El Estudio, a leading Mexican production company, has picked up acclaimed Australian comedy format Here Come the Habibs for Mexican audiences from LA-based studio Happy Accidents.
Here Come the Habibs, originally developed and produced in Australia for Channel 9, made television history as the first mainstream comedy series featuring a Middle Eastern family in a leading role on commercial Australian television. The scripted comedy series follows the journey of a Lebanese family whose lives transform overnight after they win the lottery. When they move into an upscale neighborhood, cultures clash as the boisterous family shakes up their new, more reserved community.
The format is from Australian production company Jungle Entertainment, producers of hit scripted series including Population 11 (Stan), Wakefield (ABC), No Activity (format sold into 8+ territories), and Mr Inbetween (FX).
The Mexican adaptation will be set in Mexico City and it aims to provide a fresh perspective, adding new layers of analysis to the familiar fish-out-of-water story. Through a comedic lens, the series explores contemporary themes of class mobility, cultural identity, and social integration, enriched by this culturally specific twist.
Holly Hines and Eric Jarboe, Co-CEOs at Happy Accidents, say, “El Estudio shares our vision for creating content that resonates across cultures while maintaining local authenticity. Jungle’s format Here Come the Habibs is the perfect vehicle for showcasing the rich diversity of society, and the intersectional experience of family, through comedy. We’re excited to see this well-loved story reimagined in the vibrant tapestry of Mexico for new audiences.”
Pablo Cruz at El Estudio adds, “We’re thrilled to be working with Happy Accidents to bring this exceptional format to Mexico. Their expertise in the US and international markets, combined with our deep understanding of Mexican audiences, creates the perfect synergy for adapting this fascinating story.”
Development of the Mexican adaptation is set to begin immediately.
