David Farnor | On 21, Oct 2016

All episodes of Barracuda are available on BBC Three from Saturday 17th December 2016.

BBC Three has bought the UK rights to Australian series Barracuda.

The deal with NBCUniversal International Distribution will see the swimming drama make a splash on the online TV channel.

Based on the book by Christos Tsiolkas, the writer of The Slap, Barracuda is a moving story about identity, obsession, desire, the dizzy heights of success and the risk of failure. Adapted by Blake Ayshford (Devil’s Playground, Tony Ayres’ Cut Snake) and Belinda Chayko (Secret City), the Barracuda is produced by Tony Ayres and Amanda Higgs for Matchbox Pictures, in association with ABC, Screen Australia and Film Victoria, and is directed by Robert Connolly (Paper Planes, Balibo, Three Dollars, The Bank).

The show is set in Melbourne, 1996. The Golden Age of Australian swimming is beginning and a scholarship to an exclusive boys’ school brings the talented 16-year-old Danny Kelly one step closer to his ultimate goal of winning Olympic Gold. Danny struggles to find his place in the prestigious social circles of Blackstone College, worlds away from his previous school. However, under the charge of highly regarded coach Frank Torma and a friendship/rivalry with teammate Martin Taylor, Danny is soon on track to become Australia’s youngest swimming champion, the unstoppable ‘Barracuda’.

Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition at the BBC, says: “Barracuda is a compelling, complex and emotional drama – beautifully filmed and performed.”

The cast includes Oscar nominated actress Rachel Griffiths (Muriel’s Wedding, Hilary and Jackie, Six Feet Under), Matt Nable (Hyde & Seek, East West 101, Underbelly: Badness) and introduces Elias Anton as Danny.

Damian Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three, adds: “BBC Three has a rich history in offering drama that covers issues that matter to young people, Barracuda fits that mould.”

All four episodes will be released by BBC Three this winter. For more on what’s coming soon to BBC Three, see our weekly guide.

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