Toni Collette’s New Apple TV Series ‘Lenni’ Promises Family Chaos and Dark Comedy

The ‘Hereditary’ star Toni Collette leads an all-star cast in a new comedy-drama based on the hit Norwegian series ‘Pernille’, with production now underway in Sydney. Apple TV is bringing a compelling new family drama to its streaming lineup, with Toni Collette set to headline ‘Lenni’, a darkly comedic series that promises an unusual mix of family turmoil, emotional upheaval and mystery.

The Academy Award-nominated actor will play a divorced mother of two who spends her working life helping vulnerable families while struggling to keep her own life from falling apart. With production now underway in Sydney, Australia, the series brings together an acclaimed creative team and a strong ensemble cast.

The announcement, made on November 4, 2026, positions ‘Lenni’ as one of Apple TV’s upcoming original comedy-drama projects.

Toni Collette Takes Center Stage in ‘Lenni’

Collette stars as Lenni, a child welfare worker whose professional responsibilities become increasingly complicated when a new case brings her work and personal life into collision.

Following a family tragedy, Lenni attempts to shield the people closest to her from life’s unpredictable challenges. However, managing other people’s family crises while navigating her own complicated household proves far from straightforward.

The series explores the messy realities of family relationships, including loss, separation, responsibility, and the unexpected ways people hold each other together.

Rather than presenting a conventional feel-good family story, ‘Lenni’ is described as a darkly comedic mystery. Its central character finds herself caught between the demands of her job and the chaos unfolding at home, with the stakes rising as the season progresses.

‘Bad Sisters’ Director Leads the Creative Team

Apple TV has brought in award-winning filmmaker Dearbhla Walsh to direct the series. Walsh, whose credits include ‘Bad Sisters’ and ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’, has also received BAFTA and Emmy recognition.

The adaptation is written by Sarah Scheller, known for ‘The Letdown’ and ‘Strife’. The series is based on the Norwegian show ‘Pernille’, created by Henriette Steenstrup.

The original production, made by Monster for Viaplay, provides the foundation for the new English-language version. Steenstrup is also attached as an executive producer, alongside Bård Fjulsrud and Tanya Badendyck.

The creative team’s involvement connects the adaptation to the original series while bringing together experienced Australian and international television talent.

Ciarán Hinds and Celeste Barber Join the Cast

Toni Collette will be joined by an ensemble that includes several recognizable names from television and film.

The cast features Ciarán Hinds, known for ‘Game of Thrones’, alongside Dan Wyllie (‘Love My Way’), Josh McKenzie (‘La Brea’), Celeste Barber (‘The Letdown’), Genevieve Hegney (‘Colin From Accounts’), Arka Das (‘The Airport Chaplain’) and Wayne Blair (‘Total Control’).

The combination of established performers and Australian talent gives the production a strong ensemble foundation. Their characters will inhabit the complicated world surrounding Lenni as the new case exposes tensions between her professional and personal responsibilities.

Production Begins in Sydney

Filming is currently underway in Sydney, with the production receiving support from the New South Wales government through Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund.

The series is being produced for Apple TV by Made Up Stories and Keshet International. Made Up Stories has previously worked on projects including ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and ‘The Undoing’, while Keshet International’s credits include ‘Homeland’ and ‘Suspicion’.

Executive producers include Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky, Katie Amos, Avi Nir, Keren Shahar, Scheller, Walsh and Collette, alongside the original ‘Pernille’ creative team.

When Will ‘Lenni’ Release on Apple TV?

Apple TV has confirmed the series and announced that production is underway, but it has not yet revealed an official release date or premiere window.

That means viewers will have to wait for further announcements before knowing when Collette’s latest television project will arrive on the platform.

With a story built around family complications, emotional loss and dark humor, ‘Lenni’ looks set to explore a familiar subject through an unconventional lens. Its combination of Collette’s lead performance, Walsh’s direction and the original Norwegian series’ foundation gives the upcoming drama plenty of elements to watch.

For now, the biggest question is how Lenni will manage to save everyone else’s family while trying to keep her own together.