A legendary figure in the world of preschool entertainment is back.
WildBrain is teaming up with NBCUniversal‘s Peacock to relaunch Caillou for a new generation.
A new, CG-animated series is being produced with 52 new 11-minute episodes on order. Additionally, Peacock will be the home for five 44-minute animated specials built around Christmas, Halloween, Celebration of Family, Summer Vacation, and Bullying.
“We’re delighted to join with Peacock to expand the Caillou universe,” says WildBrain President Josh Scherba. “This is yet another example of how we’re reinvigorating treasured brands from our evergreen library. For more than 25 years, preschoolers have connected with Caillou because they can see themselves in these highly relatable stories. Caillou is a kid just like them, facing everyday problems and learning about the world around him. With a new look and stories where Caillou explores the world through wonderful flights of imagination, Caillou is better than ever. We’re confident that today’s kids — and their families — are going to love it.”
Caillou first launched in publishing in 1989 and became an animated series in 1997. WildBrain says that the stories of “an imaginative and curious four-year-old boy, who — like most preschoolers — is learning and growing a little more each day and doesn’t usually get things right on the first try, despite his best efforts” remain among its most popular content.
The Canadian series ran for years on PBS Kids, Sprout, and Universal Kids in the U.S. and can currently be seen on YouTube, WildBrain Spark, and more.
It was also a staple in the toy department with a robust international licensing program. No word yet on when Caillou toys will be back in fashion.