Animated ‘Last Kids on Earth — Book Three’ Due on DVD April 18 From Distribution Solutions and NCircle

NCircle Entertainment will release Atomic Cartoons’ The Last Kids on Earth — Book Three, featuring 10 episodes of the tween series, on DVD April 18 from Distribution Solutions.

In the series, life after the zombie apocalypse is pretty good for 13-year-old Jack Sullivan. He lives in a cool tree fort with his best friends, speeds through town playing real-life Mario Kart, has a crew of monster buddies, battles zombies regularly, and generally treats life like a video game. But then Jack’s friends make a startling discovery — they may not be the last kids on earth after all. This is great news for everyone — except Jack, who fears he’ll lose his friends and his fabulous life. It’s also hard convincing his friends everything’s great when they are being hunted by a monstrous Nightmare King and an ancient evil that won’t rest until the earth has been devoured.

The series features the voices of Nick Wolfhard (“Smiling Friends,” “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic”), Montse Hernandez (“Jane the Virgin,” “Elena of Avalor”), Garland Whitt (Training DaySave the Last Dance), as well as a celebrity cast members including Mark Hamill, Rosario Dawson, Bruce Campbell and Catherine O’Hara. 

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Based on the No. 1 New York Times best-selling children’s book series, the animated series won the 2020 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program. 

Season Two of ‘Rugrats’ Debuting April 14 on Paramount+

Paramount+ has released the official trailer and key art for season two of the original animated series “Rugrats” reboot, which debuts with the first 13 episodes of the season April 14, exclusively on the service in the United States and Canada.

(Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon/Paramount+)

The series will also be available to stream on Paramount+ in the United Kingdom, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, South Korea, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria at a later date.

The series reboot follows the iconic babies — Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Susie, Phil and Lil — as they explore the world and beyond. In the second season of “Rugrats,”the babies are back and ready to take on the world with their pint-sized perspectives. New episodes follow Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Susie, Phil and Lil as they cross the frozen tundra, discover the treasures of ancient babies and go on the greatest adventure of all: meeting Tommy’s new brother.

Returning to the playpen is Tommy’s little brother Dil, voiced by Tara Strong (“Teen Titans Go!”) who is reprising her role in this new series. Also joining the series this season are guest stars Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”) as Miss Mellie, the friendly and silly tour guide at re-created Old West town Tot Springs; Wendie Malick (“The Owl House”) as Judith, Charlotte’s glamorous yet often condescending mother; Sarah Niles (“Ted Lasso”) as Nanny Pip, a proficient and encouraging robotic nanny who watches Angelica; and Alia Shawkat (“Severance”) as Trish, Betty’s new girlfriend who is eager to make friends with everyone.

The series stars E.G. Daily (Tommy Pickles), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie Finster), Cheryl Chase (Angelica Pickles), Cree Summer (Susie Carmichael) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil DeVille), all of whom are reprising their roles in this new series.

The original voice cast is joined by new voices, including Ashley Rae Spillers and Tommy Dewey (Tommy’s parents, Didi and Stu Pickles); Tony Hale (Chuckie’s father, Chas Finster); Natalie Morales (Phil and Lil’s mother, Betty DeVille); Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons (Angelica’s parents, Charlotte and Drew Pickles); Nicole Byer and Omar Miller (Susie’s parents, Lucy and Randy Carmichael); Michael McKean (Grandpa Lou Pickles); Charlet Chung (Kimi); and Grey Delisle (Begley). Also returning as guest stars in season two are Henry Winkler (Boris); Swoosie Kurtz (Minka); Telma Hopkins (Celeste); Raini Rodriguez (Gabi); Keith Carradine (Bob Brine); and Richard Ayoade (Duffy).

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Produced by Nickelodeon Animation, the new “Rugrats” is based on the series created by Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo and Paul Germain. The original “Rugrats” series launched Aug. 11, 1991, and was in production for nine seasons over the course of 13 years. It earned four Daytime Emmy Awards, six Kids’ Choice Awards and its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

Episodes of ‘Nature Cat’ Among Content Added to PBS Kids Prime Video Channel in March

New episodes of “Odd Squad,”  “Let’s Go Luna!,” “Molly of Denali,” “Nature Cat” and “Cyberchase” are streaming on the PBS Kids Prime Video Channel in March.

The subscription rate for the channel is $4.99 a month with an Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription.

Four episodes in volume 14 of “Cyberchase” began streaming March 3. Among the episode adventures, the Northern Frontier ducks are off on their annual migration, and the CyberSquad join the flock. Next, a mysterious creature is trampling through Crestwood Park, leaving visitors too scared to enter. The CyberSquad investigate, and along the way, experience the wonders of nature, learning why it’s important to leave nature as you find it. Then, something is heating up the ocean waters of Coralina, harming its lush coral reef. With the help of an action hero crab, will the CyberSquad solve this underwater mystery before it’s too late? And Jackie wins the chance of a lifetime to apprentice with the incomparable fashion designer Fabio DeZine. Jackie quickly learns it takes more than just a pretty drawing to design something with real, sustaining impact.

Four episodes in volume 13 of “Let’s Go Luna!” start streaming March 10. During the adventures, in Switzerland, Carmen breaks her favorite clock and must recall what she has learned about how clocks and watches work. And Leo loves “Swiss Cheese,” but becomes obsessed with finding out who or what is making the holes. Next, in Paris, Andy gets inspired by French movie-magic innovator George Méliès. And when Honey rides off in a helium balloon over Paris, worried Carmen and pals give chase. Then in Dubrovnik, Croatia, Andy is convinced his dad is a caveman, and Carmen is assigned the “joyful” task of cheering up her grumpy grandpa. Also in Dubrovnik, Leo, the kids and Luna use a Tesla Coil to power Fabuloso’s broken reading-light hat and a perfect storm of misunderstanding and mistaken identity lead to Andy being accidentally recruited into a folkdance troupe.

Five episodes in volume 14 of “Nature Cat” arrive on the channel March 24. In the episodes, when Nature Cat comes across petrified wood, the gang is curious as to how it formed. And the pals want to build a new clubhouse but buying new stuff hurts nature. Can the gang find a different way? Next, Squeeks doesn’t want to step down as Moss Queen. Can her old buddies create their own Moss Kingdom to get her back? And when leaf-moving machines threaten to ruin everyday life, the crew fights back. Can the small gang make a big change? Then, Nature Cat is squeamish around creepy-crawlies, but the Agents need to get to know a daddy longlegs to complete their mission. And a moon-munching monster is munching the moon. Next, the pals want their favorite sunflower to stick around a little longer, but the growing season is over. And when the gang gets lost during a treasure hunt, Nature Cat says to follow mossy trees home. But will his camping trick do the trick? Plus, it’s way too hot to complete Nature Cat’s Warrior Challenge. Can the gang find a way to cool off? And Nature Cat’s friend Screechy the screech owl is an expert at hide-and-go-screech. Can Nature Cat finally win a game with his friends’ help?

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Three episodes in volume 14 of “Molly of Denali” begin streaming March 24. In “The Qyah Ice Classic/The Great Qyah Clean Up,” spring is coming and soon the river ice will break, but when? All of Qyah is making their guesses, and the one that comes closest earns a special prize. Then, spring has sprung, and the whole village pitches in to clean up Qyah. Molly and Tooey discover a mystery piece of trash that turns out to be treasure. Next, in “Puppy Sitting/Big Dreams and Blue Skies,” while Tooey and his family are away in Japan, Trini offers to puppy-sit his newest sled dog. Then, Molly is thrilled to learn about Ellen Paneok, who inspired her mom to become a pilot. Meanwhile, in “Sticker Shock/A Song for Lola,” Tooey’s brothers won’t stop using Tooey’s stuff. To keep track of who owns what, Tooey labels everything he can. And Vera’s Lola Miranda is coming back to Qyah on a visit from the Philippines, and Vera wants to surprise her with a special song.

Finally, five episodes in volume 19 of “Odd Squad” begin streaming March 31. First, three villains team up with Bonnie Blaster and her high-powered, oddness-causing gadget. Next, Jamie Jam and Marty Marmalade join forces  to trade tips to throw off the Agents and avoid getting Scaught. Then, globetrotting villain Stu Venir is turning monuments into keychains. The Agents must uncover a pattern to predict where he will strike next. And it’s Oswald’s birthday. After running into a Party Crasher creature, there are suddenly four of him who seem identical. The Mobile Unit is called upon when a lost Baby Laser Chicken is found in the Austrian countryside, and when struck with oddness, the Odd Squad Timekeeper that keeps time for all the clocks around the world suddenly stops working. Also in this volume: Orla thought she was the only ancient Agent left, but when a distress call comes through, it’s clear that she was wrong. Ancient Agent Olando heads into the field with the Mobile Unit, and in a two-part special, the Odd Squad Mobile Unit must stop a group of villains who want to break into Headquarters to steal an artifact. Little do the Agents know, their greatest challenge will come from someone inside.

Animated ‘Animal Crackers’ Headed Available Digitally April 18

The animated magical adventure Animal Crackers arrives via digital sellthrough and on demand April 18 from Lionsgate.

The film features the voices of John Krasinski (TV’s “The Office,” A Quiet Place), Emily Blunt (A Quiet Place), Danny DeVito (Batman Returns), Ian McKellen (“The Lord of the Rings” franchise), Sylvester Stallone (“Rocky” franchise) and Raven-Symoné.
 
In the film, when Owen (Krasinski) and his family inherit his uncle Bob’s rundown circus, it seems more like a curse than a gift. But it becomes an entryway to magical adventure when Owen is presented with a mysterious box of animal crackers — with the power to transform the bearer into any animal in the box. It looks like the circus will be a success, until Bob’s villainous brother (voice of Sir Ian McKellen) learns about the box and will stop at nothing to get it.

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Apple Original ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ Wins BAFTA Award

Apple Original Films’ Academy Award nominee The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse won the BAFTA Award for Best British Short Animation.

The winners of the 2023 EE British Academy Film Awards were announced at a ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall on Feb. 19.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, based on the book by Charlie Mackesy, follows the unlikely friendship of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse traveling together in the boy’s search for home. The film, featuring Mackesy’s distinctive illustrations brought to life in full color with hand-drawn animation, stars BAFTA Award winner Tom Hollander as The Mole, SAG Award winner Idris Elba as The Fox, Golden Globe Award winner Gabriel Byrne as The Horse, and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll as The Boy.

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The film was also recently honored with an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film, seven Annie Award nominations and an NAACP Image Awards nod for Outstanding Short Form (Animated) film.

Special Section on PBS Kids Prime Video Channel for Women’s History Month

For Women’s History Month, a special section on the PBS Kids Prime Video Channel will feature episodes that highlight confident, courageous and unique characters in PBS Kids programs. Featured characters include Rosie Fuentes from the new series “Rosie’s Rules,” Alma Rivera from “Alma’s Way,” Elinor from “Elinor Wonders Why” and Molly Mabray from “Molly of Denali.”

In addition, the collection will also include episodes from “Arthur,” “Donkey Hodie,” “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum” and “Pinkalicious & Peterrific.”

The channel offers more than 40 educational and entertaining shows and shorts for kids ages 2-8. The subscription rate is $4.99 per month with an Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription.

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Content includes  “Alma’s Way Vol. 1,” “Arthur: D.W. and the Beastly Birthday,” “Donkey Hodie Vol. 1,” “Elinor Wonders Why Vol. 1,” “Elinor Wonders Why: A Wonderful Journey,” “Hero Elementary Vol. 3,” “Molly of Denali Vol. 4,” “Molly of Denali: Molly and the Great One,” “Odd Squad Vol. 15,” “Odd Squad: World Turned Odd,” “Pinkalicious & Peterrific: A Pinkaperfect Birthday,” “Pinkalicious & Peterrific: Cupid Calls It Quits,” “Rosie’s Rules Vol. 1,” “SciGirls Vol. 3,” “Super Why Vol. 2,” “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: I Am Madam President” and “Word Girl: The Rise of Ms. Power.”

Season Two of Animated Series ‘Primal’ Due on Blu-ray and DVD April 25

Season two of Adult Swim’s prehistoric animated series “Primal,” including all 10 episodes, arrives on Blu-ray and DVD April 25 from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.

The series from Genndy Tartakovsky and Cartoon Network Studios has won a total of five Emmy Awards including “Outstanding Animated Program.”

“Primal” follows the tale of a caveman at the dawn of evolution as he forms an unlikely friendship with an almost extinct dinosaur. In season two, Spear and Fang journey to a new world to rescue Mira from her captors only to find it is a place filled with savage brutality.

The series is also now available to purchase digitally.

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Special features on disc include the featurette “Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal: Inside the Evolution,” about the evolution of the Emmy award-winning show with Tartakovsky and his team, who share their inspiration behind the second season and how a four-legged friend inspired one of the most beloved characters.

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ Headed to Digital Feb. 21, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD Feb. 28

DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” universe adventure Puss in Boots: The Last Wish will be available in a collector’s edition on regular digital Feb. 21 (it was at a premium digital price) and on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD Feb. 28 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Nominated for Best Animated Film by both the Academy Awards and the BAFTA Film Awards, the film follows the leche-loving, swashbuckling, fear-defying feline Puss in Boots (voice of Antonio Banderas) as the daring outlaw discovers that his passion for adventure and heroic missions have taken their toll. Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives, though he lost count along the way. Getting those lives back will send Puss in Boots into the Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star. With only one life left, Puss is forced to humble himself and ask for help from his former partner and nemesis: Kitty Softpaws. They are joined on their journey by a chatty and cheerful mutt named Perrito. Together, the trio of heroes needs to stay one step ahead of the fairy tale realm’s craftiest crooks including Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
 
In addition to Banderas, the film features the voices of Salma Hayek Pinault, Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows”), Florence Pugh (Black Widow), Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone (Black Widow), Samson Kayo (Sliced), John Mulaney (“Big Mouth”), Wagner Moura (“Narcos”), Tony nominee Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Trolls World Tour) and Emmy nominee Anthony Mendez (“Jane the Virgin”). 

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The release features more than an hour of bonus content including a new exclusive animated short “The Trident,” deleted scenes, a lyric video, and a cast of characters.

Genius Brands Inks Deal With Buzzfeed for Longform Series

Genius Brands International, through its Frederator Network subsidiary (a division of WOW! Unlimited Media), has announced an exclusive content deal with digital media company BuzzFeed.

The deal provides Genius Brands’ Frederator Network the exclusive opportunity and first right to develop and produce longform series based on original digital properties created by the BuzzFeed Animation Lab. 

“Weird Helga”

The first short-form content  for series development by Frederator will be “The Land of Boggs,” a zany buddy comedy that currently boasts more than 10 million followers. Other content under consideration for long-form development includes “The Good Advice Cupcake,” an aggressively optimistic pastry touting more than 6 million followers; the lowbrow sister comedy “Weird Helga,” with more than 9 million followers; and the gender inclusive series “Chikn Nuggit,” with more than 7 million followers.

Frederator Studios will serve as the global content sales agent, headed by director of development Isabel Schultz, and Genius Brands’ consumer products’ division will develop the retail program for the slate of IP, spearheaded by chief brand officer Kerry Phelan, and in close partnership with BuzzFeed.

“Our partnership with BuzzFeed offers Frederator a tremendous opportunity to expand on the creativity of their animation lab to further develop their original IP into long-form series for global audiences,” Michael Hirsh, CEO of WOW! Unlimited Media, parent company of Frederator Network, said in a statement. “BuzzFeed is considered the most-watched digital publisher with billions of global content views and nearly 30 million dedicated BuzzFeed Animation Lab fans, which gives us a huge audience and ability to promote each series to a highly-engaged fan base.” 

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“The BuzzFeed Animation Lab has seen huge success and explosive growth for our animated properties, and we are thrilled to partner with Frederator Studios for development,” Zee Myers, head of BuzzFeed Animation Lab, said in a statement. “They have an unparalleled track record in the industry and are the perfect shepherds to take our animated properties into a new format and expand our audience.”

Genius Brands Launches Its First AI-Generated Children’s Series ‘Kidaverse Fast Facts’

Genius Brands International has announced the launch of its first AI-generated children’s series “Kidaverse Fast Facts,” utilizing OpenAI’s ChatGPT, among other AI technologies.

The series will include new and exclusive shorts and will first premiere in March across Genius Networks’ YouTube and social channels, and then broaden its footprint under both Kartoon Channel! and Ameba across multiple AVOD, SVOD and FAST platforms including Amazon Prime Video Channels, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Apple iOS, Android TV, Android Mobile, Pluto, Roku, Samsung, LG and Vizio Smart TVs.

“Kidaverse Fast Facts,” for children 4-11, utilizes AI for scripts, images, voices and animation. The series will include new and exclusive shorts hosted by History Henry, Science Sally and Sporty Steve, and each video will educate children, featuring lessons and facts about science, history, music, literature and more.   

“We’re excited to bring this innovative series to market and, by using ChatGPT, the series is able to quickly and effectively adapt and deliver our content and concepts in a kid-friendly, snackable format,” Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of Genius Brands, said in a statement. “The future of children’s entertainment is here, and we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of this revolution.”

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“AI is a game changer for us, providing significant cost efficiencies and speed to market, allowing us to expand our content initiatives and fuel our programming pipeline in a way that couldn’t have been possible before,” Todd Steinman, president of Genius Networks, said in a statement. “These AI tools and the content they create will certainly have a huge impact in children’s entertainment and beyond. With its innovative use of AI, we are confident that ‘Kidaverse Fast Facts’ will be a hit with kids and parents around the world.”