As it continues its kids programming drive, Netflix has ordered four new toons to join its growing lineup of global Netflix Originals, including Saban Brands and Cirque du Soleil Média’s Luna Petunia (pictured). It’s also acquired an additional three animated series for various territories.
The first 11-ep season of preschool series Cirque de Soleil – Luna Petunia, which Kidscreen provided a first-look at in February, will premiere worldwide as an exclusive original on the SVOD giant in fall 2016. A franchise roll out, including a consumer products line, interactive digital content and a possible live tour, are slated to follow the premiere.
Additionally, Netflix has picked up Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan and Jane as an original. The eight-episode series will debut exclusively on the service during the second half of 2016. 41 Entertainment and Avi Arad (Arad Animation) are producing, with ARC Productions handling animation. Ther modern-day remake of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ stories follows 16-year-old Tarzan and Jane as they fight environmental injustices and solve mysteries from their London boarding school. 41 Entertainment and Arad’s Kong – King of the Apes was also commissioned by Netflix last year.
L.A.-based Splash Entertainment and Outlook Company production Kulipari: An Army of Frogs is getting the Netflix Originals nod, too. Based on a trilogy of books created by American football star, Trevor Pryce, the 13-ep animated series targets grade school boys and follows poisonous frogs, scorpions and spiders who must go to war to ensure the survival of their entire world. It will premiere worldwide exclusively on Netflix in 2016.
Finally, designated a Netflix Original is Penguin Random House Children’s, Dog Ears and Cartoon Saloon co-pro Puffin Rock. The first 13-ep season will premiere exclusively on Netflix (US, Canada, Latin America, Benelux, France, Germany) in September, with more territories to be added. It was first commissioned by Irish pubcaster RTE and Nick Jr. UK. A second series of Puffin Rock got the greenlight from RTE just after its first-season debut on RTÉjr in January.
Netflix is also adding three new first-run exclusive series in addition to the originals.
Masha and the Bear, from Russian animation studio Animaccord, will debut on Netflix US in August. The Day My Butt Went Psycho, from Canada’s Nelvana Studios and Australia’s Studio Moshi, rolls out this month on Netflix in the US, the UK and Mexico. Meanwhile, preschool series Elias, from Norwegian studio Animando, is now streaming exclusively on Netflix in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Netflix recently scooped up four kids series earlier this year. For each series launching on the SVOD service, each show will air all of its episodes at the same time around the world.