I think I’ve said this before, but I’m absolutely fascinated with what Netflix is doing with original content these days.
We’ll be chatting a bit more about that on this week’s show — that’s right, the podcast is back — but until then, check out this latest press release from Netflix:
Beverly Hills, Calif., June 3, 2015 – Netflix announced today it will premiere four new animated shows, adding to its award-winning line-up of original television series for kids. The shows range from action adventure stories Kulipari: An Army of Frogs and Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan and Jane to preschool shows Cirque du Soleil – Luna Petunia and Puffin Rock. Each show will launch all of its episodes at the same time around the world, for all members to enjoy.
We couldnt be more excited to be partnering with such a diverse group of creative talent on these new Netflix series for kids, says Erik Barmack, Netflix VP of Global Independent Content. The flexibility of our platform allows us to continually bring the best TV shows from around the world to our members, and these titles compliment and extend what we currently offer – particularly for preschoolers and grade school adventure fans.
Netflix original Cirque du Soliel – Luna Petunia follows the adventures of a girl named Luna who lives in our world and plays in a dreamland, learning how to make the impossible possible. (PRNewsFoto/Netflix)
Cirque du Soleil – Luna Petunia – Fall 2016
From Saban Brands and Cirque du Soleil Média comes Luna Petunia, a new preschool series. Inspired by Cirque du Soleils unique brand of innovation and creativity, the animated series will chronicle the adventures of Luna Petunia, a girl who lives in our world but plays in a dreamland where she learns how to make the impossible possible. The first season of 11 episodes will premiere worldwide exclusively on Netflix, kicking off a franchise roll-out that will include a consumer products line, interactive digital content and a potential live tour.
Netflix original Edgar Rice Burroughs(TM) Tarzan and Jane (TM) follows the adventures of Tarzan and Jane from the African jungle to an urban jungle, bringing a modern take to a classic tale. (PRNewsFoto/Netflix)
Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan and Jane – 2016
From 41 Entertainment, Executive Producer Avi Arad (Arad Animation) and with animation from ARC Productions comes a new kids series based on Edgar Rice Burroughs collection of stories about his iconic characters, Tarzan and Jane. In this modern-day remake, 16 year old Tarzan returns from the African jungle to a London boarding school where he is a fish-out-of-water and challenges conformity. There he meets Jane, Tarzans ultimate partner, who helps him solve environmental injustice, crimes and mysteries. The eight episode season will premiere worldwide exclusively on Netflix during the second half of 2016.
Netflix original Kulipari: An Army of Frogs is a story of bravery and heroism where poisonous frogs, scorpions and spiders go to war to ensure their power and survival. (PRNewsFoto/Netflix)
Kulipari: An Army of Frogs – 2016
Kulipari: An Army of Frogs, is based on a trilogy of books created by American football star, Trevor Pryce, and is inspired by his childhood fear of frogs. A story about bravery and heroism, this animated series targets grade school boys and follows poisonous frogs, scorpions and spiders who must go to war to ensure their power – and the survival of their entire world. The story of Kulipari inspires belief in oneself, ones abilities, and the power of true friendship – even when odds are stacked against you. The 13 episode season, produced by Splash Entertainment and Outlook Company, will premiere worldwide exclusively on Netflix in 2016.
Netflix original Puffin Rock is a preschool series that follows the adventures of Oona and Baba as they explore the island of Puffin Rock. (PRNewsFoto/Netflix)
Puffin Rock – September 1, 2015
A new animated preschool series, Puffin Rock is set on a beautiful island off the coast of Ireland. Oona is a charismatic and plucky young puffling, who along with her ever-curious little brother Baba, explores the diverse array of sea, sky, land and underground creatures. The series introduces a combination of preschool themes and soft natural history learnings to young viewers. Acclaimed actor Chris ODowd narrates the English language version, with a diverse group of international talent narrating in other languages across the globe. Penguin Random House Childrens, Dog Ears, and twice-Oscar-nominated animation studio Cartoon Saloon partnered on the 13-episode season, which will premiere exclusively on Netflix in the U.S., Canada, Latin America,Benelux, France and Germany this September, and in all other Netflix markets at a later date. Watch trailer: http://nflx.it/puffinrock
In addition to the new original titles, Netflix is also adding three new first-run exclusive series for kids to enjoy. The award-winning Russian phenomenon,Masha and the Bear, will premiere this August in the United States. This month, Canadian animation company Nelvana Studios introduces The Day My Butt Went Psycho to grade-school kids in the U.S., UK, and Mexico. And Elias, the little rescue boat from the popular Norwegian preschool series of the same name, is now streaming exclusively on Netflix in U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand.
Netflix has a dedicated section for kids under 12 years old featuring dozens of original series for kids as well as TV shows and movies from great partners such as PBS, Disney Channel, DreamWorks Animation, Mattel, Hasbro, LEGO and Scholastic – all in a commercial free environment. The dedicated section for kids is available across a broad range of devices, including PCs and Macs, iPads, game consoles, streaming devices and smart TVs. Members are provided a kids profile upon sign up and can customize additional profiles for their kids. The kids experience features a character bar where members can find a deep selection of great TV shows and movies featuring these favorite character. Kids, parents and caregivers can also scan through movies and TV shows organized by easy-to-understand genres like superheroes, princesses, dinosaurs and girl power, featuring clear and simple descriptions of the plot of each title.