The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is set to launch its new six-part comedy drama series, Dog Park, on Sunday, 1 February, at 8:30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. Co-created by Leon Ford and Amanda Higgs, the show stars Ford as Roland, a man navigating life after his wife leaves him, alongside Celia Pacquola as the optimistic Samantha. The ensemble cast brings together familiar faces from Australian and international screens.
Dog Park follows Roland, played by Leon Ford, who is left to care for his teenage daughter Mia and an unwanted dog named Beattie after his wife Emma departs. When Beattie goes missing and reappears at the local dog park, Roland encounters Samantha, portrayed by Celia Pacquola, and her eclectic group of dog owners. Over time, Roland finds himself drawn back to the park, discovering a sense of community amid his personal struggles.
The series explores themes of belonging, resilience, and the bonds formed through human and canine connections. Joining Ford and Pacquola are Brooke Satchwell from Mr Inbetween, Elizabeth Alexander known for Clickbait and The Secrets She Keeps, Grace Chow of Good Cop/Bad Cop, Ras-Samuel from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Florence Gladwin of Neighbours, Nick Boshier from Bondi Hipsters, and newcomer Ash Flanders making his television debut.
Produced by Matchbox Pictures, a division of Universal International Studios under Universal Studio Group, Dog Park is commissioned by the ABC with major investment from the ABC and Screen Australia. Additional financing comes from VicScreen, while international sales are handled by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution. Amanda Higgs serves as executive producer, with Leon Ford as co-executive producer. Other key credits include associate producer Sarah Pratt, executive producers Debbie Lee, Rebecca Anderson, and Rachel Okine.
This heartwarming narrative promises to blend humor and emotion, highlighting the unexpected ways communities form in everyday settings.
