Aussie writer Paul Jennings’ eccentric storytelling is heading back to the small screen, thanks to a new development deal with Fremantle Australia (Heartbreak High). 

The Sydney-based prodco has optioned multiple short story collections by the author that were published in the ’80s and ’90s—including Quirky Tales, Unbelievable, Tongue Tied, Unbearable and Unreal. From this source material, Fremantle is initiating development on a new series called Twisted (10 x 60 minutes), which will revolve around the residents of a small town after they experience a mysterious, life-changing event.

The creative team attached to the project includes Catherine Smyth-McMullen (Nowhere Boys), Gemma Crofts (Surviving Summer) and Monica Zanetti (Sisters).

While the books are aimed at younger readers, Fremantle’s TV adaptation will be designed with broader four-quadrant appeal. “We feel audiences are craving something we can watch across multiple generations, and this series will be it,” said Carly Heaton, head of drama at Fremantle Australia. 

To date, Jennings has penned 100-plus stories for kids and young adults, selling more than 10 million books worldwide. And he has also been voted “favourite author” by Australian children a whopping 40 times. His stories are typically characterized by unusual premises, oddball characters, supernatural elements and surprise endings. Jennings’ bite-sized tales were first adapted for TV in the ’90s, giving birth to the ACTF’s cult-classic kids show Round the Twist.

Featured image: This year’s musical adaptation of Round the Twist at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (12 November, 2024 – 8 December, 2024)