NBCUniversal and DreamWorks Animation is launching a brand-new kids TV channel, Universal Kids.
Universal Kids will be aimed at 2 to 11 year olds with content from DreamWorks Animation Television, including series, unscripted entertainment, live action shows and international programming.
Universal Kids will launch on 9 September in America with shows like DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk based on the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, All Hail King Julien based on the Madagascar franchise, and Nowhere Boys, a fantasy-adventure that follows four teenagers who get lost in the woods only to discover upon their return that they're stuck in a world in which they've never existed.
Other shows on Universal Kids will include comedy series Little Lunch about what happens during lunch where kids discuss big issues, the tween drama The Next Step that follows a group of dancers, and Hank Zipzer about the misadventures of a 12-year old dyslexic schoolboy based on Henry Winkler's novels based on his own childhood experiences.
"We see enormous potential to grow our audience in this space and create the Universal Kids platform for families to experience together,” said Frances Berwick, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Lifestyle Networks president, in a statement.
"NBCUniversal is invested in the kids and family business, and the company believes in working together – we will benefit from promotion across our portfolio of networks and across the company through support that is unparalleled in the industry."
"We will reflect all that is universal about being a kid through connection, storytelling and entertainment - a place that reflects their life and passions," says Deirdre Brennan, Universal Kids general manager, who was appointed in January.
