BBC Three begins online transition with Chris Lilley series

Following the news that it is to become a wholly online channel, BBC Three will for the first time make all episodes of a new series available on the iPlayer ahead of its linear transmission.

All six episodes of Jonah From Tonga, the new series from the writer and star of Summer Heights High and Ja’mie: Private School Girl, will be made available on BBC iPlayer from 2 May for 48 hours.

The show will then air on BBC Three from 8 May, forming part of an international simulcast with ABC Australia’s internet TV service iview.

Produced by Princess Pictures and Chris Lilley in conjunction with ABC TV, the series will take viewers on an “adventurous journey” into the life of 14-year-old rebellious schoolboy Jonah Takalua (Lilley), his family, friends and the crew of teachers and counsellors who are exhaustively trying to help him channel his seemingly limitless energy into bigger and brighter things.

“This is BBC iPlayer’s first collaboration with an international broadcaster to create an online TV event,” said Victoria Jaye, head of TV content, BBC iPlayer.

“For 48 hours only, iPlayer audiences will be given access to all episodes of Chris Lilley’s new comedy series ‘Jonah From Tonga’. We’re excited to see how this digital event sets light to social media activity from fans both here and on the other side of the world.”