Disney Channel Orders New Series from South African Creators

Disney Channel has greenlit Kiff, an animated buddy-comedy series from South African creators and executive producers Lucy Heavens (Space Chickens in Space) and Nic Smal (Caillou).

The series follows Kiff, an optimistic squirrel whose good intentions often lead to chaos, and her best friend Barry, a sweet and mellow bunny. Set in the mountains, where animals and magical creatures live together in harmony, the series follows the pair as they take the town by storm. Each half-hour episode of the series, which is set to debut in 2023, will include a new original song.

Emmy Award winner Kent Osborne (SpongeBob SquarePants, Phineas and Ferb) is co-producer and story editor. Kiff is produced by Titmouse in association with Disney Channel.

Heavens and Smal said: “Kiff, a slang word for ‘cool’ in South Africa, was inspired by the people and places we experienced when we were growing up in Cape Town, with many of the characters reflecting the personalities of our own family and friends. It’s really ‘kiff’ that we can now share a bit of our world with kids and families everywhere.”

Meredith Roberts, senior VP and general manager for television animation at Disney Channels, said: “Lucy and Nic are a brilliant creative team who produced a fresh and funny series with vibrant visuals that help bring the friendship between a squirrel and a bunny to life in a unique way. We can’t wait to introduce viewers to Kiff, Barry and their whole wonderfully wacky world.”