Lin-Manuel Miranda and Brandi Carlile among the guest stars in the all-new animated / live-action preschool series that features best friends Lamb and Alligator, who meet up with musical talents each week; the first two episodes debut January 19.
YouTube Originals Kids & Family has released the official trailer for its all-new preschool series, Jam Van featuring a lineup of celebrity voice talent and musical guests. A blend of animation and live-action, the eight-episode (8x11’) original musical series launches January 19 at 9 am PT / 12 pm ET with two new episodes featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda and Brandi Carlile. Additional episodes will roll out weekly on Thursdays on the YouTube Originals for Kids & Family channel and the YouTube Kids app.
From Believe Entertainment Group (Dear Basketball), composer/producer Bill Sherman (Hamilton, In the Heights, Sesame Street), and animation studio Global Mechanic, the series follows animated best friends Lamb (voiced by Pete Lee) and Anne the Alligator (voiced by Nicole Byer). The duo travels to new locations around the country, where they meet with famous live-action musical artist friends. Together take on social-emotional learning challenges with the help of a new original song sung together. The series also features the voice of Marc Maron as Grumpy GPS.
"We came up with the idea for Jam Van with the intention of creating a funny, music-filled show that would expand young kids' world and foster a sense of openness and an appreciation for each other’s similarities and differences,” said creators and executive producers Sherman and Brian Hunt. “And we are thrilled to have this incredible roster of musical artists and comedic talent along for the ride."
“Jam Van will greatly appeal to our preschool and bridge audiences with its fun characters and catchy original songs, but it’s also perfect for families to enjoy together,” added Craig Hunter, Global Head of Kids & Family, for YouTube Originals. “With a lineup of incredible artists kicking off with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Brandi Carlile, this show is for music lovers of any age.”
The trailer features musical guest artists and their locations as they join the show’s best friends on a musical joyride through the United States. Artists include Boyz II Men (Philadelphia); Carlile (Seattle); Sheryl Crow (Nashville); Daveed Diggs (Oakland); Fitz and The Tantrums (Los Angeles); Miranda (New York); Old Crow Medicine Show (Virginia); and Trombone Shorty (New Orleans) joining the show’s best friends on their musical joy ride through the United States.
Jam Van is produced by Believe Entertainment Group, Sherman’s Pop Music Misery, Inc., and animation studio Global Mechanic. Hunter is Global Head of Kids & Family Originals for YouTube, with Zoë Di Stefano and Daniel Haack serving as creative leads on the series.
Source: YouTube Originals Kids & Family
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
