Turbulence, Heart and Humanity: SBS Unveils High-Flying New Airport Drama The Chaplain 

SBS and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce the commission of a new eight-part Australian drama series The Chaplain, produced by award-winning Australian indie Wooden Horse.

The Chaplain is an ambitious, bold and big-hearted workplace drama that dives into the high stakes inner workings of a bustling international airport, seen through the struggles and triumphs of the workers who keep it running. Leading the charge is Airport Chaplain Tobias Wallace, who races through unmarked doors with a constantly ringing phone, pockets stuffed with cash and a decidedly unorthodox approach to solving the daily crises of an airport.

Tobias is convinced the airport couldn’t run without him and he’s never met a problem he couldn’t fix. Until he meets his formidable and unnervingly young new boss Carmen who deems him a walking liability. Their clash ignites a power play that ripples through the terminal and into the lives of the cleaners, baggage handlers and passengers around them, all fighting for their own hopes, dramas, and flight credits.

In a precinct thousands pass through every day, every crisis becomes personal, and every encounter could change a life.

Inspired by an unforgettable real-life encounter with Melbourne International Airport’s very own Chaplain, Martyn Scrimshaw, the series is co-created by Elise McCredie (Stateless, Jack Irish, The Clearing) and Jude Troy (The Clearing, Mother & Son) who both serve as Executive Producers.

It is written by Elise McCredie, Sarah Bassiuoni (Critical Incident), Mithila Gupta (Four Years Later) and Thomas Weatherall (Heartbreak High).

Co-Creator and Executive Producer, Wooden Horse, Jude Troy said, “The Chaplain was inspired by an unforgettable encounter I had with the Melbourne International Airport Chaplain, Martyn Scrimshaw. Dashing to make a flight back to Sydney after a work trip and distracted by an eventful day, I jumped out of an Uber and all too late realised I had left my handbag in the back seat. Inside were my phone, laptop, and my identity. I could not board without it!  Through the kindness of strangers, I was introduced to someone I never knew existed: the Airport Chaplain.”

“Over the next few hours, he took me on an eye-opening adventure deep into the bowels of the airport. sharing stories of humanity and connection that have stayed with me ever since. I realized how much richness and drama is hidden in this world. Airports are cultural melting pots, filled with so much life and so, alongside Elise and this hugely talented writing team, we are thrilled to bring this world, these incredible stories and our beloved Chaplain to screen.”

SBS Head of Scripted, Nakul Legha said: “The Chaplain is premium and ambitious Australian drama like we’ve never seen before. It explores our shared humanity with warm humour, deep emotion and great joy. We’re so delighted to be working with this exceptional creative and producing team to bring this world to life.”

“As SBS brings Australia together for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s only fitting to have a drama set in the very place where Australia meets the world.”

“I’m quietly thrilled that Jude Troy lost her bags so that our audiences could have this show.”

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “The Chaplain is a deeply human series set in an airport story-world which beautifully opens up a diversity of perspectives. Created by a highly experienced female led creative team, this is an ambitious production with complex characters and a distinctive story with global appeal. The Chaplain is a series with a lot of heart, hurt and humour and I’m sure it will resonate with audiences when it premieres on SBS in 2026.”

VicScreen’s CEO Caroline Pitcher said: “VicScreen is delighted to support The Chaplain — a bold, female-led drama that brings a fresh and fearless voice to Australian television. With the brilliant Elise McCredie steering the scripts, this highly original series is a testament to the strength of Victorian talent and our commitment to backing female creatives who are redefining the screen landscape.”

Production on The Chaplain will commence later this year in Victoria. Cast announcements will follow in the coming months.

The Chaplain is a Wooden Horse production for SBS. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with SBS. Financed with support from VicScreen.

For a pdf copy of this media release, click here.