Blue Ant Studios is set to launch three new unscripted series, along with two well-established and popular returning titles, as part of its Kids & Family slate. Next, we briefly review each of them
Leading the slate is "Old Enough!" (8 x 30’), a highly engaging documentary series for kids and family audiences. Produced by Blue Ant Studios for TVO in Canada, Old Enough! is based on the Japanese format of the same name from Nippon TV. Each episode follows children, aged 3-6, as they get their very first taste of independence, heading out into the world by themselves for the first time to run everyday errands for their parents, such as shopping at the grocery store or collecting dry cleaning. What start as simple household tasks turn into hilarious adventures and heartwarming interactions when carried out by newly empowered toddlers who are often held back by their helicopter parents. The highly sought-after format has been a ratings juggernaut and cultural phenomenon in Japan for over 30 years. Its popularity skyrocketed in English-speaking territories when Netflix streamed Nippon TV’s original series in 2022 in over 190 countries, and even Saturday Night Live tapped into the cultural zeitgeist with a skit that parodied the show. The series is narrated by comedy legend and improv genius, Colin Mochrie.
The second new series is "Secrets of the Forest" (26 x 11’), produced by Fifth Ground Entertainment for TVO. This nature-science title places Earth’s precious forests into the spotlight and follows the ever-curious Taviss on amazing adventures as she joins forces with scientists and conservationists. Together, they get to the bottom of the forest's many mysteries, such as: Why do leaves change colour? What exactly does an underground fungal network do? And what on Earth is slime mould!?! Taviss heads through the trees and up in the air, braving the elements (and the bugs) to discover the true majesty of nature - and all the Secrets of the Forest.
"Green Squad" (13 x 30’), produced by Apartment 11 for TVO, is a fun and educational new series that follows a team of passionate and environmentally savvy young hosts who challenge kids and their families to make eco-friendly lifestyle changes for a healthier planet. The kids enjoy missions that include things like using second-hand items to make costumes or organizing a “walking train” to school to cut down on car rides. In addition to promoting new skills, the Green Squad teaches kids about their impact and role in the environment.
Returning series to be launched at MIPCOM are a sixth season (13 x 60’) of the Emmy-nominated hit sporting competition show for teens, "All-Round Champion", produced by Blue Ant Studios for BYUtv, TVO and YES TV, and a fourth season of "Every Body Curious" (6 x 20’). Produced by Louise Pollard, "Every Body Curious" tackles the important subjects of sex, sexuality and healthy relationships, aiming to make kids and adults comfortable with the uncomfortable by shining a responsible light on a natural, healthy and fun part of life.
Mark Bishop, Co-President, Blue Ant Studios, emphasized the need for content that entertains both parents and children: “As the market for family programming grows, we are increasingly placing a greater emphasis on content that entertains both children and their parents. These new releases fit that demand, and in the case of Old Enough!, the series is a true collaboration of kids and documentary teams working closely together to meet that goal. We are delighted that we can also introduce new seasons of established favourites, like All-Round Champion and Every Body Curious, to buyers at MIPCOM keen to lock in audiences with strong returning brands;" commented.
In related news, Blue Ant Studios announces a raft of sales from its growing Kids & Family catalogue, confirming deals with buyers across five continents. In Europe, the appeal of "All-Round Champion" continues to grow with seasons three and four (22 x 60’) acquired by Czech TV and seasons one to four (44 x 60’) picked up by Smartzone for the Baltics, alongside entertaining education titles "MathXplosion" (50 x 3’), "ScienceXplosion" (45 x 3’) and "Don’t Blame Me, Blame My Brain" (10 x 11’), kids mental health show "How Do You Feel?" (21 x 7’), environment and ecology title "AnimalFanpedia" (26 x 11’), plus two seasons of the exciting kids’ drama Detention Adventure (20 x 11’).
In North America, seasons one to five of "All-Round Champion" (54 x 60’) have been acquired by YES TV in Canada, while in Latin America, Globo in Brazil has picked up the first two seasons (22 x 60’). Also in Brazil, Futura has acquired "MathXplosion". Canela.tv, meanwhile, has acquired nature title "Animal Mania" (40 x 30’) for its US Hispanic and Latin American FAST and AVOD channels.
In Asia, Yueyue Technology has acquired How Do You Feel? for China, while in Taiwan, the first season of All-Round Champion (11 x 60’) will be seen by young viewers on the Public Television Service Foundation’s PTS channel and PTS+ platform.
Finally, across MENA, Akili Network has acquired "All-Round Champion", Season 5 (11 x 60’) for Kenya and Smartzone has acquired a package for its MENA service that includes three series of scripted title "Detention Adventure" (31 x 11’) plus "Don’t Blame Me, Blame My Brain and How Do You Feel?"
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