Comedy besties Nazeem Hussain and Urzila Carlson join forces in new ABC comedy Separated at Birth
The ABC, Screen Australia and VicScreen are pleased to announce that filming has commenced in Melbourne on Separated At Birth, a new six-part comedy series created by, written by and starring one of Australia’s most distinctive comedic voices, Nazeem Hussain (Legally Brown, Orange is the New Brown). Joining Hussain is powerhouse funny woman Urzila Carlson (Have You Been Paying Attention?, Thank God You’re Here, Urzila).
Produced by Princess Pictures, Separated At Birth follows happy-go-lucky paramedic Sameer (Hussain), whose world is thrown into a spiral when his wife asks for a divorce in the delivery room, moments after their first child is born. With the help of his “work wife”, the outspoken and fiercely independent Donna (Carlson), Sameer has to try and navigate co‑parenting, reinvent his sense of self, and manage the chaos of a big, fat, complicated family.
Creator and star Nazeem Hussain said, "This is a story I’ve wanted to tell for a long time - about family, identity and the chaos of loving people even when life doesn’t look the way you imagined. And getting to make it with Urzila, one of my favourite people on the planet, feels like we’ve tricked the ABC into funding a very elaborate hang.”
Founder of Princess Pictures Laura Waters said: “Nazeem is hilarious, navigating families is universally timeless, and no one fights with their best friend on screen quite like Urzila and Nazeem. We’re proud to support a story so deeply contemporary that illuminates what it’s like to be Australian from so many different angles.”
ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine said, “We’re thrilled to bring this fresh, laugh‑out‑loud original comedy to ABC audiences, starring two of Australia’s favourite comedians. Separated At Birth follows a man suddenly launched into the messy reality of becoming a parent and the collision of two big, complicated families. Add a delightfully chaotic colleague and housemate, and audiences are guaranteed to be in stitches.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said: “Comedian and creator Nazeem Hussain is funny and fearless, add in Urzila Carlson, and Separated at Birth delivers comedy gold. Powered by the global pedigree of Princess Pictures, the series guarantees giggles for viewers here in Australia and around the world.”
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said: “VicScreen is delighted to support Princess Pictures, one of our most dynamic production companies, as they join forces with Victorian funnyman Nazeem Hussain to deliver Separated at Birth, a refreshing new comedy series about chosen family, friendship and identity. This hilarious and heartfelt series is yet another VicScreen‑supported production that will showcase our local screen industry to global audiences.”
Separated At Birth will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2026.
Production credit: A Princess Pictures production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Major production investment from the ABC and Screen Australia, in association with VicScreen. Created by Nazeem Hussain. Written by Nazeem Hussain, Sarah Lang, Sara Pascoe and Matt Okine. Directed by Nina Buxton. Executive Producers: Laura Waters, Emma Fitzsimons and Chris Loveall. ABC Executive Producers: Todd Abbott and Rachel Okine. Worldwide distribution by ABC Commercial.
