Netflix Orders Dr. Seuss-Inspired Series, Specials to Anchor Expanded Slate of Preschool Content

Netflix is taking on Dr. Seuss. The streamer has ordered three animated series and two specials inspired by classic works by the beloved author that will anchor an expanded lineup of content aimed at preschoolers.

Netflix has ordered series based on “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” “Wacky Wednesday” and “Horton Hears a Who!” from Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the San Diego-based company that curates the canon of timeless children’s books. Animated specials are in the works for “The Sneetches” and “Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose.”

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Dustin Ferrer, an alum of PBS’ “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” and HBO’s “Esme and Roy,” will serve as supervising showrunner for all five projects. She will work with showrunners who will be named later for each of the series and specials.

Netflix is strengthening its cup offerings as success in this area can be a good way to maintain engagement and multi-generational usage within families.

“Netflix is a trusted home for the characters kids love, and generations of kids love the characters imagined by Dr. Seuss,” said Heather Tilert, Netflix’s director of preschool content. “These beloved stories have been at the heart of family libraries for many years and I am very proud that we are integrating them into our catalog of Netflix shows, in a fresh and modern way that resonates with today’s audiences ‘today.’

The deal for five high-profile new projects comes at a busy time of growth for Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the company that manages Dr. Seuss’ canon of distinctive children’s books. The company is working on new films with Warner Bros. and launches a new book edition for works by emerging authors inspired by previously unpublished writings and drawings of Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel. Geisel died in 1991 at the age of 87.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises has previously partnered with Netflix and Warner Bros. TV on the animated series “Green Eggs and Ham,” based on the 1960 book that is the quintessence of Geisel’s work. sui generis, a silly but deep and rhythmic literary voice. The “Green Eggs” series debuted in 2019 after a long development process. Season 2 is scheduled to release on April 8.

“Dr. Seuss Enterprises is proud of the collaborative relationship we share with Netflix,” said Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. “We’re always looking for new and engaging ways to share our stories, characters and messages with the next generation of fans, and Netflix has a unique ability to create original and delightful adaptations of our timeless classics by putting the spotlight on emphasis on imagination, fun and education. .”

Netflix’s new slate is in line with Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ goal of keeping the spirit and philosophy of Seuss’s works alive through new interpretations. “One Fish, Two Fish” revolves around the friendship of two very different fish. One of the goals of the series will be to introduce “oppositional language” in the same spirit that the book helps introduce young minds to the concept of opposites and classifications. The series will consist of seven-minute episodes and two-minute music videos, according to Netflix.

“Wacky Wednesday” revolves around a wacky 10-year-old expert who helps solve the strange problems that arise every Wednesday in an otherwise placid town. The series will consist of 11-minute episodes.

“Horton,” also slated for 11-minute episodes, will follow the mild-mannered young pachyderm as he explores the jungle with friends and learns to stand up for what is right.

“The Sneetches” will be a 45-minute special featuring star- and moon-bellied creatures who form a friendship and realize their differences should be celebrated and not a source of conflict. “Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose,” based on a 1948 Dr. Seuss title, who helps a grumpy moose leader find his way to happiness, is also available as a special 45-inch cartoon minutes.

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