Sesame Workshop and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana have announced Esme & Roy — the first new animated series from the makers of Sesame Street in more than a decade — will debut Saturday, August 18 on HBO in the US and on Treehouse in Canada. Aimed at kids ages 4-6, the show creatively teaches “learning through play” and mindfulness strategy as it follows the adventures of a young girl named Esme and her best monster friend, Roy: the best monster babysitters in Monsterdale!
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with some of the most talented and creative forces in the industry on this new series,” said Steve Youngwood, President of Media and Education and Chief Operating Officer, Sesame Workshop. “Packed with humor, heart, and valuable lessons, Esme & Roy represents the kind of quality programming that families have trusted Sesame Workshop to deliver for nearly fifty years, tailor-made for a new generation of kids and parents.”
Esme & Roy’s loveable characters draw children into a colorful world full of humor and imagination, where even the littlest monsters can overcome big challenges together. Across 26 episodes, Esme and Roy will use the power of play to help younger monsters through familiar situations like trying new foods and feeling scared during loud thunderstorms. The voice cast includes Millie Davis (Wonder, Odd Squad) and Patrick McKenna (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs series, Hotel Transylvania: The Series).
Created by TV veterans Dustin Ferrer and Amy Steinberg (Peg + Cat, Team Umizoomi, Wonder Pets!, Shimmer and Shine), Esme & Roy is produced by Sesame Workshop in partnership with Corus Ent.’s animation studio Nelvana, with illustrations inspired by renowned artist Dankerleroux.
“From its early beginnings, the Nelvana team knew Esme & Roy was destined to be a very special commission. Working with our incredible partners at Sesame Workshop, our world-class animation studio and its talented team of animators brought this truly imaginative series to life with beautiful artistry that perfectly complements the spirit of the series,” said Scott Dyer, President, Nelvana. “Children and parents alike will enjoy learning and playing as they watch Esme & Roy together and we couldn’t be more delighted to showcase this brilliant series to audiences.”
The series underscores the importance of play to early childhood development. Whether they’re pretending to be veterinarians to model how to hold a pet gently, or sticking to a shopping list by turning a trip to the grocery store into a matching game, the monster-sitters help their little friends (and viewers) learn a range of lessons while they have fun in a safe environment. Children are most ready for this kind of engaged, productive playtime when they can manage challenging feelings like worry and frustration. Esme & Roy offers easy-to-adopt strategies that can help even very young children regulate their emotions, such as taking slow belly breaths to take a reflective pause, positive self-talk, and other tactics.
“We can’t wait to share the vibrant and textured world of Esme & Roy with kids,” said Kay Wilson Stallings, SVP Creative Development, Sesame Workshop. “By incorporating the latest thinking about mindfulness and learning through play into the fabric of this show, we hope to reinvigorate playtime and give today’s kids the tools they need to manage their emotions in a positive way.”
