The Hub Continues Original Programming Push

NEW YORK: The 2011-12 programming lineup for The Hub is to include nine brand-new original series, joining ten returning shows with fresh episodes, for a total of 425 half-hours of new productions. 

Original series on the roster include The Aquabats Super Show, from the creators of Yo Gabba Gabba. A hybrid of concert footage, live-action skits and animation, the series features the popular rock band The Aquabats in comedic adventures. Blythe Loves The Littlest Pet Shop (working title) is inspired by the Littlest Pet Shop brand and will be produced by Hasbro Studios. Also from Hasbro comes two originals based on iconic board games, with Clue and The Game of Life, as well as Scrabble Showdown. Further originals include Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters (working title), Majors & Minors (working title) and Rescue Bots (working title). Secret Millionaire’s Club, a Hub original series of specials, will feature an animated version of Warren Buffett, voiced by Buffett himself. 

The Hub is also bulking up its schedule with acquired fare, including Mark Burnett’s quiz show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Returning series with new episodes coming include The Adventures of Chuck & Friends, Animal Mechanicals, Dan Vs. and The WotWots. Also heading back to The Hub with new installments are Hasbro Studios’ Family Game Night, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic, Transformers Prime and Pound Puppies, alongside R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series and Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures.

"In the short period of time we’ve been a newly branded network, we’ve seen that our strategy of providing quality, engaging entertainment to kids and their families in an environment where they can watch and enjoy programs together—is exactly the right space for us," said Margaret Loesch, the president and CEO of The Hub. "We have a tremendous advantage with strong, proven brands, and we are working with some of the best creative minds to bring those brands to life across multiple platforms and also to create new properties that will become future brands. The programs that we are announcing today will add strength, dimension and excitement to a schedule that is already resonating with viewers and building an extremely loyal audience."