Nickelodeon is developing an animated series inspired by the viral children’s song “Baby Shark,” TheWrap has learned.
Nickelodeon has partnered with Pinkfong, the South Korean entertainment company whose YouTube video helped first kickstart the song’s recent popularity, to develop a new original preschool animated series based on the internet sensation.
Pinkfong’s recording of the classic camp tune exploded in popularity late last year, racking up more than 2.8 million views since its upload in 2016. The song’s viral success helped to propel it up the Billboard Hot 100 and inspire new versions from the likes of James Corden and Ellen DeGeneres.
In addition to the animated “Baby Shark” series, Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products will manage worldwide licensing — excluding Asia — for consumer products based on the tune and the series.
This is not the first time Nickelodeon has drawn from the online space for content to serve its audience. It previously tapped the 7-year-old YouTube star of Ryan ToysReview to lead the preschool show “Ryan’s Mystery Playdate,” which was renewed for a second season earlier this year.
Other upcoming projects at the network include an updated “Blue’s Clues,” a “SpongeBob SquarePants” prequel series, and original shows based on the “LEGO City,” “Paddington” and “Star Trek” franchises.