“The Bureau of Magical Things” is an award-winning Australian fantasy series from the program creator Jonathan M. Shiff Productions. Rated TV-G, the show is a family-friendly children’s program about an ordinary teenage girl who suddenly finds herself thrust into the world of magic.
It’s a fun and engaging show, perfect for the preteen crowd and those who love magic. Here’s everything you need to know about the series, including where you can watch it today.
What Is “The Bureau of Magical Things” About?
A long time ago, humans and magical creatures (known as the fae) coexisted in peace. Eventually, humankind threatened the fae’s existence, so they all went into hiding to preserve their people and way of life. In the present day, the fae are an invisible force charged with protecting the human world from magical dangers.
One night, everything changes when young teen girl Kyra touches a mysterious book infused with magical powers. She instantly becomes a tri-ling: a part-human, part-fairy, part-elf being, which has never happened before in the world of magic. Kyra must now learn more about their hidden world and how to wield her unique powers so she won’t be a danger to those around her.
With a foot in each world, Kyra struggles to balance the human and magical parts of her life at the start of “The Bureau of Magical Things.” Under Professor Maxwell’s tutelage, she studies and practices magic with a young group of fairies and elves. But when a mysterious figure wants to restore magic to its rightful place, it’s up to her and her friends to solve the case and save the world.
The Main Characters of “The Bureau of Magical Things”
The cast of “The Bureau of Magical Things” is led by Kimie Tsukakoshi, who plays the lead role of Kyra Glen. Tsukakoshi is an Australian actress born in Sydney. She’s also a classically trained dancer and an accomplished singer (as you can hear when she sings and plays the guitar in some episodes). Her character Kyra also plays basketball alongside her snarky best friend Mathilda, played by actress Arnijka Larcombe-Weate.
Actor and producer Steve Nation plays Kyra’s stepfather, Steve Glen. He’s a policeman who has cared for Kyra since the death of her mother. Kyra’s best friend is Peter, played by Jamie Carter. From Gold Coast, Australia, Carter has been featured in a range of local films, but “The Bureau of Magical Things” is his big break into global TV.
Magical Characters in “The Bureau of Magical Things”
The main cast of magical teenagers includes two elves and two fairies that are often at odds with each other because of prejudice and rivalry. The on-screen brother/sister elf duo Darra and Imogen Blackwell are played by real-life siblings Julian Cullen and Elizabeth Cullen. As students at Bond University for Film and Television, they both auditioned for the show. In the original script, their characters weren’t related, but the show’s creators liked the pair so much that they altered the storyline for them.
Lily, Kyra, and Imogen
Lily Reegan and Ruksy Tevala are the two fairies who help Kyra adjust to her new life as a tri-ling. Lily is kind but prone to making a mess of things. Australian-German actress Mia Milnes, who made her on-screen debut in “Mako Mermaids” (2015), plays this sweet fairy. Ruksy is the youngest magical being whose intelligence often saves the day. It’s the first major role for Finnish-Vanuatu actress Rainbow Wedell.
Professor Maxwell, played by Irish actor Christopher Sommers, is the half-ling teacher of this magical group of teens. He’s also a bookshop owner, a friend to Peter, and the main caretaker of an enormous magical library that’s hidden behind a wall of his shop.
Characters From the Department of Magical Intervention
Orla Maguire
Orla Maguire, an agent for the Department of Magical Intervention (DMI), enters the story as an investigator into Kyra and her new abilities. A tough, no-nonsense elf, Orla is also a local news anchor who often has to spin stories of magical mishaps to keep humans unaware. Australian actress Melanie Zanetti fills out this role in season one. Rounding out this cast of characters is Nicholas Bell as Sean Reegan, Lily’s father and the director of the DMI.
Where Was “The Bureau of Magical Things” Filmed?
As an Australian production, “The Bureau of Magical Things” was originally filmed from July to December 2017 in the state of Queensland. Filming often took place in Brisbane, Story Bridge, Gold Coast, and Arundel. Season two was to be filmed in Australia and Asia, but due to the pandemic, the production was kept solely in Queensland.
Where Can You Watch “The Bureau of Magical Things” TV Series?
Season one of “The Bureau of Magical Things” is available on Netflix, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu. You’ll need a subscription to one of the streaming services to watch the series. You can also purchase episodes or the entire season on the other platforms. Season one has a total of 20 episodes.
When Was “The Bureau of Magical Things” Season One Released?
This quirky fantasy series was originally released on July 8, 2018, on channel Eleven in Australia. It was also released that day in the U.K. and in New Zealand. The show also premiered in the U.S. in October 2018 on Nickelodeon. “The Bureau of Magical Things” has since been broadcast in several other countries around the world.
What to Expect in Season Two
“The Bureau of Magical Things” was renewed in November 2019, but second season filming was delayed due to pandemic restrictions. Filming wrapped up in September 2020, three months later than originally planned. Season two aired in Australia on July 10, 2021, and on Nickelodeon in the U.S. on Aug. 2, 2021. The original main cast returned for season two, but you’ll also meet a few new faces, including:
- Tayla (Miah Madden)
- Ben (Matthew Manahan)
- Mako (Tasneem Roc)
Ready for a new adventure, Kyra and Darra embark on a quest to find a lost temple in season two. We’re not giving away anything else, as we don’t want to spoil it for you! All 20 episodes are now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video or Paramount+.
Get the Latest News About Upcoming TV Shows and Movies on BuddyTV
Jonathan M. Shiff Productions has yet to announce if “The Bureau of Magical Things” will return for a third season in 2022 or beyond. Given its popularity among kids and families, it’s likely we’ll see Kyra and her friends on a new magical fantasy adventure sometime soon. In the meantime, check out more of your favorite TV shows and movies on BuddyTV today.
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
