Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

MATT OKINE AND DENISE SCOTT STARRING IN REIMAGINING OF MOTHER AND SON

24/11/2022

24 11 2022 - Media release Matt Okine and Denise Scott starring in reimagining of Mother and Son

Mother and Son's Matt Okine (Arthur) and Denise Scott (Maggie)

Screen Australia, ABC and Screen NSW today confirmed they are delighted to be bringing an all-new Mother and Son to Australian screens, in a charming and hilarious eight-part series starring two of the country's most-loved comedians, Denise Scott and Matt Okine.

Produced by Wooden Horse and re-created by Okine with collaborators Sarah Walker, Tristram Baumber and the show's original creator, Geoffrey Atherden, Mother and Son will screen on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2023.

When his widowed mum, Maggie (Denise Scott), sets fire to the kitchen, recently-single Arthur Gbeme (Matt Okine) moves back in to the family home. As he tells it, he has put his life on hold to care for his mum, but the truth is, there isn't much to put on hold.

A former nurse, Maggie used to be a firebrand a free-thinking renegade of the 60s. But since the death of her husband, Maggie has been... a little off.

Screen Australia's Head of Content Grainne Brunsdon says, This hilarious and relatable series is sure to capture the hearts of Australians as it playfully brings this classic story into a modern Australian setting. With such a strong creative team behind the production, I've no doubt Mother and Son will charm a new generation when Maggie and Arthur return to the ABC in 2023.

(Re)Creator, Writer and Star, Matt Okine says "The idea to re-create Mother and Son first came to me back in 2013 when I was touring Hong Kong alongside Denise. It was a staple of the Okine family TV when I was growing up; a beautiful snapshot of 1980s Australian suburbia, made hilariously unforgettable by its co-stars Ruth Cracknell and Garry McDonald. Ten years in the making, it feels like a dream come true to have this idea brought back to life. Denise and I have huge shoes to fill but with my hairline going the way it is, I feel like I was born to play a 2023 version of Arthur!".

ABC Head of Comedy Todd Abbott says I honestly thought Matt and the team were joking when they suggested revisiting this classic series, but the more excited they got, the more it became clear we absolutely had to make it. Australia has changed a lot in 40 years, and this cheeky, fired-up, laugh-out-loud series reflects that beautifully. And for anyone who needs any more convincing, I have two words: Denise Scott!

This warm and funny reimagining of Mother and Son is the perfect antidote to the doom and gloom of the last few years. The pandemic forced many of us to reconnect with family and this series will resonate all the more as a result. A beautiful mix of comedy and pathos superbly crafted by Matt Okine, Sarah Walker and Tristram Baumber, Mother and Son shines a timely lens on an ageing population and modern family life in a contemporary, multicultural Australia. With the blessing of Mother and Son's original creator, Geoffrey Atherden, we are thrilled to bring this hilarious and provocative reimagining to the ABC and audiences the world over, said Jude Troy and Richard Finlayson, Producers and joint CEOs, Wooden Horse.

Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth says Screen NSW is thrilled to support Wooden Horse and the talented team of Matt Okine, Sarah Walker and Tristram Baumber to bring the revamped Mother and Son to Australia and beyond. This iconic Australian series was hugely successful during its original run on the ABC, and I am confident it will leverage the success of the original series and attract new audiences with a modern take.

With rich, warm characters that could be drawn right from your own family, Mother and Son offers hilarious, poignant, and utterly relatable observations on modern family life.

Production credit: Mother and Son is a Wooden Horse production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Produced by Jude Troy and Richard Finlayson. Associate Producer Alexandra Cameron. Executive Producer / Creator / Writer Matt Okine. ABC Executive Producers Todd Abbott and Louise Smith. International Sales: ABC Commercial.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES Tracey Taylor | ABC

(03) 8646 2313 / [email protected]

Media enquiries Maddie Walsh | Publicist

61 2 8113 5915 | [email protected]

Lidia Williams | Senior Publicist

61 2 8113 1091 | 61 468 784 170 | [email protected]

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]
LINK: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/sa/media-centre/news/2022/11-24-rei...
See more stories from screenaustralia

Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories

21/10/2025

SBS Learn's Dharug Ngurra resource empowers classrooms to meaningfully celebrate NSW Aboriginal Languages Week

SBS Learn's Dharug Ngurra resource empowers classrooms to meaningfully celeb...

16/10/2025

ABS Completes Redomiciliation to Dubai Development Authority as Part of Strategic Transformation

ABS Completes Redomiciliation to Dubai Development Authority as Part of Strategi...

15/10/2025

New SBS Documentary Series THE CANCER KILLERS Premieres 4 November on SBS & SBS On Demand

New SBS Documentary Series THE CANCER KILLERS Premieres 4 November on SBS & SBS ...

15/10/2025

SBS celebrates the Festivals of Lights with bold, illuminating stories across the network

SBS celebrates the Festivals of Lights with bold, illuminating stories across th...

14/10/2025

Tiny toys, big missions: Knee High Spies launches on ABC this November

14 10 2025 - Media release Tiny toys, big missions: Knee High Spies launches on ABC this November Knee High Spies Kids, assemble! The ABC and Screen Australi...

13/10/2025

New SBS and NITV Original RECKLESS a Deadly Funny Thriller Straight Out of Freo - Premieres Wednesday November 12 at 8:30pm

New SBS and NITV Original RECKLESS a Deadly Funny Thriller Straight Out of Fre...

09/10/2025

Take a lively look at death with the return of SBS Audio's award-winning Grave Matters podcast

Take a lively look at death with the return of SBS Audio's award-winning Gra...

09/10/2025

Clarification: SBS editorial guidance on Middle East conflict

Clarification: SBS editorial guidance on Middle East conflict 9 October, 2025 Media releases Statement by Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Aff...

08/10/2025

SBS goes to football's heartland to broadcast the opening fixtures of the Australian Championship this week

SBS goes to football's heartland to broadcast the opening fixtures of the Au...

01/10/2025

Adam Hills: The Last Leg legs it to a new home on SBS

Adam Hills: The Last Leg legs it to a new home on SBS 1 October, 2025 Media releases New season premieres Wednesday 22 October at 8:30pm on SBS On Demand a...

25/09/2025

NITV News EXCLUSIVE 5-part Interview Series with CATHY FREEMAN from September 22-26 on NITV and SBS On Demand

NITV News EXCLUSIVE 5-part Interview Series with CATHY FREEMAN from September 22...

25/09/2025

Almost 3.4m tune in to watch SBS's broadcast of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025

Almost 3.4m tune in to watch SBS's broadcast of the World Athletics Champion...

23/09/2025

Think you know Australia's history? Think again.

Think you know Australia's history? Think again. 22 September, 2025 Media releases The Idea of Australia is an ambitious landmark documentary series ...

22/09/2025

Screen Australia amplifies 46 distinctive local stories with funding for new dramas

22 09 2025 - Media release Screen Australia amplifies 46 distinctive local stori...

19/09/2025

SBS introduces bold new series with ADHD, obesity, ageing and menopause as the hot topics of unfiltered conversations

SBS introduces bold new series with ADHD, obesity, ageing and menopause as the h...

18/09/2025

SBS Audio podcast helps new Australians keep their Head Above Water

SBS Audio podcast helps new Australians keep their Head Above Water 17 September, 2025 Media releases As Australia heads toward summer, comedians and good ...

18/09/2025

Football fans to watch the inaugural Australian Championship on SBS

Football fans to watch the inaugural Australian Championship on SBS 18 September, 2025 Media releases Images here SBS and Football Australia are delighted...

11/09/2025

SBS shares Australian National Anthem in over 60 languages to foster belonging and connection

SBS shares Australian National Anthem in over 60 languages to foster belonging a...

05/09/2025

Today's Historic Settlement Underscores SBS's Powerful New Series The People v Robodebt

Today's Historic Settlement Underscores SBS's Powerful New Series The Pe...

04/09/2025

Watch the Record-breaking Koori Knockout 2025 LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on NITV and SBS On Demand

Watch the Record-breaking Koori Knockout 2025 LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on NITV and SBS...

03/09/2025

World-first opt-out function to become full feature on SBS On Demand

World-first opt-out function to become full feature on SBS On Demand 3 September, 2025 Media releases National broadcaster SBS will elevate the world-class...

03/09/2025

SBS On Demand to take consumer experience to next level with introduction of restart, pause and rewind functions

SBS On Demand to take consumer experience to next level with introduction of res...

03/09/2025

SBS highlights effectiveness of advertising in uncluttered environments

SBS highlights effectiveness of advertising in uncluttered environments 3 September, 2025 Media releases New market-first research, done in conjunction wit...

03/09/2025

SBS extends exclusive Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift free-to-air broadcast deal to 2030

SBS extends exclusive Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift free-to-air broadcast dea...

03/09/2025

Record number of brands driving investment in NITV and First Nations media

Record number of brands driving investment in NITV and First Nations media 3 September, 2025 Media releases Beyond 3% continues to support the growth of Na...

03/09/2025

SBS declares FIFA World Cup 2026 Will be biggest TV audience event of 2026'

SBS declares FIFA World Cup 2026 Will be biggest TV audience event of 2026' 3 September, 2025 FIFA World Cup SBS names Hyundai, Macca's, Rexona, ...

03/09/2025

SBS continues to lead Australian media in sustainability with launch of SBS Brief Green

SBS continues to lead Australian media in sustainability with launch of SBS Brie...

03/09/2025

SBS unifies data offering with launch of SBS Data Lab

SBS unifies data offering with launch of SBS Data Lab 3 September, 2025 Media releases SBS brings together multiple audience initiatives together in one un...

03/09/2025

Turbulence, Heart and Humanity: SBS Unveils High-Flying New Airport Drama The Chaplain

Turbulence, Heart and Humanity: SBS Unveils High-Flying New Airport Drama The Ch...

29/08/2025

Australian Red Cross and SBS launch training to help workplaces in the fight against Modern Slavery

Australian Red Cross and SBS launch training to help workplaces in the fight aga...

27/08/2025

ABC, Screen Australia and ACTF unveil two new original children's series

27 08 2025 - Media release ABC, Screen Australia and ACTF unveil two new original children's series Happy House. The ABC, Screen Australia and the Austra...

25/08/2025

Watch SBS as 49 World Champions are crowned in nine days at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025

Watch SBS as 49 World Champions are crowned in nine days at the World Athletics ...

25/08/2025

Got a podcast idea? SBS Audio opens annual pitch season

Got a podcast idea? SBS Audio opens annual pitch season 25 August, 2025 Media releases Three-time Australian Podcast Publisher of the Year, SBS, invites th...

21/08/2025

Statement on Acting Managing Director arrangements at SBS

Statement on Acting Managing Director arrangements at SBS 21 August, 2025 Insights & articles The SBS Board of Directors has today confirmed it will appoin...

20/08/2025

SBS unleashes landmark docu-drama The People vs Robodebt

SBS unleashes landmark docu-drama The People vs Robodebt 20 August, 2025 Media releases Our Government. Half a Million Victims [1]. Zero Accountability Un...

20/08/2025

Dan Bourchier appointed General Manager of NITV

Dan Bourchier appointed General Manager of NITV 20 August, 2025 Media releases The respected journalist, presenter and accomplished leader will join Nation...

14/08/2025

Statement on the passing of David Stratton

Statement on the passing of David Stratton 14 August, 2025 Insights & articles Statement by SBS Managing Director, James Taylor SBS is deeply saddened by...

12/08/2025

SBS Managing Director James Taylor steps down

SBS Managing Director James Taylor steps down 12 August, 2025 Media releases SBS Managing Director will depart the organisation later this year SBS Managi...

12/08/2025

Millions join SBS for a month of Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes action

Millions join SBS for a month of Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes action 12 August, 2025 Media releases Total TV Reach of 5.57 million, including 1...

11/08/2025

Screen Australia celebrates emerging creatives and cultural icons in documentary funding slate

11 08 2025 - Media release Screen Australia celebrates emerging creatives and cu...

07/08/2025

A bold new sporting documentary series celebrating First Nations athletes, culture, and the power of sport

A bold new sporting documentary series celebrating First Nations athletes, cultu...

06/08/2025

SBS heralds sweeping historical drama King & Conqueror coming soon

SBS heralds sweeping historical drama King & Conqueror coming soon 5 August, 2025 Media releases James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau star as the rivals ...

31/07/2025

The Creators 2025 Participants Announced

31 07 2025 - Media release The Creators 2025 Participants Announced Top (L-R): Tamara Asmar, Anna Barnes and Sarah Bassiuoni. Bottom (L-R): Glen Dolman, Mich...

24/07/2025

NITV and SBS to celebrate the significance and spectacle of the 25th Garma Festival

NITV and SBS to celebrate the significance and spectacle of the 25th Garma Festi...

24/07/2025

Pure Drama continues with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift hot on the wheels of the Tour de France

Pure Drama continues with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift hot on the wheels...

23/07/2025

SBS shortlists proponents to proceed to next stage for Western Sydney production hub location

SBS shortlists proponents to proceed to next stage for Western Sydney production...

21/07/2025

SBS reveals expert commentary team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September

SBS reveals expert commentary team for the World Athletics Championships in Toky...

21/07/2025

Australian gamemakers level-up with major funding from Screen Australia

21 07 2025 - Media release Australian gamemakers level-up with major funding from Screen Australia Retopia New games capture distinctive stories, landscapes ...