Since hitting Australian screens in 2019, the ABC’s Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds has charmed audiences and proven that intergenerational care can improve the health and happiness of older Australians. In a global first, the new season – Old People’s Home for Teenagers – will see if the program can also transform the lives of the most vulnerable young Australians: teenagers.
The new series will launch Tuesday 30 August, 8.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
Mediaweek spoke to Julie Hanna, ABC factual manager and ABC commissioning editor for all three Old People’s Home seasons, about bringing the latest series to life.
Old People’s Home for Teenagers cast and crew
What was behind the decision to bring in teenagers for this season?
“Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds not only changed the lives of the participants, it helped drive a conversation about how we treat one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, older people. The impact has been immeasurable, giving hope for a new model of care. Ageism is one of the most prevalent forms of discrimination in the world, and it affects not only older people but also teenagers.
“Teenagers and older people are experiencing loneliness in record numbers. Loneliness leads to terrible health outcomes; we were hoping this experiment might be one of the solutions to address this in the community. We were hoping to see if an intergenerational program would benefit both groups and, in the process, break down stereotypes. When Endemol Shine Australia pitched the idea with teenagers it seemed like a no-brainer. They’ve suffered so much through the pandemic, and we felt it would give us the chance to ignite important conversations.”
Were there any production hurdles that came up when you were filming with teens as opposed to four years olds?
“What could go wrong with a bunch of teenagers, right! One of the things the team found was the need to ensure the teenagers were engaged, they needed to want to genuinely participate in the activities. So, the Producers needed to amend activities on the go, as they learnt what appealed to them. Covid, rain, floods…the team had to deal with it all, but it was worth it.”
What did you look for when casting the Old People’s Home for Teenagers participants?
“We were keen to find people who represented the wider community, hoping their stories would resonate with Australians. We wanted to celebrate diversity and for our teenagers and older people to be relatable. When the team started casting, they had an overwhelming response from teenagers who wanted to participate, which was reassuring.”
Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds won big at the New York Festivals Awards earlier in the year, what do you think it is about the show that resonates so much with audiences?
“It’s such a simple idea, the idea of inter-generational relationships. The show offers hope. Hope for a new model of care, hope we can all find this in our own lives.
“It’s about everyday people, they could be us! I always feel the series is like reading a good book, you don’t want it to end because you grow to love these incredible people. When we finish editing the last episode, I don’t want it to be over. It makes me incredibly emotional.
“The show taps into our most basic needs: the need to be respected, the need for human interaction. It celebrates the seemingly little things in life, that really are the most important in the end. It celebrates the best in us.”
Moving from the four-year-olds to teenagers was quite a jump, do you have any plans as to where to take the show after this season?
“We’re considering where to take it next, but personally I’m in love with the teenagers. They bring such rich and interesting material, and we hope it will strike up important conversations around the country.
“The Endemol Shine Australia team have handled the series with such care and respect. We’re all incredibly proud of what has been achieved and excited for Australians to see the series.”
Old People’s Home for Teenagers: Tuesday 30 August, 8.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview