Show of the week: The Unusual Suspects

This four-part limited series follows the story of a group of wealthy Sydney suburbanites and their Filipino maids who realise they must join forces when they face a similar predicament.

Providing a fresh view into the immigrant experience, The Unusual Suspects combines soap opera and heist caper to follow these women from vastly different walks of life, who come together to ensure justice is served when a $10m necklace is stolen.

The series is being produced by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford, the filmmaking duo behind Lion and Berlin Syndrome, with a script from Jessica Redenbach (Spirited), Roger Monk (Nowhere Boys) and Vonne Patiag.

Aina Dumlao (Sanzaru), Miranda Otto (The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina) and Michelle Vergara Moore (The Time Of Our Lives) headline the cast of the dramedy which is shot on location in Sydney and marks the first major representation of Filipino-Australians on Australian TV.

“Having the opportunity to work with Filipinos both in front of and behind the camera – all while collaborating alongside a powerhouse cast and amazing filmmakers – is nothing short of pure joy for me,” says star Dumlao. “And the fact that The Unusual Suspects is also telling the story of my own family’s struggles, in addition to countless other overseas workers, just humbles me. It’s refreshing to see so many well-drawn female roles with depth and complexity in the one production and we look forward to bringing these amazing women to life.”

Producer: Aquarius Films
Distributor: About Premium Content
Broadcaster: SBS (Australia)
Logline: Female-led comedy heist drama in which contrasting cultures collide against the glamorous backdrop of the Sydney suburbs