An Australian adult comedy based on a popular animated web series, that follows the antics of a “mischievous” eight-year-old boy, has been acquired by the BBC.

Deano is based on a short-form animated comedy, titled Childish Deano.

According to the BBC, the web series has reached a global audience and garnered millions of views since it first aired on social media in 2022.

The new eight-part series, created and written by Dean Thomas and David Ferrier, follows the titular character navigating life in a “tough neighbourhood”.

Deano has been described as having a “heart of gold” and is said to embrace everyone equally, and is clueless to the fact the “chips are stacked against him” due to his background.

The series will follow the antics of Deano and his timid best friend, Kit, who is from “the wealthy side of town”.

According to Screen Australia, the show is inspired by a true childhood and in the web series, creator Thomas voices the eight-year-old protagonist.

Deano will be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and will also be made available to stream on Disney+.

The series will be produced in Brisbane, Australia, and the creator of hit children’s TV show Bluey, Australian animator and director Joe Brumm, will be the script editor.

It will be co-produced by Australian animation studio Hooligan Animation, as well as BBC Studios and 20th Television Animation.

“I cannot wait for BBC viewers to meet Deano,” Sue Deeks, head of scripted pre-buy acquisitions at the BBC, said.

“He is such a mischievous, engaging, and irrepressible character, and the series is full of irreverent humour, warmth, and optimism – what a delight we have in store.”

—AAP