Foxtel’s comedy drama hit Mr Inbetween returns as Nash Edgerton celebrates the show’s unusual family vibe

Nash Edgerton’s TV show Mr Inbetween wouldn’t be a hit without his stepdaughter in it. This is the unusual way his family and work life collided — with no regrets.

Actor Chika Yasumura can’t watch a lot of the work she does with her stepdad director Nash Edgerton.

The 11-year-old scene-stealer from the acclaimed Foxtel comedy drama series Mr Inbetween has caught a couple of episodes “but I have to cover my eyes and ears a little bit.”

Edgerton had auditioned dozens of children to play the role of Brittany last year when developing the first season.

It was an important role to cast in the edgy drama starring its creator Scott Ryan as Ray Shoesmith, a hitman trying to maintain a relatively normal life with his young daughter, girlfriend and mates.

Director Nash Edgerton says working with his step daughter Chika Yasumura has been his most fun job. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

When Edgerton couldn’t find the right actor, his artist wife Carla Ruffino suggested Chika. The young girl wasn’t that fussed and responded “Yeah, sure” when asked if she would audition.

“I didn’t really want to,” she said. “But I am happy I did.”

As Edgerton puts the finishing touches on the second season which begins airing on Friday, he said the family vibe of Mr Inbetween has been the most fun directing experience of his career.

“Initially, it was all about just wanting to be a good experience for Chika, wanting her to be good in the show and not wanting anyone to think I cast her because she lives with me,” he said.

“Once we started, I realised how easy it was, how great she was and how much fun we had doing it together, it was a joy.

“You go to work and you don’t get to be with your family … I get to do both with this.”

Chika plays Brittany, the daughter of Scott Ryan’s hitman character. Picture: Supplied.

She may be the youngest on set but Chika wields considerable power, and a lucrative side hustle, during the weeks of filming Mr Inbetween.

Edgerton proudly notes she has made some serious coin with a swear jar after years of fleecing his friends who would visit their home and immediately hand her cash ahead of accidentally dropping expletives.

“Well, the adults don’t (behave), they swear a lot on this show. I get a lot of money from the swear jar but I haven’t been doing it (again). And your friends don’t pay me anymore,” she told her stepdad.

Nash Edgerton on set with actyor and series writer Scott Ryan for Mr Inbetween. Picture: Supplied.

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Her influence also extends to the script, with Edgerton sharing the dialogue Chika uses in home situations with Ryan when he was writing the second season.

The half-hour drama has scored rave reviews in Australia and the US, where it is screened on FX.

“There was a desire in me to see a different kind of show and I really responded to Scott’s writing and style of acting; it felt unlike any other Australian show,” Edgerton said.

“The main thing was I wanted it to feel honest and truthful and have humour but not be played for laughs.

“I like the format of the half-hour show - I always enjoyed the British comedy dramas. As a parent it’s a much easier format to watch when you just want to watch a bit of TV.”

Mr Inbetween returns to Fox Showcase at 2pm and replayed at 8pm from September 13.