ABC, Screen Australia and VicScreen are thrilled to announce filming has commenced in Melbourne on Dog Park, a heart-warming new six-part comedy series starring Leon Ford (The Last Anniversary,Elvis) and the award-winning Celia Pacquola (Rosehaven, Love Me).
Produced by Matchbox Pictures, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, Dog Park was co-created by Leon Ford and Amanda Higgs (Bad Behaviour, Mustangs FC). The series is directed by Matthew Saville (Please Like Me, Upright) and Nina Buxton (Heartbreak High, Summer Love), and is written by Leon Ford, Penelope Chai (Troppo, Turn Up The Volume), Nick Coyle (Bump) and Chloe Wong (Turn Up The Volume).
In the grip of a mid-life crisis, Roland (Leon Ford) meets the eternal optimist Samantha (Celia Pacquola) and her mismatched, life-loving group of dog-parkers. As Roland begrudgingly keeps returning to the park, he comes to realise he actually really needs a community to belong to.
At a time when it’s needed most, Dog Park is a feel-good story of love, loyalty and licking – and doing good for the sake of it.
ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine says: “We can’t wait to share this incredibly funny and furry show with ABC audiences. This very talented team have infused their story with heart and humour, and we’re delighted to bring you a show you can watch with the whole family, including your pet!”
Executive Producer for Matchbox Pictures and Co-Creator Amanda Higgs says: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining with the ABC to bring some much-needed joy to the world right now, through the transformative power of dogs and the love of their human companions. We hope audiences will enjoy our series as much as we have delighted in making it. With huge thanks to our key investors in Screen Australia and VicScreen and our loyal team at Matchbox Pictures.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Even cat people will adore Dog Park. As one of our cherished places of community and connection, the local dog park is the perfect backdrop for this latest funny-sad series from Leon Ford and accomplished producer Amanda Higgs. With its universal theme of belonging through the relatable world of dog park communities, this joyful series will capture hearts around the world – human and dogs alike!”
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said: “We’re paws-itively delighted to support Leon Ford and Amanda Higgs and the Matchbox Pictures team to make this joyful new series in Victoria. We can’t wait to see all the fun and games when Roland, Samantha and their four-legged friends’ rendezvous in Dog Park.”
Dog Park will premiere on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2026.
Has anyone ever, in the history of comedy, laughed at something described as a “feel good story”? How about “heart warming”? Or “doing good for the sake of it”? C’mon, that’s obviously a sure-fire recipe for comedy. Just think of all those hilarious kind-hearted sitcom characters over the years, like… uh… you know… yeah.
Oh wait, it’s “funny-sad”. Forget we said anything. About this being funny at least.
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