# Toni Collette to Lead Apple TV Dramedy Lenni Apple TV adapts Norwegian series Pernille into a new dramedy starring Toni Collette. - **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/6e01e2eb-bafe-46fd-a909-6948268b6922 ## New Apple TV Project Toni Collette has been cast to lead the upcoming Apple TV dramedy titled Lenni. The series is an adaptation of the original Norwegian show Pernille. Production is currently underway in Sydney, Australia, marking a significant international expansion for the streaming platform as it continues to develop diverse content for global audiences. ## Plot and Character Dynamics The series follows Lenni, a child welfare worker and divorced mother of two. She balances professional responsibilities with a chaotic personal life. The narrative centers on a high-stakes case that forces her work and home life to collide, creating a blend of dramatic tension and comedic elements throughout the inaugural season. ## Star-Studded Ensemble Cast Collette is joined by a notable ensemble cast including Ciarán Hinds, known for Game of Thrones, and Dan Wyllie from Love My Way. Other featured actors include Josh McKenzie, Celeste Barber, Genevieve Hegney, Arka Das, and Wayne Blair. This diverse group brings together talent from various acclaimed television projects and film backgrounds. ## Creative Leadership Team Sarah Scheller, recognized for her work on The Letdown and Strife, is adapting the Norwegian format and executive producing. Dearbhla Walsh, known for Bad Sisters, is directing and executive producing the series. Toni Collette also serves as an executive producer, ensuring her creative influence extends beyond her performance in the lead role. ## Production and Funding Partners The project is produced by Made Up Stories and Keshet International. Executive producers include Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky, Katie Amos, Avi Nir, and Keren Shahar. The series receives support from the New South Wales Government through the Screen NSW Made in NSW Fund, highlighting the local economic impact of this international production. ## Original Format Origins The source material, Pernille, was created by Henriette Steenstrup and produced by Monster for the streaming service Viaplay. Steenstrup is involved in the Apple TV adaptation as an executive producer, alongside Bård Fjulsrud and Tanya Badendyck. This collaboration ensures the core spirit of the original Norwegian narrative remains intact during the transition. ## Collette's Extensive Career Toni Collette is a five-time Emmy nominee and won for her role in United States of Tara. Her recent credits include the Netflix series Wayward and The Staircase. Her film career features an Academy Award nomination for The Sixth Sense and acclaimed performances in Little Miss Sunshine, Hereditary, and The Hours. ## Strategic Content Development This adaptation reflects a broader industry trend of transforming successful international formats into localized English-language series. By leveraging established intellectual property and high-profile talent, Apple TV aims to strengthen its portfolio. The success of this project will depend on how effectively the narrative translates its specific cultural nuances to international viewers. ## Sources covering this story - https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/toni-collette-apple-tv-lenni-norwegian-format-1236939304/ — --- _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._