Discovery Kids Expands Its Content Offering For Young Viewers In 2017
To mark its 20th anniversary, the network is announcing development deals with acclaimed producers and production companies in Latin America and globally, premiering new original productions as well as newly acquired series, and new seasons of its most iconic shows
MIAMI, FL, March 31, 2017 –Discovery Kids is in a very celebratory mood! Building on its historic audience ratings achieved in 2016 and consistent positioning as the leading preschool network among children 4-11 and the #1 Pay TV network among women 25-49 pan-regionally, Discovery Kids is celebrating its 20th anniversary and redoubling its efforts to continue surprising its viewers with new seasons of hit shows and exciting new series premieres, created in partnership with some of the most prestigious producers of preschool and children’s content in the US and Latin America.
Discovery Kids is currently working on a multi-title development deal with Little Airplane Productions, led by multiple Emmy-award winning producer, Josh Selig (Wonder Pets!, P. King Duckling). The first one in development, DOG AND PONY SHOW (working title), features two quirky characters, Dog and Pony, who live in the animated world of Rainbow Fjörd, a world where they feel they don’t belong. They decide to leave and go to a big city to start a new life, where they explore a variety of new activities and professions, all with funny and surprising results.
Heralding from Brasil is the original production VIVI VIRAVENTO. Created by draftsman, artist and filmmaker Alê Abreu (nominated for an Oscar for best animated film “The Boy and the World”) in partnership with Mixer, one of the most awarded and respected audiovisual studios in the world, VIVI VIRAVENTO follows Vivi as she journeys into her favorite sketchbook in search of Viravento – “the place where all ideas are born.” In each episode Vivi makes new friends, and her ideas take on new shapes and forms in a magical game of poetry and imagination.
As previously announced, Discovery Kids continues to work on two series: ANIMATED FLORICIENTA, a new series created by Cris Morena, the Argentine award-winning television and theater producer, director and music composer; and UNDERDOGS, the animated series inspired by the internationally successful theatrical film of the same name, and directed by Oscar winner Juan José Campanella.
“We are very excited about the array of projects in development as well as currently in production for Discovery Kids. In addition to premiering new seasons of the networks most beloved original productions, we are extremely excited to be collaborating on major projects developed with award-winning producers whose creations have inspired viewers both young and old around the world,” said Carolina Lightcap, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer (CCO) of Discovery Networks Latin America/U.S. Hispanic.
New and Returning Discovery Kids original series:
Coming to the Discovery Kids screen in the second half of 2017 is BABY ROCKERS (working title), a new series created with one of Latin America’s biggest animation studios, MundoLoco CGI, founded by Academy Award-winning Argentine director, screenwriter and producer Juan José Campanella. This new series features an adorable band of multicultural babies who love to make music. Every member of the band represents a different urban tribe from around the globe, reflecting the past, present and future of rock and pop. The show’s protagonists are true virtuosos who wow audiences with their performances, despite the fact that they are still, well…babies. The series focuses on the importance of appreciating different musical elements such as rhythm, melody and different musical genres and instruments.In its third season, DOKI and his friends face even bigger challenges than before! They venture to Tanzania where they are up against a rival expeditionary team, as they take part in a race on Mount Kilimanjaro. And on a trip to the archeological site of Chichén Itzá in Mexico, Doki is tasked with taking care of his younger cousin. Great adventures await Doki and his friends Fico, Oto Anabella, Mundi and Gabi! [also renewed for Season 4 ]
EL ZOO DE ZU is back for a second season of music, fun and adventure. Led by the brave and determined Zu, who is the director of the zoo and responsible for more than 300 animals, the series will continue its mission of educating young viewers about the importance of environmental conservation. In this new season, Zu and her best friends Nuno and Lila face villains who want to steal some of the animals from the park; they observe a mysterious episode where all of the birds eggs seem to change; and they even witness a beauty contest…for pigs!
EL MUNDO DE LUNA, nominated for an International Emmy® Kids Awards @MIPTV and produced in partnership with TV Pinguim, is back for a third season with new experiments and new songs by Luna, her brother Jupiter and their mascot Claudio. Season three will have this trio spending their vacation at their grandparent’s farm, where a whole new world opens up for them. The mysteries of science lead them on incredible adventures – they discover what clouds are made of, why horses sleep standing up and many other fascinating marvels, all while having fun.
The network will also premiere new series:
Frankie and Zhu Zhu Pets (NELVANA): the story of an adorable little girl who grows up in an unusual family with friendly and talkative pets.
ZAK STORM (ZAG): a show about a fearless teenage surfer who has incredible adventures after getting lost in the Bermuda Triangle, where he faces all sorts of dangers in the company of an enchanted talking sword, the princess of Atlantis and a very stubborn Viking.
NATURE CAT (9 STORY): a series starring Fred, a housecat who dreams of exploring the outside world along with his friends Hal the dog, Daisy the rabbit and Squeeks the mouse. After overcoming his initial fear, Fred encourages the others to discover the wonders of the natural world that surrounds them.
THE OLLIE AND MOON SHOW (COTTONWOOD MEDIA): starring two globe-trotting six-year old cats who turn daily life in the preschool universe into a surprising voyage of discovery around the world.
POLLY POCKET(MATTEL): a show where the most fashionable dolls on television have fun and exciting adventures in Pollyville.
PEPPA (EONE FAMILY): the international hit series is back with new episodes that celebrate friendship, teamwork and family with warmth and humor.
Plus, Cineclub will bring unforgettable stories and adventures to the screen with movies such as SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMARRON (SPIRIT: EL CORCEL INDOMABLE), the SHREK trilogy, WALLACE & GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT (WALLACE & GROMIT: LA BATALLA DE LOS VEGETALES), MADAGASCAR, BARNYARD, RANGO, Alpha & Omega: Big Fureeze, Alpha & Omega: Journey to BEAR KINGDOM and PUSS IN BOOTS. (Discovery Kids)
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