New CG-animated series executive produced by Tom Warburton is set to debut on Disney Junior in early 2018.
Disney began production on a reimagined Muppet Babies television series, which chronicles the playroom antics of the beloved Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal and Miss Nanny. A co-production between Disney Junior, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media’s (DCPI) Content & Media group, and The Muppets Studio, the CG-animated series is slated to debut on Disney Junior in early 2018.
“We are proud, and a little bit giddy, to begin production on our new version of the much-loved Muppet Babies,” said Nancy Kanter executive vice president, Original Programming and general manager, Disney Junior Worldwide. “Parents will delight in seeing their favorite Muppets in the mixed animation style they remember from the original series, and kids will be introduced to this warm and zany world made just right for the Disney Junior audience.”
Geared towards kids 4-7, each episode will feature two 11-minute stories that follow the Muppet Babies on various adventures -- from building a time machine to flying through outer space – as they let their imaginations take them to the farthest corners of the universe. The stories are designed to highlight creative and critical thinking skills by harnessing the power and potential of imaginative play.
DCPI Content & Media and The Muppets Studio recognized the nostalgia, fandom, and demand for Muppet Babies by tapping into insights gleaned from their digital and social media channels and together they set the creative direction for the new series.
“Bringing Muppet Babies to Disney Junior is a wonderful opportunity to reach a new generation of viewers and to creatively build on the innovative original series,” said Debbie McClellan, vice president, The Muppets Studio. “We hope to engage and delight the nostalgic fans while also entertaining new kids, parents and diverse audiences through heart and humor as only the Muppets can deliver.”
Tom Warburton (The 7D) will serve as executive producer and Emmy Award-winner Eric Shaw (SpongeBob SquarePants) is story editor.
Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior’s series blend Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. In the U.S., Disney Junior is a daily programming block on Disney Channel and a 24-hour channel reaching over 73 million U.S. homes. In total, there are 35 Disney Junior channels in 27 languages around the world.
Source: Disney
