Netflix Commissions 7 New Original Preschool Series
Great news for parents who like to use Netflix to distract their little ones when they need to get things done! The streaming service has commissioned 7 new original preschool series from some of the industry’s most respected and prolific creators.
The new shows are produced by creators from all over the world, designed for diverse audiences, and inclusive of a wide range of genres and formats – from educational to nonverbal comedies, and are aimed at kids ranging from 2-6yrs old.
“With high-quality, age-appropriate programming for kids at every age and stage, we want to help young people find and connect with the stories and characters they love on Netflix,” commented Melissa Cobb, vice president of original animation at Netflix. “We are also here to empower parents to find the shows that are just right for their families during whatever time they feel is appropriate to enjoy entertainment.”
The 7 new Netflix Original preschool titles include:
DreamWorks Dragons Rescue Riders (2019) (pictured above) is a CG animated comedy adventure series that opens a brand new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning How to Train Your Dragon franchise. The all-new series is about twins, Dak and Leyla, who because they were raised by dragons, share a unique ability to communicate with them. The brother and sister lead a team of five young dragons that spend their days rescuing other dragons, and helping the people in their adopted town of Huttsgalor.
Emmy Award winner Jack Thomas (‘Dragons: Race to the Edge’, ‘The Fairly OddParents’) serves as executive producer with Brian K. Roberts (‘VeggieTales in the House’) as co-executive producer. TJ Sullivan (‘Barnyard’, ‘Beware the Batman’) directs.
Hello Ninja (2019) – For Wesley and his best friend Georgie, every day is an adventure. When Wesley puts his hands together, bows to his reflection and says the words, “Hello, Ninja” his surroundings instantly transform into an enchanting Ninja world. From Atomic Cartoons, a Thunderbird Company, this CG animated series is based on the picture book of the same name from author N.D. Wilson.
N.D. Wilson exec produces alongside Showrunner Mark Palmer (‘Treehouse Detectives’, ‘Kim Possible’). Susan Kim (‘Wonder Pets’, ‘Handy Manny’) serves as Story Editor with Michael Dowding (‘Slugterra’, ‘Reboot’) directing.
StarBeam (2020) – Zoey is excited to tackle second grade, but when danger beckons, she sneaks away and – with her signature call out “It’s time to shine!” – transforms into StarBeam, the speediest, most powerful and most enthusiastic superhero to ever sip from a juice box. StarBeam is a CG animated series produced by Kickstart Entertainment.
Noelle Wright (‘Doc McStuffins’, ‘Super Monsters’) serves as Head Writer, with Jason Netter (‘Preacher’), Loris Kramer Lunsford. (‘Johnny Test’), and Heather Puttock (‘Ready Jet Go!’) exec producing.
DreamWorks Go, Dog. Go! (2020) is a CG animated series produced by DreamWorks Animation and DHX Media, based on the beloved, classic children’s book by P. D. Eastman, published by Random House Children’s Books. Every dog wants to go! Go fast, go far, go to a big dog party in a tree. The series follows young pup Tag Barker and her adventures in Pawston, a colourful community of dogs on the go.
Adam Peltzman (‘Odd Squad’, ‘Wallykazam’) serves as Showrunner and Executive Producer.
What-To-Doodles (2020) – A team of adventurous and lovable young creatures play, grow, laugh, learn, and sing together in this CG animated series that teaches young viewers “what to do” in everyday social experiences and firsts.
Created by Art Spigel and Hannah Kole, the series is produced by creative production company 7ate9 Entertainment, with Doug Wood (‘Molly of Denali’, ‘Bob the Builder’) as Story Editor.
Izzy Bee’s Koala World (2020) – 11-year old Izzy Bee, known affectionately as the Koala Whisperer, lives on Australia’s Magnetic Island where she rescues and rehabilitates koalas with her veterinarian Mom, Ali and her dad, Tim. This non-fiction series is produced in partnership with The Dodo and Nomadica Films.
The show is exec produced by Jared McGillard (‘Dodo Heroes’, ‘Last Alaskans’), Izzie Lerer (Founder/Chief Creative Officer ‘The Dodo’, ‘Dodo Heroes’), Suzanne Kolb (‘Dodo Heroes’, ‘The Swim’), Elizabeth Keyishian (‘Sesame Street’, ‘Paw Patrol’, ‘Astroblast’).
Emily’s Wonder Lab (2020) – Discover what makes STEAM fun with these visual demonstrations that will blow your mind! Acclaimed science communicator Emily Calandrelli takes kids through lively experiments and entertaining activities in this new live-action series created and produced by Bunim Murray Productions (‘The Real World’, ‘Crystal Maze’, ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’).
Emily Calandrelli (‘Xploration Outer Space’, ‘Bill Nye Saves the World’) serves as Executive Producer & Host. Gil Goldschein, Maria Peppin, and Trish Gold also exec produce.
This new slate of shows joins Netflix current original preschool offering, which includes beloved shows such as ‘Ask The StoryBots’, ‘Chip and Potato’, ‘Mighty Little Bheem’, ‘Motown Magic’, ‘Super Monsters’, ‘True and the Rainbow Kingdom’, ‘Word Party’, and ‘YooHoo to the Rescue’. Other previously announced Netflix preschool originals that are soon to launch include DreamWorks ‘Archibald’s Next Big Thing’, ‘Go! Go! Cory Carson’, and ‘Chico Bon Bon’.
