The $50 million funding boost the ABC secured last year is beginning to take shape — and Australian children's television is set to be a major beneficiary.
Last year, ABC Friends welcomed a landmark $50 million funding boost for the ABC. This week, the first production under that funding has been confirmed — and it's a name every Australian family will recognise.
B1 and B2 are back
The ABC has announced a live-action reboot of Bananas in Pyjamas, to be produced in Adelaide by Windmill Production Company — the team behind the acclaimed Beep & Mort. The beloved series, which first aired on the ABC in 1992 and delighted a generation of Australian preschoolers, will return to its original live-action format using puppetry and physical performance.
As ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins said, "Bananas in Pyjamas has long held a cherished place in Australian children's television, delighting generations of families. With the support of additional funding, we're thrilled to reimagine this playful series full of heart and humour for today's young viewers."
A critical moment for Australian children's content
The timing is significant. Australian children's drama spend fell by 41% in 2024-25. Free-to-air channels produced 85 fewer hours of drama than the previous year. As ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks told Senate Estimates this week, "We are now probably the only commissioner of premium children's product in Australia."
That is a sobering statement — and a powerful argument for sustained public investment in the ABC.
Free, Australian, and for every family
Unlike subscription streaming services, the ABC remains free to every Australian family. No paywalls, no algorithms pushing children toward gambling advertisements or age-inappropriate content. Just quality Australian stories, told with Australian voices, values and perspectives.
This is precisely what ABC Friends has long advocated for: Our stories. Our voices. Our ABC.
Looking ahead
The Bananas in Pyjamas reboot is just the first announcement. Marks has promised more children's programs and adult dramas will be revealed in the coming weeks. ABC Friends will continue to advocate for the funding the ABC needs to keep telling Australian stories — for our children, our families, and our national identity.
Phil Evans
Communications
ABC Friends