Nine announces two thrilling new dramas for 2022, including new Underbelly inspired by Melissa Caddick's disappearance

Drama fans can look forward to two new Australian productions on Nine in 2022.

The network revealed the plot and cast details for both its upcoming series at the annual Upfronts event today, which was held virtually for the second year in a row.

Underbelly: Vanishing Act was one of the dramas announced. It is based on the story of Melissa Caddick's disappearance.

Caddick was a high-roller who was alleged to have embezzled $40 million before vanishing. The mystery meant her family, clients and police were questioning what they knew about her.

The cast is headlined by Wentworth star Kate Atkinson as Melissa Caddick, who is also known for playing Karen in the original Seachange.

Underbelly: Vanishing Act will also star Colin Friels of Water Rats fame, Tai Hara from Home and Away, Maya Stange and Sophie Bloom from Love Child and Ursula Mills.

The series is produced by Matt Ford and Kerrie Mainwaring, written by Matt Ford and Michael Miller and directed by Geoff Bennett.

Also hitting screens next year is the drama After the Verdict. The series will follow four characters who take their jury duty responsibilities way beyond what's expected.

Starring Blindspot's Sullivan Stapleton, Kath & Kim's Magda Szubanski and Doctor Doctor's Lincoln Younes, the drama kicks off after four people have finished jury duty on a high profile murder case.

Once back in their regular day-to-day lives, they start to question their verdict and begin their own investigations. That obsession with the case begins to impact their personal lives.

After the Verdict's creative team includes creators, writers and executive producers, Ellie Beaumont and Drew Proffitt (House Husbands, Dead Lucky), writer Romina Accurso (The Heights, Spreadsheet), directors Peter Salmon (Halifax: Retribution, Rake), Lisa Matthews (Doctor Doctor) and Fadia Abboud (Les Norton, Five Bedrooms), producer Jo Rooney (Jack Irish) and executive producers Greg Sitch (Fisk, The Letdown) and 9Network Head of Drama, Andy Ryan.

READ MORE: Lincoln Younes on returning home to Australia for Doctor Doctor guest role

After the Verdict is produced with major production investment from Screen Australia.

The new dramas follow a strong tradition of much-loved series from Nine, including Doctor Doctor, which concluded with Season 5 earlier this year.