ACTF News

The ABC, BBC and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) are thrilled to announce Little Lunch: New Class, a brand-new chapter of the smash-hit children’s series from Gristmill, the producers behind The InBestigators.

A decade after the groundbreaking mockumentary first captured the chaos and comedy of the Aussie playground at recess, Little Lunch: New Class introduces six new students – Adelaide, Ivy, Mason, Steve, Bonnie and Arthur – as they navigate friendship, misunderstandings and the big emotions of small people.

Fan favourite Heidi Arena returns as the ever-patient Mrs Gonsha. The years may have passed, but as this new class quickly discovers, the emotional hurdles of the playground remain timeless.

With its signature mockumentary style, Little Lunch: New Class will explore the themes that matter most to kids – belonging, fairness, loyalty and resilience – with sharp humour, warmth and heart.

Creators Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope said: “It’s been eleven years since we first brought Danny Katz and Mitch Vane’s Little Lunch universe to the screen, which is an actual lifetime (if you’re a character in the show). We can’t wait to bring this new series to the world.”

ABC Head of Children & Family, Melinda Wearne said: “Little Lunch captured the Australian childhood experience with honesty, heart, and humour, and is so loved by Australian audiences. We’re thrilled to have a wonderful new series for children and their families to meet the new class and share in their stories.”

Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, BBC Children’s and Education said: “Little Lunch is a series that continues to resonate so strongly with young audiences. Reviving this iconic show allows us not only to celebrate what made the original so special, but also to introduce today’s kids to the full breadth of content across BBC Children’s & Education and stories that inspire, support and reflect their worlds in entertaining and meaningful ways.”

Bernadette O’Mahony, ACTF Head of Content said: “Being back in the Little Lunch universe with Gristmill over the past couple of years has been a delight. Children and parents alike will love Mrs Gonsha’s new class of Grade 5’s, who are just as loveable, quirky and real. This series continues the Little Lunch tradition of warm, relatable, hilarious stories, and we can’t wait for children all over the world to fall in love with this new class of characters.”

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said: “The enduring popularity of Little Lunch proves just how brilliantly Victorian screen talent can create stories that entertain and inspire young audiences. We're thrilled to support Gristmill and a fresh generation of emerging local talent to make a new season of Little Lunch in Victoria, creating jobs for Victorian screen workers and injecting over $14 million into the local economy. We can't wait to be part of Little Lunch: New Class.”

Little Lunch: New Class will air on the ABC in 2027. Catch up on the original Little Lunch on ABC iview now.

Little Lunch: New Class is a Gristmill Production for the ABC and the BBC. Major production investment from the ACTF and the ABC, in association with VicScreen. International sales by the ACTF.