SEGA of America

KessCo is speeding into its first licensing deal with SEGA of America that will see the LA-based toyco manufacture and distribute a new range of Sonic the Hedgehog playthings such as tabletop games, card games and outdoor toys. An initial wave of products will roll out to retailers across North America next year. KessCo has previously been a licensee on programs for teen franchises from Sony’s anime streamer Crunchyroll, including Spy x Family and Jujutsu Kaisen.

Peanuts Worldwide

Apple TV+ is already home to all Peanuts (pictured) content, but the company behind the streamer is hungry for more. Apple has expanded its global consumer products deal with Peanuts Worldwide and parentco WildBrain to bring Snoopy and Woodstock to life on the Apple Watch. Under the agreement, the Peanuts characters will join the watch face gallery in 140 original animations from WildBrain Studios. These animations include Snoopy playing with the watch’s hands, reacting to weather conditions and getting active when a user is working out. The Peanuts content is due to launch on the App Store this fall as part of a new update.  

Sesame Workshop

Big Bird and Elmo have scored new jobs as party planners. LA-based Evite is partnering with Sesame Workshop to launch a new collection of Sesame Street digital invitations and greeting cards. The collaboration starts this week, with Evite adding 24 designs featuring characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby. Users can also use the Evite app to send out invitations, track RSVPs and manage their Sesame Street-themed events. 

Banijay Kids & Family

Banijay’s Totally Spies! secret agents have snuck into a new deal with Bayard. The French publisher will develop a range of Totally Spies! magazines and books that tie into the returning 2D-animated series’ seventh season (26 x 22 minutes), which is set to premiere on Gulli in France and Discovery Kids Latin America next year. The books will roll out to French retailers in 2024 as well.