McLeod’s Daughters returns, Griffiths, Rice, Friel star Stan originals

**Stan revives the iconic “McLeod’s Daughters” after 25 years and greenlights new projects starring Australian talent.**

During its recent upfronts, the streaming platform revealed that it will remake the beloved early‑2000s drama *McLeod’s Daughters* for a new generation. The new series will be produced by BBC Studios‑backed Werner Film Productions and will follow the same world created by Posie Graeme‑Evans, who oversaw 224 episodes of the original show.

In addition to the revival, Stan announced several other original projects, including a razor‑sharp legal drama called *Slander*, a romantic reimagining of *Pride & Prejudice* titled *Stuck Up & Stupid*, and an expanded season of the medical drama *The F Ward*.

The announcement also highlighted new projects from well‑known Australian actors. Rachel Griffiths, known for *Six Feet Under* and *Muriel’s Wedding*, will co‑create and star in *Slander* alongside an ensemble that includes Jessica De Gouw, Max Beesley, Roxie Mohebbi, David Berry, Doris Younane, and Lincoln Younes.

English actress Anna Friel is slated to return as Dr Gloria Wall in the second season of *The F Ward*, which follows medical interns at the under‑funded Pines Hospital in Sydney.

Angourie Rice will headline the *Stuck Up & Stupid* adaptation, a modern take on Austen’s classic set on Australia’s sun‑soaked coast and Hollywood’s glittering world.

## Background & Context

The original *McLeod’s Daughters* aired on Nine Network and ran for 224 episodes, focusing on two sisters who take over a cattle ranch in South Australia. The show was celebrated for its depiction of strong, resilient women navigating both the challenges of life on the land and modern relationships.

By revisiting this story 25 years later, Stan aims to preserve the landscape and uplifting spirit that defined the original series while exploring contemporary themes.

Spearheading the revival is Werner Film Productions, a BBC Studios‑backed company. The decision to bring back *McLeod’s Daughters* aligns with a broader trend of streaming platforms reviving nostalgic content for new audiences.

In addition to the drama, Stan has secured partnerships with Blackfella Films for *Slander* and CBS Studios for *Stuck & Stupid*, ensuring a blend of local and international production expertise.

The platform’s slate also includes a mix of reality and unscripted shows. A second season of *MAFS: After the Dinner Party* will see contestants return to revisit pivotal moments from *Married at First Sight*, while *Love Island Australia: Unseen. Uncut* offers viewers behind‑the‑scenes content.

These additions underscore Stan’s strategy to balance scripted originals with proven reality formats.

## What People Are Saying

, the platform’s Executive Director of Entertainment Content Commissioning, *Slander* is described as “a sharp, contemporary drama centering on formidable, aspirational female barristers who refuse to back down.” He highlighted the show’s focus on the high‑stakes world of defamation law and noted that it will feature an ensemble cast that includes seasoned actors such as Jessica De Gouw and Max Beesley.

Amanda Laing, Nine’s Managing Director of Streaming and Broadcast, added that “Stan continues to champion exceptional storytelling across every genre alongside its world‑class sport offering.” She emphasized the diversity of the slate, pointing to the revival of *McLeod’s Daughters*, reality juggernauts like *MAFS* and *The Block*, and the presence of beloved presenter Hamish Blake.

Laing also remarked that these originals “have excelled in Australia and sold across the world,” positioning Stan as a hub for global conversation.

Both executives underscored that the platform’s strategy is to produce “groundbreaking originals” that resonate with local audiences while appealing to international markets, with the expectation that these shows will spark lively discussions and broaden Stan’s reach.

## What Happens Next

Production for *Slander* is scheduled to begin soon in Melbourne, with the show developed in collaboration with Screen Australia and Blackfella Films. The series will star Rachel Griffiths alongside an ensemble cast that includes Jessica De Gouw, Max Beesley, Roxie Mohebbi, David Berry, Doris Younane, and Lincoln Younes.

Filming is expected to capture the dynamic legal environment that Griffiths co‑created with Marieke Hardy.

Meanwhile, *Stuck & Stupid* will be produced in partnership with CBS Studios and will feature Angourie Rice alongside Brendon Tremblay, Yvonne Strahovski, Brooke Satchwell, Julia Morris, Luke Carroll, Raff Law, and Hannah Gadsby. The adaptation promises to blend Jane Austen’s wit with contemporary Australian settings and Hollywood.

Anna Friel’s return as Dr Gloria Wall in *The F Ward* season two continues the series’ focus on medical interns at Pines Hospital. The show, described by Stan as the “fastest‑selling Australian drama,” has already been shopped to 100 international markets and maintains its reputation for compelling storytelling.

Other projects in development include the unscripted series *Unskilled Adult* featuring comedian Hamish Blake, and the reality spin‑off *Two Birds* starring Jacki Weaver.

These projects, alongside the revival of *McLeod’s Daughters*, illustrate Stan’s commitment to expanding its original content library and delivering diverse entertainment options.

In short, Stan’s recent slate showcases a blend of nostalgia and innovation, bringing iconic Australian stories back to life while launching fresh narratives that highlight local talent and appeal to global audiences.