Four series join upcoming preschool programming block coming to HBO Max and Cartoon Network later this year.
WarnerMedia Kids & Family is expanding their Cartoonito preschool slate with the recently greenlit animated series Dylan, as well as three new animated series acquisitions: Bing, Odo, and Pocoyo. The four shows join previously announced series Batwheels, Little Ellen, and multiple forthcoming projects from best-selling children’s book author Mo Willems, to form the preschool programming block for the upcoming Fall launch on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.
Cartoonito, announced at the WarnerMedia Kids & Family Upfront earlier this year, is WarnerMedia’s biggest commitment to preschool in 100 years, designed with a modern approach to preschool programming through its proprietary educational framework, Humancentric Learning, that aims to support every child’s humanness by celebrating their unique selves. All Cartoonito preschool content will align with Humancentric Learning and Cartoon Network’s refreshed brand promise, Redraw Your World, which fosters self-expression and creativity.
New series greenlight:
Dylan –Based on the book series by bestselling illustrator/author Guy Parker-Rees, Dylan is a CG animated interactive comedy about a highly imaginative, multi-colored striped dog who is eager to play pretend every career, from a train conductor to a nurse to an astronaut. With just some basic props and some great friends, Dylan transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, jumping feet first into every adventure that comes his way. Dylan models best of play and improv leading to original escapades that empower and encourage kids to trust their hearts, imaginations and each other. A CBC original series, Dylan is developed by 9 Story Media Group and produced by 9 Story’s award-winning, Toronto-based animation studio Brown Bag Films.
Newly acquired series:
Bing – Bing celebrates the joyful, messy reality of preschool life and finds the big stories in the little moments. Bing is a lovable, authentic preschooler, who lives very much in the present moment. Each moment brings new experiences for Bing, which often lead to a bump, spillage or temporary disappointment. By Bing’s side, through it all, is Flop, whose patience and encouragement help Bing, along with his audience, to experience and learn from life’s unpredictable moments. Produced by Acamar Films, in association with Brown Bag Films, Bing has achieved great success since it launched in the UK in 2014, winning the International Emmy for Best Children's Program, the Writer's Guild Award for Best Writing in a Children's Program, and a BAFTA nomination for Best Children's Program. Bing is broadcast in 130 territories worldwide and was originally adapted for television by Acamar Films from the bestselling preschool books written and illustrated by Ted Dewan.
Odo – Created by Colin Williams and produced by Sixteen South and Letko, Odo is a charming and warm-hearted preschool animated series that welcomes kids ages three to five to a world full of possibilities. Although he is one of the littlest campers at the Forest Camp for Young Birds, Odo the owl knows he can do absolutely anything that he sets his mind to. With gender-neutral appeal, Odo also deals with important themes such as immigration, racism, respect for others and shows kids how to deal with setbacks in a meaningful way while promoting the development of self-efficacy and encouraging kids to believe in themselves.
Pocoyo – Pocoyo is a preschool series created and produced by Zinkia Entertainment. It tells the story of a curious little boy discovering the world around him, and accompanied by his best friends: Pato, Elly, Sleepy Bird and a whole cast of surprising and delightful characters. Over the years, Pocoyo has been recognized with more than 40 international awards, including a BAFTA for the Best Preschool Series and the Annecy Crystal.
Source: WarnerMedia
