Sprout Strengthens Commitment to Original Programming

Sprout, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment’s 24-hour preschool network, will expand its growing original programming slate with the addition of Remy and Boo. Slated to debut on Sprout in 2018, Remy and Boo continues to build upon the network’s portfolio of high quality original content for families. The series was created by Matt Fernandes of Industrial Brothers and will be produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios.

Set in the near future, this CGI- animated series tells the story of the friendship between five year old Remy and her newfound robot friend Boo, who is programmed to learn and feel real emotions. The show follows their journey of love, friendship, and what it truly means to be human.

Sprout has also announced second seasons of two of its most popular originals. Floogals – Sprout’s highest rated show in both women 18-49 and kids 2-5 for the last quarter – will go into production with Nevision for a season 2 launch in 2018; episodes will again be executive produced by Nigel Pickard with the same creative team as the first season.

In addition, the network will move forward with its signature show Nina’s World – produced by Pipeline Animation Studios – with a season 2 greenlight for 26 new episodes. Rita Moreno continues her role as Nina’s Abuelita in this Hispanic-themed series.

With a firm commitment to original series, Sprout is investing in a deep development slate, with priorities including:
• Little Shaq – executive produced by Shaquille O’Neal and inspired by Shaq’s real life childhood, the series follows an outsized boy’s funny and often awkward adventures in his urban American neighborhood. From Universal Cable Productions, the series is also executive produced by Full Fathom Five’s James Frey and Todd Cohen.
• Ivy and Bean – Based on the bestselling book series by Annie Barrows and produced by Kindle Entertainment, this animated show features two best friends who never meant to like each other.
• Make + Do – Studio-based live action show starring Sunny Side Up’s Carly Ciarrocchi. The show features three teams with the same mission, the same materials… and unlimited possibilities in the world of kid crafting. Produced by Breakthrough Entertainment.
• Norm of the Forest –Norman is the superintendent of the forest, fixing the problems of its highly eccentric characters with a touch of magic and can-do attitude in this animated comedy. Written by Alex Rockwell and Judy Rothman.
• Powerbirds – Animated comedy created by Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist Stephen P. Breen. The show features two pet parakeets who live top secret superhero lives, saving the world – and their neighborhood – one kind deed at a time.
• Wombat and Rabbit – Twin brothers (not really) who put on the world’s greatest magic show (not really). Although their tricks constantly go haywire, nothing deters these screwball best friends from trying to become the best magicians they can possibly be. Created by Greg Dummett and Steve Westren.

“We know that moms and kids are coming to Sprout in large part for our original programming – and our 21% growth rate in women 18-49 tells us it’s resonating,” said Amy Friedman, Senior Vice President, Programming and Development, Sprout. “Our mission is simple: we help kids grow into good people. We focus on compassion, curiosity, courage, and challenge in every bit of content we create – and we feel very lucky that we get to do this every day.”

“We are delighted with Sprout’s incredible commitment to this show and we look forward to beginning production immediately with our partners at Boat Rocker to bring this unique and timely story to life – Remy and Boo reminds us that love is the shining light at the foundation of our shared humanity, no matter our age, gender or background” said Matt Fernandes and Arthur Spanos, co-founders of Industrial Brothers.
 
Boat Rocker rights will be distributing Remy and Boo internationally and managing the merchandising and licensing for the brand on all platforms.
 
To learn more about Sprout’s programming, please visit www.sproutonline.com.