Today at the ABC 2026 Showcase, ABC, Screen Australia, VicScreen and Screen Tasmania were thrilled to announce a brand new six-part comedy series Ground Up starring the widely loved Sam Pang.
Produced by Gristmill (Upper Middle Bogan, Summer Love, The Librarians, Little Lunch) and created and written by Gary McCaffrie (Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell, Very Small Business), this sharp, satirical series marks the first lead comedy role for one of the country’s most beloved comedians.
Set in Tasmania, the series follows AFL administrator Hugh Shen (Pang), dispatched from Melbourne to establish the island’s first-ever AFL team. But there’s a catch: the locals must build a brand-new stadium and not everyone’s happy about the $1.13 billion taxpayer-funded spend.
Hugh’s mission? Win over a divided public, meet impossible deadlines, placate feisty protesters, and somehow find a coach, players, and a mascot that won’t offend anyone. Should be a piece of cake.
Comedian/Actor Sam Pang said “I’ve admired the work of Robyn and Wayne from afar for many years and never thought in a million years I’d get the opportunity to work with them. I’m very excited to try something new and coupled with Gary McCaffrie’s wonderful writing – I feel like I’m in good hands for this new challenge.”
ABC Head of Scripted Rachel Okine said, “We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect combination of talent that Ground Up will be showcasing to ABC viewers in 2026. Combining the creative powerhouse that is Gristmill, Gary McCaffrie’s superb laugh-out-loud scripts, and the inimitable Sam Pang helming an ABC show for the first time amongst a dream ensemble cast, this is comedy television in its finest incarnation.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Award-winning Gristmill are ready to kick another goal. They have created a series that is a love letter to sports fans all around the world. Blisteringly funny and full of heart, audiences are in for a treat.”
VicScreen CEO, Caroline Pitcher said, “VicScreen is thrilled to support Gristmill, one of our most impressive production companies, as they team up with the hilarious Sam Pang and Gary McCaffrie to deliver a show that’s sure to have audiences roaring with laughter. This is exactly the kind of bold, locally made content that puts Victoria on the global screen map, and we can’t wait to see it kick off.”
Gristmill’s Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope said, “Turns out if you pester people long enough you get to make a show with them. We’re so very excited to be working with the brilliant Gary McCaffrie and promising young newcomer, Sam Pang.”
All six episodes will be directed by Wayne Hope (Upper Middle Bogan, Summer Love, Colin From Accounts).
