The Hub Sets Launch Lineup

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LOS ANGELES: Ahead of its October 10 launch. The Hub—the new kids’ service from Discovery Communications and Hasbro—has unveiled a lineup of original and acquired series from, among others, Hasbro Studios, DHX’s Halifax Film and Moonscoop.

The new Discovery/Hasbro JV debuts in place of Discovery Kids in 60 million homes this fall. Announcing the lineup, Margaret Loesch, president and CEO of The Hub, noted: "I’m delighted with the caliber of programming—which includes some beloved and popular brands—that we are bringing to the network’s new lineup. We are focused on bringing together a diverse slate and a wide array of amazing creative talent to make The Hub a popular destination for children and their families. At The Hub, viewers will find consistently entertaining, empowering and enriching programs, including programs designed to educate young viewers and their parents."

The grid will be carved up into four distinct blocks catered to different demos: Preschool from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for kids 2 to 5; Kids Afternoon/Kids Prime from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the 6-12 set; Family Prime Access between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and then Family Prime from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The slate includes six original series and seven acquired shows making their U.S. premieres.

The originals include: Dan Vs., from Film Roman in association with The Hatchery; R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour, a live-action children’s anthology series also from The Hatchery; The 99, based on a Middle Eastern comic book series, produced by Teshkeel Media and Endemol Digital U.K. Production Group; and, from Hasbro Studios, Family Game Night, a live-action game show, the action animation G.I. Joe Renegades and Pound Puppies, all based on popular Hasbro brands. These join the previously announced Transformers Prime and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

Acquired shows for The Hub include DECODE’s Animal Mechanicals; Moonscoop’s Cosmic Quantum Ray; Dentsu’s Deltora Quest; The Jim Henson Company’s Fraggle Rock; Maryoku Yummy from AG Properties, DQ and Telegael Media; Oxford Scientific Films’ Meerkat Manor; the new CGI-animated Strawberry Shortcake; Pukeko Pictures’ The WotWots; and Twisted Whiskers, from American Greetings Properties, DQ Entertainment and Moonscoop. The channel is also acquiring a range of family features for its Family Movie Night.