# Toni Collette to Star in Apple TV+ Dramedy Series Lenni The Emmy-winning actress leads an adaptation of the Norwegian series Pernille in Sydney. - **Source:** [Variety – TV](https://variety.com/v/tv) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/563d30bd-63a9-49db-8af1-f5aba0538332 ## New Dramedy Production Toni Collette has been cast as the lead in Lenni, a new dramedy series currently in production for Apple TV+. The show is an adaptation of the Norwegian television series Pernille. Filming is currently underway in Sydney, Australia, with support from the NSW Government through the Made in NSW Fund. ## Character and Plot Dynamics Collette portrays Lenni, a divorced mother of two working as a child welfare professional. The narrative explores the contrast between her professional dedication to protecting other families and the chaotic state of her own personal life. The season follows her through a high-stakes case where her professional and private worlds collide. ## Thematic Narrative Focus The series is described as a darkly comedic mystery centered on the complexities of family dynamics. It examines the emotional weight of maintaining, losing, or dismantling family structures. Following a specific family tragedy, the protagonist attempts to shield her loved ones from the harsh realities and unpredictable nature of daily life. ## Extensive Ensemble Cast Joining Collette in the production are Ciarán Hinds, known for Game of Thrones, and Dan Wyllie. The supporting cast also features Josh McKenzie, Celeste Barber, Genevieve Hegney, Arka Das, and Wayne Blair. These actors bring diverse backgrounds from various television projects to this new international adaptation for the streaming platform. ## Production and Creative Leadership Sarah Scheller is adapting the original Norwegian script and serves as an executive producer. Dearbhla Walsh, known for Bad Sisters, is directing the series and also holds an executive producer credit. Toni Collette is actively involved in the production side, serving as an executive producer alongside the show's creative team. ## Industry Production Partners The series is produced by Made Up Stories and Keshet International. Key executive producers include Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky, and Katie Amos. Avi Nir and Keren Shahar are also producing, while the original creator of Pernille, Henriette Steenstrup, contributes as an executive producer alongside Bård Fjulsrud and Tanya Badendyck for the production. ## Collette’s Television Career Toni Collette is a five-time Emmy nominee and won the award for her role in United States of Tara. Her extensive television portfolio includes performances in The Staircase, Unbelievable, and the recent Netflix series Wayward. She is represented by CAA, United Management, FINLEY Management, and the firm Jackoway Austen Tyerman. ## Legacy and Future Impact Beyond television, Collette earned an Academy Award nomination for The Sixth Sense and appeared in acclaimed films like Hereditary and Little Miss Sunshine. This new project marks a significant return to a leading role in a dramedy format, leveraging her experience in both intense dramas and character-driven comedic storytelling. ## Sources covering this story - [Variety – TV — Toni Collette to Lead Apple TV Dramedy Lenni](https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/toni-collette-apple-tv-lenni-norwegian-format-1236939304/) - [TVLine — Toni Collette Cast in Apple TV+ Dramedy Lenni](https://www.tvline.com/2306143/toni-collette-lenni-cast-apple-tv-series/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._