Emmy-winning multi-platform media company World of Wonder (RuPaul’s Drag Race) has licensed the cult-classic Gerry Anderson marionette series, Thunderbirds, marking a pivotal expansion of WOWPP’s licensed content library. All 32 episodes of the 1965 series will drop on WOW Presents Plus in the U.S. and Canada on Christmas Eve (December 24).
Thunderbirds originally debuted on the ITV network in 1965. The series gained notoriety for its pioneering artform called “supermarionation” (a mashup of “super,” “marionette,” and “animation”). The process relied on specially constructed marionettes with manually manipulated bodies and electrically controlled mouths. The series follows the Tracy family in the year 2026 as they run ‘International Rescue’ — a top-secret organization whose ongoing mission is to rescue people trapped in extraordinarily dangerous situations using their advanced Thunderbirds machines.
“Part of our mission with WOW Presents Plus is to bring viewers classics that deserve another look,” said World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. “The artistry and humor of Thunderbirds is as fresh as the day it was made. Barbie is not the only doll who loves pink. Growing up, Thunderbirds was appointment viewing, especially with Lady Penelope swishing around in her pink Rolls Royce with the license plate FAB 1. Thunderbirds is must-see TV!”
Thunderbirds will join the WOW Presents Plus content library of more than 1,500 hours of diverse programing, including the entire international Drag Race franchise, WOW Presents Plus’ original series, World of Wonder’s award-winning documentary films, and more.
