WildBrain has acquired Ukrainian success story Brave Bunnies, a 2D-animated preschool series that currently airs in more than 80 territories around the world.

Coming on board as a co-producer for season two, WildBrain will air the show in Canada on its Family Jr. linear net. And the company’s CPLG team has also taken on worldwide licensing and merchandising for the IP.

Brave Bunnies revolves around two rabbits who explore the world, play games and meet new animal friends, with a focus on encouraging creativity, openness and bravery. It was created by Glowberry co-founder Olga Cherepanova, who serves as the show’s creative producer. Season one (52 x seven minutes) was a co-pro between Glowberry and Spain’s Ánima Estudios, which retain distribution and CP rights in their domestic regions. But this new deal makes WildBrain a majority stakeholder in the IP.

Broadcasters including WarnerMedia (international), ABC Australia and Milkshake! (UK) picked up the first season of Brave Bunnies, which premiered in February 2021. Spin Master hopped on board as global master toy partner last year and launched a first range of products this spring.

Brave Bunnies has “the potential to be a major preschool franchise,” said WildBrain CEO Eric Ellenbogen in a release. With its existing broadcast and consumer products deals, it has a solid base to build upon, he added.

Before Russia invaded Ukraine this February, Glowberry was already underway on producing season two. The incursion halted that work, and forced the studio’s staff to flee the country.

WildBrain has set a June 2023 delivery date for season two (also 52 x seven minutes), and its Vancouver studio will join Glowberry and Anima on the production.