Athena Georgaklis: "'The Hardy Boys' new season will find a new set of fans"

YTV’s "The Hardy Boys," developed and produced in Canada by Nelvana Studios and Lambur Productions in association with Corus Entertainment, has returned for a third and final season. The show's Executive Producer, and Vice President of Nelvana, Athena Georgaklis, described how the collaboration for the show came about, her expectations for how viewers will respond to the new season, and the characteristics attracting the global success of the series.

How have viewers responded to the debut of the third season of "The Hardy Boys" on YTV StackTV so far?
"The excitement for season 3 has been building since the season two finale aired last year. The final episode ended with a major cliffhanger. Fans were eager to know what happens next, so It’s no surprise that the numbers so far have been very positive. Corus’ marketing team has also launched successful on-air and digital marketing campaigns leading up to the series, as well as weekly as each new episode premieres, ensuring we will continue to see those numbers rise on YTV and STACKTV alike."

What are your expectations for its success on the network and streaming platform?
"We believe season three’s viewership numbers will exceed the last season. The action, stories, and heart this season are even more impressive than the first two seasons, plus we’ve added a few new exciting cast members, such as Bailee Madison, who we think will welcome even more viewers. For STACKTV specifically, as the platform continues gaining subscribers, 'The Hardy Boys' new season will find a new set of fans."

What new characteristics of "The Hardy Boys" can viewers expect during this third season?
"There are a few new characters this season. However, we are incredibly excited to welcome guest star Bailee Madison (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Just Go with It), who plays Drew Darrow. Drew is a fun but often frustrating new ally with a brilliant mind and appetite for magic and mysteries. She is a fantastic character with many contributions to this new season, and Bailee plays her brilliantly. This season will test our characters' loyalties and strengths as they embark on the most exciting and challenging adventures. Their skills and relationships will be tested at every turn. It is a season of great entertainment, suspense, and excitement. "

What led to the decision to conclude the series after the third season?
"We always believed the series would end the way that it does. From the very first meetings for season one, we were convinced three Seasons would make it just the perfect length. We are so lucky to have these three Seasons to tell the entire story of this version of 'The Hardy Boys.'"

What characteristics about the show have made it appealing to STACKTV (Canada), Hulu (U.S.), and Disney+ audiences and global viewers?
"A strong cast of characters who are fearless, strong, flawed, proactive, and bold drive these stories forward in a way that makes viewers of all ages want to see them through their stories until the very end. We were fortunate to find a cast of actors who breathed life into these characters and made them so much richer. Each cast member was remarkably talented – from our principal cast members Rohan Campbell and Alexander Elliot, who played Frank and Joe Hardy – to our ensemble and extended cast – they each brought a new layer to their character. I truly believe the draw to the series starts with these characters, but the exquisite storytelling, suspense, and excitement of each episode help these audiences in place."

Can you describe how Nelvana, Lambur Productions, YTV, and Hulu initially collaborated for Franklin W. Dixon’s book series adaptation?
"Nelvana has held these particular TV rights to 'The Hardy Boys' books'for a long time, and when we decided to develop the series, our first phone call was to Simon & Schuster (the book series’ publisher) and our second, to Joan Lambur, who had already expressed interest in developing the series. The series could not have been made without Joan and the team at Lambur Productions. Once we had a concept in place, YTV was the first to confirm interest, and Hulu soon followed. Hulu had some very clear changes from the initial concept, and with their encouragement and direction, we made the series a little older and edgier than what was originally intended. The partnership between us all was not only the fuel needed to make this series a reality, but was what helped shape the series into the Daytime Emmy nominated, award-winning series it is today."

By Karla Florez