Apple TV+ has announced the addition of two new animated series DreamWorks’ Doug Unplugs and Gaumont Animation’s Stillwater this fall. The streaming service also revealed the October premiere dates for season two of its award-winning shows Ghostwriter and
From DreamWorks Animation and based on Dan Yaccarino’s popular book series, Doug Unplugged follows a young robot named Doug who senses there’s more to life than just the facts. While other robots plug in for their daily download, curious Doug unplugs and journeys into the human world, and with his best friend Emma, experiences its wonders firsthand. The show is executive produced by Jim Nolan, Aliki Theofilopoulos and Dan Yaccarino, and features the voice talents of Brandon James Cienfuegos, Kyrie McAlpin, Eric Bauza, Mae Whitman, Leslie David Baker and Becky Robinson. Premiere Date: Friday, November 13
Based on the Scholastic book series Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth, Stillwater is produced by Gaumont and Scholastic Entertainment and centers on siblings Karl, Addy and Michael. Fortunately for these three kids they have Stillwater, a wise panda, as their next-door neighbor. Through his example, stories and gentle humor, Stillwater gives the children a deeper understanding of their feelings, as well as mindfulness tools that help them face their own day-to-day challenges. The show is executive produced by Sidonie Dumas, Christophe Riandee, Nicolas Atlan, Terry Kalagian, Iole Lucchese, Caitlin Friedman, Jef Kaminsky and Rob Hoegee and features the voice talents of James Sie, Eva Binder, Tucker Chandler and Judah Mackey. Premiere Date: Friday, December 4
Other new original shows and seasons for kids and families premiering globally on Apple TV+ this fall include:
Ghostwriter. After being honored with the Outstanding Children’s or Family Viewing Programming Award at the 47thAnnual Daytime Emmys, and making Apple TV+ the first streaming service to win a Daytime Emmy in its first year of eligibility, Ghostwriter returns after a landmark first season, on Friday, October 9. The series earned a Prix Jeunesse Award, a Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Award, and recognition from Common Sense Media. Academy Award-winning and DGA Award-nominated Luke Matheny returns as the writer and director of the series, with PGA-nominated Andrew Orenstein serving as showrunner. Sesame Workshop’s executive vice president of Creative and Production Kay Wilson Stallings is executive producer. The show is produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment. Season Two premieres Friday, October 9
Helpsters. In Season Two of “Helpsters,” preschoolers continue to explore the power of teamwork as puppets Cody, Scatter, Mr. Primm and Heart join a cadre of new celebrity and musical guests to solve problems. The Helpsters approach any challenge – from party-planning to magic trick mastery, and even mountain-climbing – with a can-do attitude, because everything starts with a plan. Featured guest stars in the new season include Terry Crews, Danny Trejo, Gabby Douglas, Christopher Meloni, Richard Kind, Michael Ian Black, Janeane Garofalo, Michelle Buteau, and Judah Friedlander. Emmy Award winner Tim McKeon (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Destination Imagination, Odd Squad) is the creator and showrunner. He and Sesame Workshop’s executive vice president of Creative and Production Kay Wilson Stallings are executive producers.. Season Two premieres Friday, October 16.
Apple TV+ is currently available on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac, select Samsung and LG smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices, as well as at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. The Apple TV app will be available on Sony and VIZIO smart TVs later this year.
