New Smurfs Series Set for May Debut

The new 3D animated The Smurfs series, produced by Dupuis Edition et Audiovisuel with Peyo Productions, is set to launch on May 9 on TFOU in France.

There are 52 new original 11-minute stories, directed by William Renaud (Calimero, A Kind of Magic…). The characters were originally created by Peyo in 1958 and were transferred from the comics to the screen in 1959. They have not been adapted for television since the late 1980s.

“For Dupuis Edition et Audiovisuel, which was involved in the first animated adventures of the Smurfs back in the 1960s, it is extremely exciting to revisit this universe in this ambitious new series, alongside Peyo Productions and in collaboration with TF1,” said Caroline Duvochel, producer of the series.

She added, “This is a key project for our studio, in which all the teams have been particularly involved. We are very proud to be able to contribute to bringing today’s children these new 3D images showing the marvelous adventures of these characters, full of kindness, mischief and sparkle, things we need so much of in this day and age.”

“We are delighted to welcome the Smurfs to TFOU for new adventures, each one funnier than the last,” said Yann Labasque, director of youth programming at TF1. “This comedy/adventure series has its rightful place in our schedule as the world of these friendly little blue creatures and their very special language fits perfectly with TFOU’s mischievous yet caring tone. By giving the series consistent and powerful exposure on all its platforms, the TF1 group acts as a unique and strong sounding board for the franchise, whose license is already managed by TF1 Licences.”

Véronique Culliford, founder and president of Peyo Productions and IMPS (distribution) and Peyo’s daughter, added that she was “very happy to be able to continue my father’s work once again by co-producing a new Smurfs TV series. And this, almost 40 years after the world-famous original series. You will discover Smurfs in 3D effects like in the last film The Smurfs and the Lost Village, with a lot of humor and lots of adventures full of twists and turns. This co-production has the best actors on the market and will enchant both young and old for decades to come! “