Jetpack Adds Animated Nature Doc Series to Slate

Jetpack Distribution has taken on the worldwide rights for Turnip & Duck’s cartoon spoof animal documentary Critters TV.

The deal includes 26 11-minute episodes of the 2D flash animation and live-action series, aimed at 4- to 8-year-olds and their families. Each episode is a mixture of live-action nature footage and animated characters, giving an animal’s eye view on nature documentaries and presenting facts about the natural world.

The series was funded by Screen Ireland, RTÉjr and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the support of incentives for the Irish Film Industry provided by the Government of Ireland. The series first aired on RTÉjr in the Republic of Ireland in 2019 and 2020, with further episodes due to air before the end of 2021.

Jetpack’s CEO, Dominic Gardiner, said: “We love a genuinely unique and incredibly funny idea—and that’s exactly what Critters TV delivers. It really draws on the popularity of shows like Gogglebox but gives a hilarious spin that kids love. It’s great for co-viewing and will provide quality entertainment for families across the globe.”

Turnip & Duck’s Colm Tobin added: “As a writer-led studio we’re always looking for that sweet spot between comedy and education, trying to laugh kids clever if you will; and we feel we’ve really struck a chord with Critters TV. Animals watching animals is just a funny concept, and when you combine this sketch comedy approach with amazing wildlife footage, we believe it’s a format that can entertain and educate kids (and adults!) all over the world.”