Netflix is expanding its preschool programming with five new animated series and specials inspired by beloved Dr. Seuss books, including One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish; The Sneetches; Horton Hears A Who!; Wacky Wednesday and Thidwick The Big-Hearted Moose.
The deal expands the partnership between Netflix and Dr. Seuss Enterprises following the launch of the critically acclaimed animated series Green Eggs and Ham in 2019, which premieres its second season April 8.
Dustin Ferrer (Esme & Roy, Shimmer & Shine) will serve as showrunner across all five, and additional showrunners will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The line-up will serve as an anchor for Netflix’s expanded focus on preschool. “Introducing concepts of foundational learning, this new slate of programming will explore themes of diversity and respect for others all told through fun and engaging stories that incorporate the whimsical humor, distinctive visuals and rhythmic style of Dr. Seuss,” Netflix said in its release.
“Netflix is a trusted home for characters kids love, and generations of kids love the characters imagined by Dr. Seuss. These beloved stories have been a core part of families’ libraries for many years and it gives me great pride that we are bringing them to our catalog of Netflix shows, in a fresh and modern way that resonates with audiences today,” said Heather Tilert, Director of Preschool Content, Netflix.
Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, added, “Dr. Seuss Enterprises is proud of the collaborative relationship we share with Netflix. We are 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, delightful adaptations of our timeless classics with an emphasis on imagination, fun, and education. Our partnership has been very prosperous thus far with our award-winning animated series Green Eggs and Ham. We hope to continue that success with our upcoming projects.”
Here are details on the greenlit projects:
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Logline: This series follows the adventures of two loveable fish who are different in every way. Red and Blue consistently find themselves in comedic situations that allow them to introduce oppositional vocabulary to our preschool viewers.
Format:
Series, 7-min eps and 2-min music videos
Animation: 2D
The Sneetches
Logline: As long as there have been Sneetches on beaches, the Star-Bellies and Moon-Bellies have lived separate lives. But when two young Sneetches form an unlikely friendship, they teach their communities that differences don’t need to be avoided, they can be celebrated.
Format: 45-min special
Animation: 3D
Wacky Wednesday
Logline: In an otherwise perfectly normal town, whenever Wednesday rolls around things suddenly get wacky! Luckily, this town has a ten-year-old Wacky Expert who knows that humor inspires creativity and never fails to solve every wacky problem with an equally wacky solution.
Format: Series, 11-min eps
Animation: Mixed Media
Horton Hears a Who!
Logline: This series follows a young Horton as he explores the Jungle of Nool with his two best friends: going on daring adventures, helping their community, and learning how to stand up for what’s fair.
Format: Series, 11-min eps
Animation: 3D
Thidwick The Big-Hearted Moose
Logline:
When a grumpy moose leader decides that he wants to
be the happiest moose in the pack, he calls upon sweet Thidwick to help him. As this unlikely duo embarks on a comical adventure, Thidwick discovers that the key to happiness is being kind to others.
Format: 45-min special
Animation: 3D