Disney has begun production on a revamped “Muppet Babies” TV series, slated to debut in early 2018.
A co-production between Disney Junior, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media’s Content & Media Group, and The Muppets Studio, the CG-animated series will follow the playroom antics of Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal and Miss Nanny.
“We are proud, and a little bit giddy, to begin production on our new version of the much-loved ‘Muppet Babies,’” said Nancy Kanter, executive vice president of original programming and general manager of Disney Junior worldwide. “Parents will be delighted in seeing their favorite Muppets in the mixed animation style they remember from the original series, and kids will be introduced to this warm and zany world made just right for the Disney Junior audience.”
Each episode, geared towards children aged 4 to 7, will feature two 11-minute stories following the Babies on their adventures, from building a time machine to traveling to outer space.
Tom Warburton will serve as executive producer, while Emmy Award-winner Eric Shaw (“SpongeBob SquarePants”) is the story editor.
Created by the late Jim Henson, the Muppets were acquired by the Walt Disney Company in 2004. Since then, they have starred in TV specials and movies, most recently ABC’s primetime series “The Muppets.”
“Bringing ‘Muppet Babies’ to Disney Junior is a wonderful opportunity to reach a new generation of viewers and to creatively build on the innovative original series, “said Debbie McClellan, vice president of The Muppets Studio. “We hope to engage and delight the nostalgic fans while also entertaining new kids, parents and diverse audiences through heart and humor as only the Muppets can deliver.”