YouTube Originals Launching Super Sema, Picks Up New Kids’ Projects

YouTube Originals, which is set to premiere the animated series Super Sema next month, has picked up eight new kids’ titles and has 25 projects in development.

The recent pickups include Book Tube Jr., The Eggventurers, The Guava Juice Show, Kid Correspondent, Lottie Dottie Mini, Millie and Lou, Supa Strikas: Rookie Season and The Workout Badges. This new global slate is part of the previously announced $100 million commitment to invest in the future of quality kids’, family and educational programming. YouTube Originals Kids & Family has developed content goals in collaboration with experts across the globe in areas related to child safety, child development and digital literacy.

“Coming from an incredible caliber of creators, our new roster of shows celebrates the diversity of kids and empowers them to pursue their dreams and care for each other and the world around them,” said Nadine Zylstra, head of family, learning and impact for YouTube Originals. “Each of these projects is in lockstep with the tone of the YouTube Originals Kids & Family brand. In essence, shows that are entertaining, compelling, embrace big ideas, have strong takeaways and ultimately bring the positive spirit of YouTube to life for our youngest audience.”

Created by Kukua, the African series Super Sema features a young superhero girl named Sema and follows her world-changing adventures. Fueled by STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and set in an African-futuristic world, Sema, along with her brother MB, uses her “technovating” powers to save her village from the villainous Tobor and his army of mischievous Bongalala robots. Super Sema was written by Claudia Lloyd and directed by Lynne Southerland. The series will be available on the Super Sema YouTube channel on March 8, International Women’s Day.

BookTube Jr. sees some of the world’s biggest children’s authors come together to discuss their books. From the producers of the popular GoldieBlox YouTube Channel, the preschool animated series The Eggventurers features a zany cast of thrill-seeking egg characters. The Guava Juice Show imagines if YouTube star Guava Juice’s Roi Fabito was a cartoon character. From SoulPancake and the team behind the Kid President brand, Kid Correspondent centers around the next generation of kid journalists dedicated to making the world a better place and helping other kids develop the necessary skills to one day become more informed and involved grown-ups. Lottie Dottie Mini is a preschool scripted learning series based on the Brazilian kids’ channel Galinha Pintadinha Mini (Lottie Dottie Chicken Mini). In Millie and Lou, a fearless young girl and a clever cat share the forest with exciting creatures, while Supa Strikas: Rookie Season goes back in time with Shakes to find out how he made the world’s greatest soccer team. Lastly, The Workout Badges, a new series coming out of the U.K., sees Joe Wicks Joe and Hey Duggee encourage their young audience to join them in different exercise routines.

Featured projects in development include Jam Van, from Believe Entertainment Group and composer/producer Bill Sherman. The road-tripping, original music series for kids and families is hosted by best friends Lamb and Anne the Alligator, who in each episode travel to a new location around the country to the homes and cities of famous musicians, culminating in a new music video with positive messages and lessons. There’s also Corpse Talk, an animated, comedy-led chat show, hosted by history-loving Adam, who is very much alive, although his famous guests are not.

For the first time, some of YouTube’s recent kids’ and family originals will also be available in additional languages in 2021. Lockdown will launch Spanish-dubbed versions of its 16 episodes. Pinkfong Wonderstar will also roll out several new language versions throughout the year to join its previously released English and Korean editions. Also coming in 2021 is the previously announced Onyx Family Dinner.