ITV Studios is bringing Shakedown, a four-part drama based on Australia’s Robodebt scandal, to international audiences. Produced by Lingo Pictures for the ABC, the series stars Kate Box (Deadloch), Justine Clarke (RFDS) and Mandy McElhinney (Wakefield).
The drama will premiere on ABC TV on November 22, 2026, at 8:20 p.m. local time, with all four episodes available to stream on ABC iview. ITV Studios is handling international distribution.
A Government Scheme and Its Human Cost
Set against the events of the Robodebt scandal, Shakedown examines a controversial automated debt-recovery scheme that operated in Australia between 2015 and 2019. During that period, nearly 500,000 Australians received notices from Centrelink demanding repayment of debts they did not owe.
The series follows the people whose lives were affected, as well as those who challenged the scheme. Victims, activists, journalists and lawyers joined forces to expose the system, which led to one of the largest class action settlements in Australian history.
At the centre of the story are three women whose lives intersect with the scandal. Kate Box plays Jenny Miller, a grieving mother determined to find answers. Mandy McElhinney portrays Malisa Golightly, a Department of Human Services executive who defends the scheme, while Justine Clarke plays Colleen Taylor, a Centrelink worker who raises concerns early on and faces consequences for speaking out.
Through these characters, Shakedown explores the consequences of bureaucratic decisions and asks how the scheme was allowed to continue, who bore its costs, and whether those responsible have been held accountable.
Lingo Pictures Leads the Production
The ensemble cast also includes Sarah Peirse, Jack Patten, Johnny Carr, Stephen Peacocke, Rebecca Massey, Claire Van Der Boom, Guy Edmonds, Ahunim Abebe, Victoria Haralabidou, Alison Bell and Vic Zerbst.
Shakedown is produced by Lingo Pictures, the company behind titles including Upright, Lambs of God, After the Party and Watching You. The production received investment from the ABC and Screen Australia, with additional support from Screen NSW.
The series was created for television and written by Magda Wozniak, Sophie Miller and Blake Ayshford, with Jennifer Leacey directing. Executive producers are Jason Stephens, Blake Ayshford, Sophie Miller, Magda Wozniak and Rick Morton, alongside ABC executive producers Brett Sleigh and Rachel Okine. Helen Bowden and Linda Micsko serve as producers.
Produced in association with and distributed internationally by ITV Studios, Shakedown brings a major Australian public-policy scandal to the screen through the personal stories of those caught up in it.
Source: ITV Studios
