Disney Channel has ordered Kiff, a nutty animated buddy-comedy series from South African creators and executive producers Lucy Heavens (Space Chickens in Space) and Nic Smal (Caillou), debuting in 2023. Emmy Award-winner Kent Osborne (SpongeBob SquarePants, Phineas and Ferb) is co-producer and story editor.
The news and concept art for the new series was revealed today at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which celebrates African animation this year.
The series follows Kiff, an optimistic squirrel whose best intentions often lead to complete chaos, and her best friend Barry, a sweet and mellow bunny. Set in the bustling mountains, where animals and magical creatures live together in harmony, the series features the duo, who take the town by storm with their endless adventures and zest for life. Each half-hour episode, comprising two 11-minute stories, will include a new original song.
Heavens and Smal said, “‘Kiff,’ a slang word for ‘cool’ in South Africa, was inspired by the people and places we experienced when we were growing up in Cape Town, with many of the characters reflecting the personalities of our own family and friends. It’s really ‘kiff’ that we can now share a bit of our world with kids and families everywhere.”
Meredith Roberts, SVP/General Manager, Television Animation, Disney Channels, said, “Lucy and Nic are a brilliant creative team who produced a fresh and funny series with vibrant visuals that help bring the friendship between a squirrel and a bunny to life in a unique way. We can’t wait to introduce viewers to Kiff, Barry and their whole wonderfully wacky world.”
Titmouse (Arlo the Alligator Boy, MaoMao: Heroes of Pure Heart) is producing the series in association with Disney Channel.
