Netflix greenlights preschool series from DHX Media, Atomic Cartoons

The streamer's slate includes CG-animated series like Hello Ninja and DreamWorks Go, Dog. Go!, plus more.

Netflix is turning its attention to audiences ages two to six with a raft of new Netflix Original preschool titles, greenlighting projects from the likes of DHX Media and Atomic Cartoons.

Kicking things off, DreamWorks Animation is producing DreamWorks Go, Dog. Go! with DHX Media, which is set to premiere in 2020. The CG-animated series is based on the children’s book of the same name by P.D. Eastman and published by Random House Children’s Books. Executive produced by Adam Peltzman (Odd Squad), who is also serving as showrunner, the series follows a young pup and her adventures in Pawtson.

In addition, Netflix has also ordered CG-animated comedy adventure DreamWorks Dragons Rescue Riders (pictured). Part of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, the entirely new chapter focuses on twins Dak and Leyla who were raised by dragons and can communicate with them. Jack Thomas (Dragons: Race to the Edge) serves as an exec producer alongside Brian Roberts (VeggieTales in the House), who is co-exec producer. TJ Sullivan (Barnyard) is attached to direct. The show is set to premiere sometime this year.

Meanwhile, DHX isn’t the only Canadian prodco on the slate: Thunderbird Entertainment’s Vancouver-headquartered studio Atomic Cartoons is bringing Hello Ninja to the platform. Premiering in 2019, the CG-animated series is based on the picture book of the same name by N.D. Wilson, who is on board as the exec producer. In the story, when a young boy bows and says special words to his reflection in a mirror, his surroundings transform into a ninja world. Mark Palmer (Kim Possible) is the showrunner, Susan Kim (Wonder Pets) is the story editor and Michael Dowding (Slugterra) is attached to direct.

The rest of the slate will premiere in 2020 and includes CG-animated StarBeam, produced by Kick Start Entertainment; CG-animated What-To-Doodles, produced by 7ate9 Entertainment; non-fiction series Izzy Bee’s Koala World from The Dodo and Nomadica Films; and live-action series Emily’s Wonder Lab created and produced by Bunim/Murray Productions.

In StarBeam, a young protagonist prepares to tackle the second grade with her special powers. Jason Netter, Loris Kramer Lunsford and Heather Puttock are the exec producers, while Noelle Wright (Doc McStuffins) is the head writer.

What-To-Doodles, meanwhile, is created by Art Spigel and Hannah Kole, with Doug Wood (Molly of Denali) as story editor. It tracks a team of young creators who teach viewers what to do in everyday social interactions.

Izzy Bee’s Koala World is The Dodo’s first kids show for a streamer, after just launching its first kids series on YouTube. It follows 11-year-old Izzy (known as the “koala whisperer”) who lives on Australia’s Magnetic Island and rescues little animals. Jared McGilliard, Izzie Lerer (founder and CCO of The Dodo), Suzanne Kolb and Elizabeth Keyishian exec produce the series, alongside producers David Glauber and John Collin.

Last, but not least, Emily’s Wonder Lab uses visual demonstrations led by scientist Emily Calandrelli to teach kids about STEM. Calandrelli serves as both the host and exec producer, alongside Gil Goldschein, Marian Peppin and Trish Gold.

Netflix’s current preschool slate features Ask The StoryBots, Chip and Potato, Mighty Little Bheem, Motown Magic, Super Monsters,  True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Word Party and YooHoo to the Rescue. 

This story originally appeared in Kidscreen