Lilydale Films has announced that production is underway on the eighth season of its internationally popular online YA drama series, Flunk.

Written and directed by Ric Forster and produced by Melanie Rowland, the new season sees Kerri nervous about meeting Beth’s mother for the first time, while Beth becomes increasingly threatened by Kerri’s friendship with her co-worker Ruby. Meanwhile, Wade and Florence attempt to repair their relationship following Wade’s revelation that he is bisexual.

“To our knowledge, Flunk is now the second-longest-running Australian drama series still in production, which is an extraordinary milestone for a series created by a small independent team,” said writer and director Ric Forster. “We have grown alongside our audience, and reaching an eighth season gives us the opportunity to continue evolving the series while remaining true to the heartfelt character-driven storytelling that viewers have connected with from the beginning.”

“Over the past two seasons, audiences have formed an incredibly strong connection with Kerri and Beth” Forster continued. “Season 8 allows us to explore their relationship in greater depth, as the excitement of falling in love gives way to more complicated questions around trust, family and insecurity.”

The returning cast is led by Keira O’Connor, Harriette St Ledger and Olivia Wright, with Brad McCarthy, Jaz Balmer and Brett Whittingham appearing in supporting roles. New characters joining the series will be announced shortly.

Production will take place across the Yarra Ranges Shire and the City of Maroondah, continuing the series’ commitment to showcasing Victorian locations and providing opportunities for emerging Australian talent.

“The strength of the creator economy has made it possible for independent voices to build meaningful, direct relationships with audiences outside traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms,” said producer Melanie Rowland. “The continued growth of Flunk demonstrates that independently produced Australian stories can find passionate audiences around the world when creators have the ability to distribute their work directly.”

“We are incredibly grateful to the viewers who have supported the series, shared it with others and allowed us to keep telling these stories,” Rowland added. “An eighth season would not be possible without that sustained audience support. It is a privilege to continue expanding the world of Flunk and creating opportunities for Australian creatives.”

Since its launch, Flunk has developed an international following through its portrayal of young LGBTQIA+ characters navigating relationships, identity, family and the transition into adulthood. The series has expanded into a growing screen universe encompassing multiple seasons and feature films released directly to audiences around the world.

The new season will launch in early 2028 on Flunk.com.au and will be available first to YouTube channel members, ahead of its general release on YouTube later in the year.