The beloved Teddy Ruxpin is coming back for a whole new generation of kids — in remastered, vibrant HD, of course.
The Jim Henson Co.’s recently relaunched distribution label Henson Independent Properties (HIP) has acquired the rights to distribute two new series: Alchemy II’s classic The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin and T&B Media Global’s #Friends. HIP is the Jim Henson Co.’s third-party licensing banner formed — initially in 2009 — to acquire and service global media distribution and consumer products programs for entertainment properties and external brands.
The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin, the series that was part of the $7 billion retail property of the late 1980s and 1990s, complements the new CGI-animated preschool series that is currently in development with Henson and Alchemy II. In the original series, a young Teddy Ruxpin and his best friend, Grubby, follow an ancient map that leads them to a collection of crystals on the mainland of Grundo. With the help of their new friend Dr. Newton Gimmick, Teddy and Grubby discover the magical powers of this ancestral treasure and uncover an opposing organization with nefarious ambitions of its own.
The CG-animated series #Friends is a new character-driven comedy about three human kids — the Hash Taggers — on a mission to make friends with alien kids all across the universe and then share their findings via posts to kids on Planet Earth. The series is currently in production at Shellhut Entertainment for delivery in fall 2021.
“As an alternative smaller label managed by an extremely experienced, skilled and well-connected distribution team, HIP is well-positioned to represent a wide range of genres for the global audience,” says Claudia Scott-Hansen, senior vice president for global distribution at the Jim Henson Co. “The beloved Teddy Ruxpin is as relevant as ever to today’s kids, and the new original series #Friends provides a rich and immersive world of fresh characters with messages of unity, acceptance, and friendship.”
