BBC Studios Australia adapts Peter Carey novel Bliss into drama series

BBC Studios (BBCS) Australia Productions and Tony Ayres (The Slap, Nowhere Boys) are in development on an adaptation of Australian author Peter Carey’s 1981 novel Bliss.

Tony Ayres

The novel, which was Carey’s first and was turned into a feature film in 1985, tells the story of an advertising executive who, after a heart attack, comes to believe he is living in hell.

Ayres is creator and writer of the adaptation, which reimagines the story in a contemporary setting.

Kylie Washington, exec VP and creative director of BBCS Australia Productions, said: “Peter Carey’s work has resonated with audiences around the world for decades, and we are proud to be collaborating with Tony Ayres to bring a fresh perspective to Bliss.

“This is a bold and distinctive story, rich in its exploration of identity, morality and transformation, and one that feels just as relevant today as ever. Through this adaptation, we aim to honour its legacy while reimagining it for contemporary audiences, connecting both long-time fans and new viewers.”

Montreux Film & Fjernsyn’s gameshow format Nation’s Dumbest

In other BBCS news, broadcasters Antena 3 in Spain and TV3 in Lithuania have commissioned local versions of comedy entertainment format Nation’s Dumbest. BBCS-owned Brutal Media will produce the Spanish version, while TV3 Studios will produce Lithuania’s.

Originally created by Montreux Film and Fjernsyn, Nation’s Dumbest has become BBCS’s fastest-growing comedy entertainment format since its launch in Norway two years ago.

The latest deals mean the format has now expanded into 10 countries, following recent commissions in Hungary and Denmark and previous adaptations in countries including the US, France and Sweden.