Small Town Scandal

Filming has now wrapped on the highly anticipated adaptation of Tom Sainsbury’s hit iHeartRadio NZ true-crime parody podcast of the same name. Set to premiere in 2026, Small Town Scandal follows Toby (Sainsbury), a disgraced journalist turned podcast host, who returns to his rural hometown to investigate the bizarre death of his millionaire uncle – killed, suspiciously, by an automatic lawnmower. As Toby dives deeper into the case, he finds himself surrounded by a cast of quirky, eccentric townsfolk – all with secrets of their own.

Joining Sainsbury is beloved British screen legend Felicity Kendal (The Good Life, Rosemary and Thyme), playing Toby’s mother, Sue, and acclaimed Kiwi comedian Rose Matafeo (Starstruck), guest starring as Toby’s cousin Carol. Previously announced cast includes Emmy award-winning actress Morgana O’Reilly (The White Lotus, Playing Gracie Darling), and Alexander England (Offspring, How to Please a Woman), a five-time Logie Award nominee.

Series creator Tom Sainsbury said: “I’ve always loved the quirks of small-town life and getting to bring Small Town Scandal from podcast to screen with such an incredible cast like this has been a dream. A satirical take on small-town drama and true-crime obsession – it’s absurd, heartfelt, and full of mystery.”

Small Town Scandal will premiere in 2026 on Sky New Zealand, and is directed by Ghazaleh Gol and Calvin Sang, produced by Georgina Conder (The Moon Is Upside Down, Night Raiders), Carthew Neal (Jojo Rabbit, Hunt for the Wilderpeople) and Sainsbury (Loop Track). Commissioned by Head of Sky New Zealand Originals, Thomas Robins for Sky Open, Sky Go and Neon and made with the support of New Zealand On Air and the New Zealand Government’s Screen Production Rebate. BBC Studios handles global sales.