Is “The Survivors” a True Story?

“The Survivors” is the latest miniseries stirring excitement on Netflix. But is this Australian drama based on real events?

All six episodes were released on June 6, featuring Charlie Vickers as Kieran Elliott, a resident of Evelyn Bay, Tasmania, who returns home 15 years after a devastating storm struck the coastal community.

The storm claimed the lives of three of Kieran’s close friends and family members. Now back with his own family, Kieran must confront the past when a young woman is murdered, reigniting old traumas. As the community searches for answers, they uncover hidden mysteries from years gone by.

Check out the trailer here:

“The Survivors” is created by Tony Ayres and features a talented cast including Yerin Ha, Robyn Malcolm, Thom Green, George Mason, Don Hany, and Jessica De Gouw.

No, “The Survivors” is not based on a true story. It is a fictional thriller adapted from the novel of the same name by Jane Harper, an Australian author known for crime novels such as The Dry, Force of Nature, and The Lost Man.

Harper’s time living in Tasmania inspired the series, where she drew upon the stunning coastal landscapes.

Showrunner Tony Ayres has described the show as a “Trojan horse”—a family melodrama wrapped in a murder mystery. He explained to Tudum: “At its core, the show explores themes like a son’s longing for his mother’s love and a mother who can’t provide that because her world may crumble.”