Classic Cat to Make a Comeback

Portfolio Entertainment is reviving Dr. Suess’s Cat in the Hat for a new preschool series, and Lisa Olfman, co-founder and co-president of the company, talks to TV Kids Weekly about bringing back the beloved character. 

The iconic (and much-loved) Cat in the Hat character from the Dr. Suess classic is headed to television for the first time ever. The new preschool series The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That! debuts in Canada on Treehouse on Saturday, August 7, to be followed by a premiere on PBS KIDS in the U.S. on Monday, September 6. PBS KIDS actually played a key role in the idea to bring the books to the small screen, when Linda Simensky, the VP of children’s programming at PBS, began reading Random House’s bestselling Beginner Book franchise The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library to her son. This got the ball rolling, according to Lisa Olfman, co-executive producer for the series and co-founder and co-president of Portfolio Entertainment. "It was one of those things where it seems so obvious and yet it hadn’t happened," Olfman explains. "But that was really how it came to be."

Portfolio jumped on board to develop the series for TV, along with Collingwood O’Hare Productions, in association with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Entertainment. Olfman says that working with Dr. Suess Enterprises has been a vital part of ensuring the success of the character’s jump from print publishing to TV. "When we were first awarded the opportunity to produce this series, I have to say I was a little bit intimidated," acknowledges Olfman. "Knowing by reputation that Dr. Suess Enterprises was very protective of the property and wanting it to live up to the heritage and history of the success they had already had."

While ensuring the integrity of the character and the brand was essential, maintaining the story structure did give way for some flexibility. Portfolio put a new spin on the property, says Olfman, changing things like having the two central characters as best friends rather than brother and sister. "Also, it always starts with the kids directing where the adventure will take place," says Olfman. "That is a new spin. The cat is not leading them—he is a facilitator and creates lots of fun and excitement on the adventure—but it’s the kids who make those choices."

The Cat character is voiced by award-winning actor Martin Short. "He was my first and probably my only choice!" says Olfman. His comedic timing and penchant for ad-libbing are just some of the qualities that Olfman credits as to why he’s a natural fit for the role. "He literally transforms himself into the Cat in the Hat. He would take each line of dialogue and deliver at least three completely unique Cat-like performances. Martin is a world-class ad-libber. He brings loads of fun to character, with child-like refreshing innocence. Often with his ad-libbing, you get these tender moments that have this lovely sort of mischievousness."

Olfman continues to explain that Short has drawn inspiration for the legendary film star Groucho Marx to add to the Cat’s quirky charm. "He’s created a cat that is suave, that is sweet, that is gentle, that is impish—all of those qualities! We’re very fortunate to be working with him because he brings so much to the character and he also lifts up everybody else’s performances."

While the series has a strong focus on science and nature discoveries, Olfman stresses that children will not feel like they are being "preached to" with the educational elements. "An episode should feel like a lot of fun. And if they learn something, it is an added bonus! That is one of the things our lead broadcasters have been so excited about."

Ahead of its launch, the show has already been picked up to air in 40 territories on Playhouse Disney channels worldwide.

To watch a clip of The Cat in the Hat, please click here.