The final episode of Yo Gabba Gabba! aired on Nick Jr. on Nov. 12, 2015. Nine years later, the show has returned with a fresh look and title — Yo Gabba Gabbaland! — on Apple TV+.
While the franchise’s flagship show has a new name and host, the same creative team behind the original hit has a hand in its revival. Bart Silberman, founder and President of Golden Sombrero, Yo Gabba Gabba’s licensing agency, says the reboot has given the team new energy, especially regarding the licensing program.
“We were just all so ecstatic to get the opportunity; it’s so rare in life to get the chance to do something again; you get kind of a renewed heartbeat,” Silberman says. “Apple TV+ gave us that renewed heartbeat, and it’s awesome to spread this message again.”
The original audience for Yo Gabba Gabba! is now a part of the burgeoning kidult market, but they are also starting to have kids who can be introduced to the brand through Yo Gabba Gabbaland!
Jazwares is launching new action figures, plush, and other toys for the Yo Gabba Gabba! revival. | Source: Jazwares
Jazwares is launching new action figures, plush, and other toys for the Yo Gabba Gabba! revival. | Source: Jazwares
Jazwares is launching new action figures, plush, and other toys for the Yo Gabba Gabba! revival. | Source: Jazwares
“It’s this parallel path of working on the young adult collectors’ market with certain aspects of the licensing program while also really pushing the young parent with other aspects,” Silberman says. “Certain brands like Jazwares cross over into both.”
Jazwares’ initial collection of Yo Gabba Gabbaland! toys is slated for release this fall. The collection includes plush, action figures, and vehicles featuring the classic characters from both series: Foofa, Brobee, Muno, Plex, and Toodee. The company is even launching an exclusive collector’s product at Comic-Con International: San Diego in July.
“It’s incredibly exciting for Jazwares to be part of the next chapter with Yo Gabba Gabbaland!” says Gerhard Runken, Executive Vice President of Brand and Marketing at Jazwares. “This beloved series has a special place in the hearts of families worldwide, and with globally recognized musicians, comedians, and entertainers set to make appearances, we’re eager to connect with collectors and fans alike.”
Jazwares is not the only company releasing licensed products for Yo Gabba Gabba! this year. Other collaborations include apparel from Ripple Junction, a publishing deal, and more. Silberman says these collaborations will unabashedly embrace the series’ silly, fun nature. After all, Yo Gabba Gabbaland! rocked Coachella last month for an audience of all ages.
“I think it allows kids to be themselves and be silly,” Silberman says. “We’re a very interactive show driven by music. It encourages the kids to get up off the floor and dance and be silly and make noise and be themselves. It really encourages families to do that together with music, crafts, and activities. It presents it in a way that feels very different compared to almost all other new children’s programming.”
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A version of this feature first appeared in The Toy Book‘s Licensing & Entertainment (+Baby!) Issue. Click here to read the full issue!
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