The CW has acquired the Australian surf drama Barons for its summer lineup. The series will debut on Monday 29 May at 9 pm.
The AACTA-nominated Australian drama Barons is a series that parallels the story behind the creation of the Australian surf industry in the 1970s. Set at a time of sexual liberation, social disruption, protest and war, the series captures a moment of upheaval and opportunity as a new surfing counterculture collides with the realities of enterprise.
Two best friends, inspired by their love for the Australian beach, create what will become rival iconic surf brands. Little do they know that their success will tear them — and their worlds — apart. When their businesses go mainstream, the young rebels and their friends find themselves pulled deep into a world of corporate politics, jealousy, homophobia and racial tension. In selling their dream to the world, they create bitter, lasting rivalries.
The series stars Sean Keenan, Ben O’Toole, Jillian Nguyen, Hunter Page-Lochard, Sophia Forrest, Karina Banno, Vivienne Awosoga, Nicholas Burton, Megan MacKenzie, Catherine Van-Davies with Lincoln Younes and George Pullar.
Michael Lawrence from Micanical Media, said: “We are thrilled that this brilliant cast, made up of Australia’s finest young actors, has the CW as a platform to showcase their extraordinary talent and hard work.”
John Molloy from 2 Jons, said: “The CW is the perfect partner for Barons. We hope our show about youth, adventure, risk and love connects with US audiences.”
The series, which comes from Micanical Media, 2 Jons and Fremantle Australia in conjunction with Screen Australia and Create NSW aired locally on the ABC last year. It was created by Liz Doran, Michael Lawrence and John Molloy and directed by Shawn Seet and Fadia Abboud in collaboration with surf director Taylor Steele.
Greg Woods, CEO of Fremantle Australia, said; “Fremantle Australia is very proud of the show and the team that came together to produce it and we feel it’s found a natural and exciting prime-time home in the US with the CW.”
This week, the series was also nominated for Best Mini-Series at the Screen Producers Australia Awards at Screen Forever on the Gold Coast taking place on May 5 and Best Ensemble at the Equity Awards in Sydney on May 7.