Cartoon Network, HBO Max Getting Preschool Programming Block

WarnerMedia Kids & Family is planning to launch the Cartoonito preschool programming block on Cartoon Network and HBO Max this fall.

Based on the proprietary preschool educational framework of humancentric learning, Cartoonito will work to support every child’s humanness by celebrating their unique selves and encouraging them to interact with others with empathy, respect and fairness. Building on the learning’s four-pillar strengths—curiosity, courage, humanity and creativity—Cartoonito’s diverse storytelling aims to be authentic, relevant and relatable.

New series greenlights for Cartoonito include Bea’s Block, debuting on HBO Max. Sesame Workshop’s newest animated preschool comedy series draws on the ubiquity of block toys to bring the vibrant, diverse neighborhood of Blocktown to life. Bugs Bunny Builders (working title) is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and built on the comedic foundation of the iconic Looney Tunes.

New projects in development for Cartoonito include Jessica’s Big Little World (working title), from Cartoon Network Studios, a spinoff of the Cartoon Network original Craig of the Creek. Tom and Jerry Junior (working title) is produced by Warner Bros. Animation as a series of animated musical shorts introducing the beloved cat and mouse duo to preschoolers with an educational twist.

Newly acquired and co-produced series for Cartoonito include Ladybird Lu, produced by 9 Story’s Brown Bag Films. Ladybird Lu explores everyday dramas in the world of a 3-year-old with a brand-new social life. The series will also be available on Cartoon Network and HBO Max services in LatAm and EMEA. 9 Story Distribution International will lead global distribution efforts, while 9 Story Brands retains global merchandising rights. There’s also Mush-Mush & the Mushables, produced by France’s La Cabane and Belgium’s Thuristar in co-production with CAKE; and Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go, from Mattel Television.

CAKE and Fresh TV have announced two new seasons (26 half-hours) of the hit animated reality show Total Drama Island to be broadcast on Cartoon Network and HBO Max in the U.S. The long-awaited return revisits the original Total Drama Island format while introducing an updated cast of quirky, iconic teen contestants.

From TeamTO, the original animated-action comedy Jade Armor has been licensed for the U.S. and Latin America. The series centers around the martial arts-loving Lan Jun, an unlikely teenage heroine who must learn the ancient secrets of her family and uncover the unexpected, all while navigating life as a teen. Jade Armor will join the kids’ and family lineup available on Cartoon Network and HBO Max in early 2022.

“Cartoonito is our biggest commitment to preschool programming in 100 years. Our educational philosophy coupled with the incredible caliber of innovative, educational content that will comprise this offering is second to none,” said Tom Ascheim, president of Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics. “Reimagining some of our legendary franchises with preschool-appropriate spinoffs like Batwheels, Bugs Bunny Builders and Tom and Jerry Junior will keep new generations laughing and learning for years to come.”