Canadian Broadcasters Greenlight Polly Can Do

TVOkids, Knowledge Kids, Société Radio-Canada and TFO have greenlit Polly Can Do, a preschool series comprised of 2D animated shorts.

Co-produced by Milkcow Media and Big Jump Entertainment, the show follows the everyday playtime adventures of Polly, a 5-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. Polly’s “can do” attitude allows her to live her best life and help her friends deal with their own issues such as anxiety, shyness and knowing when to ask for help.

Polly Can Do was created by Emmy-winning sow creator Alexander Bar (Mike the Knight, Ranger Rob, Ricky Zoom), who is also writing and directing the series. Authenticity of the series will be ensured through focus groups with kids sharing their firsthand experiences of growing up with cerebral palsy, and Polly will be voiced by a young first-time voice actor living with cerebral palsy and disability.

The series is set to deliver in the first quarter of 2025. Milkcow Media and Big Jump Entertainment are jointly managing all rights and distribution.

“When Alex first approached Big Jump, it was very clear that Polly Can Do needed to get made,” said Big Jump Entertainment’s Rick Morrison.“We are both humbled and excited to have this opportunity to help bring the messages surrounding inclusion and accessibility to the forefront.”

“Polly Can Do is breaking new ground by featuring a character with cerebral palsy front and centre for the first time on TVOkids,” commented Kirsten Hurd, commissioning editor at TVOkids. “Polly will show our audience that she can do anything she sets her mind to with a dash of humor, problem-solving skills and support from her friends. TVOkids is happy to work with Milkcow Media, Big Jump and Holland Bloorview on this series of shorts that aims to change perceptions arounds kids with diverse abilities.”

“Polly Can Do will remind us that when kids play together, they begin to accept each other’s differences and appreciate their own self-worth,” Bar added.