The first episode of ABC’s epic drama, Cleverman, only hit the screens on Thursday, but planning for another six one-hour episodes is already underway.

Cleverman brings the universal Aboriginal story of the Hairypeople to life.

Set in the modern world, the Hairypeople – named after the thick fur that covers their body – are a feared minority group, who have supernatural strength, speed and longevity.

The Cleverman is another dreamtime legend – the chosen one who is the conduit between the present and the dreaming, with the power to unite both worlds. 

The show is based on an original concept by Gunnedah-born Ryan Griffen, who began his seven-year journey to create Cleverman by talking to  Indigenous leaders in the region.

“For me it was quite exciting to get up there to speak about these stories I wanted to tell,” Mr Griffen said.

“I found many of the elders were very open to telling these stories, because they realised a lot of stories tend to die off with the elders.

“Listening to the stories and figuring out how you keep the culture alive, which is increasingly quiet difficult in a modern world, was a major part of creating it. We wanted to put a modern spin on it to make it more accessible, but at the same time stay true to the culture.”

ABC TV head of scripted production, Sally Riley, said it was rare to get the green light for a second series before the first had even gone to air.

“For me it’s a testament to the quality and audience appeal of Cleverman,” Ms Riley said.

The show is on ABC, Thursday nights at 9.30pm.