WarnerMedia Kids & Family announced plans today to launch Cartoonito on Cartoon Network and HBO Max this Fall. They describe it as a “new preschool programming block built to support each child’s unique potential.”
20 new shows will be available initially. Titles already greenlighted are Bugs Bunny Builders, Mush-Mush & the Mushables and Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go. Additionally, WarnerMedia plans to grow this block to nearly 50 new shows in the first two years. The company’s legacy libraries and glocal acquisitions will also be incorporated.
“Cartoonito is our biggest commitment to preschool programming in 100 years. Our educational philosophy coupled with the incredible caliber of innovative, educational content that will comprise this offering is second to none. Reimagining some of our legendary franchises with preschool-appropriate spinoffs like Batwheels, Bugs Bunny Builders and Tom and Jerry Junior will keep new generations laughing and learning for years to come.”
Tom Ascheim, President of Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics
Speaking of Batwheels, that action-adventure show is a comedy from Warner Bros. Animation about the “most heroic and iconic vehicles from the DC universe.”
Humancentric Learning
This block is based on Humancentric Learning. That is a proprietary preschool educational framework.
“Cartoonito aims to support every child’s humanness by celebrating their unique selves and encouraging them to interact with others with empathy, respect, and fairness. This modern educational framework is inspired by Positive Psychology and 21st Century Learning, championing curiosity and independence and intertwines learning with play. In partnership with Educational Psychologist Dr. Laura Brown, Humancentric Learning was developed around the principles of identifying and developing one’s strengths, as well as feeling empathy for others so that every child can be the best version of themselves. Building on the learning’s four pillar strengths: Curiosity, Courage, Humanity and Creativity, Cartoonito’s diverse storytelling aims to be authentic, relevant and relatable.”
This aligns perfectly with Cartoon Network’s new tagline, Redraw Your World.
Line-up So Far
Bea’s Block – Debuting on HBO Max, Sesame Workshop’s newest animated preschool comedy series draws on the ubiquity of block toys to bring the vibrant, diverse neighborhood of Blocktown to life.
Bugs Bunny Builders (working title) – Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and built on the solid comedic foundation of the iconic Looney Tunes, Bugs Bunny Builders brings the wackiness, humor and slapstick we’ve grown to love to a new preschool audience.
Jessica’s Big Little World (working title) – From Cartoon Network Studios, this spinoff of the Emmy-, GLAAD- and NAACP Image Award-nominated Cartoon Network original Craig of the Creek follows Craig’s bright, independent, spirited little sister, Jessica as the Creek’s favorite first-grader embarks on adventures of her own.
Tom and Jerry Junior (working title) – Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Tom and Jerry Junior is a series of animated musical shorts introducing the beloved cat and mouse duo to preschoolers with an educational twist.
Ladybird Lu – Produced by 9 Story’s award-winning studio Brown Bag Films, Ladybird Lu explores everyday dramas in the world of a three-year-old with a brand-new social life.
Mush-Mush & the Mushables – Produced by France’s La Cabane and Belgium’s Thuristar in coproduction with CAKE, the series follows the endearing Mushable community as they embark on a journey to put the fun back into fun-gi!
Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go – From Mattel Television, Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go invites preschoolers all aboard and follows the world’s Number One Tank Engine and his friends on their silliest and most musical adventures yet.
Also- Mecha Builders, Batweels, Little Ellen and Lucas the Spider.
