Prime Video Australia Aims for Young Adult Success with Upcoming Season 2 of ‘Deadloch’
Prime Video Australia and New Zealand is experiencing significant success as it approaches the second quarter of 2026, recently earning the title of the most-awarded streaming service at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards. This accolade follows the triumph of its original productions, The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Top End Bub.
As anticipation builds for the return of the popular series Deadloch next week, Sarah Christie, the Head of Australia and New Zealand Originals at Amazon MGM Studios, and Hwei Loke, Head of Prime Video Australia and New Zealand, express an eagerness to expand the platform’s offerings. “Amazon is definitely known as a destination for YA,” Christie commented. “We would love to find the Australian Summer I Turned Pretty or the Australian Maxton Hall. For us, it’s about capturing the voice of that younger generation, stories for younger people or anyone having those coming-of-age moments.”
Despite Australia’s promising content landscape, Christie acknowledges that the country lacks a strong tradition in young adult (YA) storytelling compared to regions like the Spanish-speaking world or Germany, which have produced acclaimed series such as Culpables and Dark. While Netflix saw success with its reboot of Heartbreak High, Christie notes a general untapped potential for YA narratives in Australia. “We have a very different sensibility. It is a space to experiment, play, grow, and take bold risks to engage with that audience,” she added. “We’ve seen successes more broadly in Australia and we want to keep finding fresh ways to connect with that audience through the right stories.”
The call for innovative YA content coincides with a pivotal moment for local production, as the Australian government introduced streaming service quotas in November 2025, mandating that major players allocate a portion of their local revenues to original Australian narratives. While streaming platforms like Prime Video and Netflix initially opposed the regulations, they are now adapting to the new rules. “The message is clear: Pitch,” Christie asserted.
At the forefront of Prime Video’s strategy is a leadership team composed entirely of women: Christie, Loke, and Head of Content Alexandra Gilbert. Loke, who moved into her current role from a marketing background in 2024, oversees a range of initiatives, including exclusives, third-party licensed content, and local marketing. YA has been a focal point for Loke, who launched the Prime Book Club LIVE last year to celebrate titles like The Summer I Turned Pretty and Culpables. “What we focus on at the core of the strategy is what audiences want,” she stated.
With expectations for 2026 focused on consolidation, Loke acknowledged the potential impacts of major mergers and deals within the industry. “We are committed to working with our partners – we’ve had 27 add-on subscription partners to date,” she mentioned, emphasizing the importance of diverse content offerings. “We’ll continue to deliver that, building a service that is indispensable to people’s everyday entertainment choices.”
The standout performance of The Narrow Road to the Deep North, which won nine AACTAs including Best Lead Actor for Jacob Elordi, showcases the rich talent in Australia, according to Christie. “The wins are a huge testament to the array of talent on display, and to be recognized internationally with the Golden Globe nomination for Jacob is one of those ‘pinch me’ moments in your career,” she said. “We managed to capture something that is distinctly Australian and take it to the world stage.”
In contrast, Top End Bub, a series inspired by Top End Wedding, presents a distinct tone overall. This diverse lineup also includes documentaries like The Test and true-crime series. Christie noted, “What unites the slate holistically is that it’s very intentional and author-driven.”
The second season of Deadloch promises to captivate audiences once again following the successful first season that reached Amazon’s Top 10 TV Charts across 165 territories. “It is laugh-out-loud funny, but also a cracking mystery,” Christie remarked. The show’s Australian roots are part of its appeal, demonstrating that authentic storytelling resonates internationally.
Looking ahead, Christie is optimistic about the growth of Prime Video’s Australian originals, as new content formats are being explored amid changing industry dynamics. Although there is no fixed target for yearly original releases, she emphasizes the platform’s commitment to audience preferences. “I like to think of it as buckets I walk around with trying to fill,” she explained, while also acknowledging the need for unpredictability in content selection.
Despite looming regulatory changes, Christie remains steadfast in the platform’s dedication to Australian voices and stories, stating, “We’re honestly committed to doubling down on what has worked for our audiences.” The recent leadership changes within Amazon’s global TV operations have already begun to influence the direction of the platform, suggesting a promising future for content creators in Australia.
