Let the wild rumpus start! Apple has inked a deal that will see kid-focused series and specials based on Maurice Sendak’s books and illustrations premiere exclusively on Apple TV+.
The multi-year agreement marks the first time The Maurice Sendak Foundation has entered into an overall deal with a streaming service. These new projects will be developed with writer/director and longtime Sendak collaborator Arthur Yorinks through his Night Kitchen Studios.
Sendak’s book Where the Wild Things Are (pictured) has sold more than 20 million copies to date, and was adapted into a feature film in 2009. Other kid-focused titles from Sendak include In the Night Kitchen and Outside Over There.
Since Apple TV+ launched in November, the tech giant has focused on big brands for its SVOD service. Apple partnered with WildBrain (then DHX Media) to produce exclusive new Peanuts content for the streamer. The agreement includes original series, specials and shorts based on the classic characters created by Charles M. Schulz.
The company also inked a deal with Sesame Workshop for a slate of live-action, animated and puppet-led content. Additionally, Apple recently partnered with the Jim Henson Company to reboot live-action series Fraggle Rock as a new original comedy.