids to see themselves reflected on screens, in positive and complex characters. I wish we had Little J and Big Cuz when I was growing up,” she said.
Little J and Big Cuz – Series 1 was the first Indigenous animated program broadcast on Australian television.
In a column for the Herald Sun, Arts Centre Melbourne creative producer Mary Harvey said Little J was ‘’one of the best cartoons on Australian TV” and “a great show for young people to learn about Indigenous culture, community and country.”
Data from NITV has shown that Little J dominated the audience share for 5-9 year olds in its time slots. Last month, Little J was announced as a “Most Outstanding Children’s Series” finalist for the 2018 TV Week Logie Awards. The year before, Little J received the SAE ATOM Award for Best Children’s Television Program.
Outside Australia, the series has also resonated with audiences worldwide.
Little J and Big Cuz originally made its US debut in 2017, screening at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival.
Shortly afterwards, First Nations Experience (FNX), a voice and broadcast outlet for Native American and World Indigenous communities, acquired the series. FNX broadcasts in 20 states to an estimated audience of over 43 million viewers.
Since that time, USA’s Global Eagle has also acquired episodes for QANTAS’ in-flight entertainment service.
Animation director Tony Thorne said it is “tremendously exciting” to build upon series 1’s success.
“We are thrilled to extend [Little J’s] world. [The series] has proven to have really broad appeal,” he said.
Series 2 is produced by Ned Lander Media, Media World and Blue Rocket, commissioned by NITV in association with the ABC. The series is financed with support from Screen Australia, Screen Tasmania, Film Victoria, ACER and the ACTF.
The Australian Children’s Television Foundation distributes Little J and Big Cuz worldwide.
See also:
March 27th 2025
Tales from Outer Suburbia adaptation to screen at prestigious Annecy Festival
The television adaptation of Shaun Tan’s bestselling illustrated anthology Tales from Outer Suburbia has been selected to screen at the Annecy Animated Film Festival in France, which celebrates the best of international animation.
March 26th 2025
Puppetry meets politics on the set of Knee High Spies
The Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, recently went behind-the-scenes on the upcoming children’s series Knee High Spies, currently being produced in Melbourne by Werner Film Productions (Dance Academy, The Newsreader) for the ABC.
March 24th 2025
Space Nova S2 to launch onto screens this April
The animated adventure series Space Nova returns for a second season next month, premiering on ABC iview on Thursday 24 April.
March 24th 2025
Aussie kids’ content recognised with Rockie Award nominations
Preschool animation Eddie’s Lil’ Homies and family feature film Windcatcher have been recognised for their excellence with nominations in the prestigious 2025 Banff World Media Festival Rockie Awards.
March 3rd 2025
Screen stories to share with your class for International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. These screen stories about change-making Australian girls and women will help primary and secondary teachers explore this year’s theme: Accelerate Action.