Hot Picks: Dear Life

Described by Cailah Scobie, chief content officer at Australian streamer Stan, as a “bittersweet and deeply human relationship drama”, Dear Life explores the complexities of ethics and grief in a way that is not only deeply compelling but also emotionally rewarding for the audience.

The Gristmill-produced drama follows the story of a woman struggling to get over the death of her fiancé – a doctor – who is killed while trying to help a young patient. The series goes on to track the woman’s life as she finds comfort in seeking out the recipients of her late partner’s organs, triggering a tangled web of connections.

This chain is part of what makes Dear Life unique, with the show weaving together the lives and deaths of a group of seemingly random people who are connected by organ donation.

Scobie says that the show “reflects the legacy of life and connection”, while Hat Trick International sales director Sarah Tong adds that it offers “a truly original storyline”, and it is this that makes it stand out in a crowded drama market.

“It offers both the unique concept that in order to save 11 lives, one person has to die, along with the compelling reminder that everyone is a loved one to someone. It’s poetic and beautiful in that way,” she says.

“Dramas rarely explore the world of organ donation and the deeply personal stories behind it,” Tong adds of the show, which also tracks the fight for justice following the murder of the A&E doctor.

Set to air later this year on Stan, the story is distinctly Australian but centred on themes that will resonate internationally. Tong adds: “It’s also brilliantly produced by Gristmill, with depth and humour. The audience will fall in love with the characters and how their individual stories evolve over the six episodes.”

This is helped, Scobie adds, by the “A-list cast bringing extraordinary depth to the screen”, with talent including Brooke Satchwell, Eleanor Matsuura, Ryan Johnson, Ben Lawson, Megan Smart, Deborah Mailman and Annie Maynard attached. Filming took place in Ballarat, Melbourne, and the Yarra Valley.

The series has been penned by Australian couple and creative partners Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, who previously created comedies including The Librarians, Now Add Honey and Summer Love. The pair also act as directors and executive producers for the series.

Tong says her current catalogue focuses on “quality over quantity”, and she is confident that “this unique drama is special enough to sit alongside the premium high-quality and big-budget titles we represent from HTM [Hat Trick Mercurio],” which include Bloodlands and DI Ray. Dear Life’s humour and warmth also make it a good fit for a slate that also sports shows such as Episodes and Derry Girls, she adds.

The team are optimistic that Dear Life can become a returning series, something Tong says “is always a bonus” when taking drama to market. She hopes global scripted buyers will be captivated by “a powerful and truly original story”, while commissioner Scobie concludes that the series reflects Stan’s commitment “to championing bold, high-quality Australian storytelling. We can’t wait for viewers to experience it.”