Netflix to team up with DreamWorks on its first original series for kids

12 Feb 2013

Image via Turbo on Facebook

Having seen users stream more than 2bn hours of kids’ content in 2012 alone, Netflix is teaming up with the studio responsible for Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda to create its very own children’s TV series.

We previously reported on Netflix’s plans for a more original 2013, but this will be the first Netflix Original Series targeted at kids. The animated series will be based on DreamWorks’ upcoming feature animation, Turbo, which will reach Irish cinemas in October following a summer release in the US.

This 3D animation centres on the titular snail who has a need for speed. Voiced by Ryan Reynolds, a freak accident gives Turbo super-fast abilities and starts off an extraordinary quest to compete in the Indy 500.

Turbo’s story will continue on in Turbo: F.A.S.T. (where the letters stand for ‘fast action stunt team’).  The series will follow him as he travels the world, trying new stunts and challenging bad guys.

Netflix currently has more than 33m members in 40 countries, and with its dedicated ‘Just for Kids’ section, the content provider is no stranger to the popularity of children’s programming.

“Families love Netflix, so creating an original series for kids was a natural for us,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer of Netflix.

Turbo: F.A.S.T. debuts in 40 Netflix territories this December. Along with the release of the new series, Netflix viewers in the US will also see some new DreamWorks Animation feature titles added to the line-up.

Elaine Burke is the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. She was previously the editor of Silicon Republic.

editorial@siliconrepublic.com