EDMONTON — Super Channel will be bringing the Australian series Upright to Canadian viewers in January, after acquiring the broadcast rights to the eight-episode half-hour comedy-drama from Entertainment One, the company announced Wednesday.
Co-written by and starring critically acclaimed musician, comedian, actor, writer and director Tim Minchin (Matilda: The Musical, Californication), Upright follows two misfits thrown together by chance in the middle of the Australian desert, who forge the unlikeliest of bonds in their quest to get a precious piano from one side of the country to the other.
When family outcast Lucky Flynn, played by Minchin (pictured on left), learns his mother is dying, he decides to drive to the other side of Australia to see her, packing nothing but an upright piano for the journey. But his plans are soon turned upside down when he meets the runaway teenager Meg, played by Milly Alcock (pictured on right), who’s dealing with some family demons of her own.
“We are thrilled to be bringing this unique comedy with heart to our viewers,” said Jackie Pardy, chief content officer for Super Channel, in a news release. “With incredible performances from Tim Minchin and Milly Alcock, it is a funny and moving story that will take viewers on a wild road-trip across the Australian outback that they are sure to embrace.”
Upright is produced by Lingo Pictures Australia’s Jason Stephens, and executive produced by Tim Minchin, who wrote the series along with writers Chris Taylor, Kate Mulvany and Leon Ford.
Having recently launched to rave reviews in both Australia and the UK, Upright will make its Canadian broadcast premiere on Sunday, January 19 at 9:30 p.m. ET on Super Channel Fuse. Each episode will also be available on Super Channel On Demand the day following its weekly linear broadcast.
