As someone who has spent decades in the entertainment industry, I must say that Brad Winderbaum’s insights are truly enlightening. His extensive experience with Marvel Studios Animation, spanning from younger kids to mature audiences, gives him a unique perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of children’s content.
In 2023, when The Hollywood Reporter published its initial Kids Entertainment Power List, it highlighted that the difficulties confronting the sector at large – primarily competition for attention and fiscal constraints – were also applicable to creators of content targeted towards kids and teenagers.
A year on, this remains valid. Quite a few creators from the previous year’s list saw their series being axed. It appears that children and teenage content shrinkage began earlier in the industry than we initially thought, and it’s continuing to happen.
Additionally, there’s plenty of exciting news: Movies like “Inside Out 2”, “Despicable Me 4”, and “Kung Fu Panda 4” are among the six highest-grossing films globally this year. Meanwhile, classic series such as “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Sesame Street” continue to delight their third and fourth or fifth generations of viewers, respectively. Newer characters like Percy Jackson and the gang from “Outer Banks” are holding the attention of older kids and teenagers. Streaming platforms are pouring resources into creating teen and young adult programming in an effort to cultivate long-term users as they transition into adulthood.
Furthermore, Joe Brumm’s Bluey, which hails from Down Under and first appeared in the U.S. three years ago, continues to hold a prominent position, showing no signs of waning popularity among kids, parents, and Disney+ executives alike. This whimsical animated series about an Australian heeler family is the most-watched show of 2024, as per Nielsen data, with approximately 33 billion minutes viewed (a significant lead over Grey’s Anatomy, with around 5 billion fewer minutes watched).
The massive commercial success of critically lauded content like Inside Out 2 and Bluey confirms that kids’ discernment is not to be underestimated, and that quality remains the best business strategy. Herewith, the executives, creators and stars aiming to bring more of it to the next generation. — RICK PORTER
Profiles penned collectively by Kevin Dolak, Mesfin Fekadu, Nicole Fell, Ryan Gajewski, Chris Gardner, Ronda Racha Penrice, Christy Piña, Rick Porter, Seija Rankin, and Julian Sancton
Jay Hollingsworth & Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth (‘Gracie’s Corner’)
During the pandemic lockdown, a couple living in Houston struggled to find diverse and educational children’s programming for their kids. Disappointed by the scarcity of quality shows featuring children of color, as well as those incorporating Black music or African American culture, they decided to create their own YouTube series, named Gracie’s Corner, which stars their eldest daughter, Graceyn. The show quickly gained attention, attracting guest appearances from musical icons like Snoop Dogg and Big Freedia. Their energetic “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” remix has garnered over 38 million views. This year, Gracie’s Corner won the NAACP Image Award for outstanding children’s program, besting shows like Netflix’s Ada Twist, Scientist and Alma’s Way from PBS Kids.
“As an adult, I can honestly say that shows like ‘Bluey’ and ‘The Proud Family’ resonate with me beyond belief. Each episode in Bluey offers valuable life lessons that are relatable even for grown-ups. And let’s not forget The Proud Family, a timeless classic that continues to captivate us with its recent reboot on [Disney+].”
Traci Paige Johnson & Jennifer Twomey (‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’)
As a dedicated fan, I’ve always admired the remarkable bond between Traci Paige Johnson and Steve Santomero. Their friendship blossomed during their shared journey on Nickelodeon’s beloved creation, “Blue’s Clues,” which they both played significant roles in. Johnson co-created the show with Angela Santomero, while Steve later joined as an executive producer. After taking a break to raise families, they reunited during the pandemic with the phenomenal success of “Gabby’s Dollhouse” on Netflix and DreamWorks Animation.
The trend I never could have predicted “Michael Bay making Skibidi Toilet into a movie.”
Ryan Kaji & Family (‘Ryan’s World’)
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible empire of Ryan Kaji, the YouTube toy reviewer turned global sensation. His dominion now encompasses television series, offshoot channels, merchandise, and licensing agreements, not to mention a highly anticipated feature film on the horizon. The sales of his products have surpassed an astounding $1 billion in retail stores, and last year alone, his YouTube channels amassed a staggering 34 billion minutes of viewing time. With such impressive numbers backing him, there’s no doubt that Ryan’s World the Movie, set to be his first wide theatrical release, will make history as the first digital creator-driven film to hit the big screen.
Ryan prefers watching gaming videos rather than sticking to a specific influencer. In other words, he enjoys a variety of gaming content.
“Within the next five years, it’s likely that traditional co-watching of television and films will decline at an accelerated pace. Members of the Alpha generation are increasingly growing up accustomed to personal devices like tablets and smartphones, leading to more independent viewing experiences.”
As a gamer, I can definitely say that yes, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in the creation of content aimed at kids. It’s fascinating to see how AI innovations can streamline our production process and help us create more engaging experiences for young audiences.
Guy Raz & Mindy Thomas (Wow in the World)
The entertaining and informative podcast by Raz and Thomas, featuring regular characters, humor, and scientific insights, has led to numerous successes, including a popular book series, live events across the nation, and several related shows. This coming fall, they are set to introduce what is likely the first toy line inspired by a podcast, as Amazon’s Wondery partners with Thames & Kosmos to create educational toys with additional audio content from the hosts, along with a trial subscription for parents to Wondery+.
My Saturday morning cartoon lineup as a kid
RAZ “Gummi Bears, Garfield and Friends, Smurfs, Muppet Babies.”
THOMAS “WHOA SAME!”
The trend I never could have predicted
RAZ “Unboxing videos.”
THOMAS “I wouldn’t have imagined that children would prefer watching other children play video games on a screen, but after seeing a DIY YouTube video of a man tiling a shower floor, everything became clear.”
In five years, kids will be watching on …
RAZ “Their hands.”
Tyler Toney, Coby Cotton, Cory Cotton, Garrett Hilbert & Cody Jones (Dude Perfect)
Initially starting off as a casual YouTube project in 2009, Dude Perfect emerged when five friends from Texas showcased their basketball trick shots in Toney’s backyard. Despite the fun and excitement portrayed, the shots required immense perseverance and hard work to execute. Fast-forwarding to fifteen years later, they have transformed into a delightful, child-friendly content creation platform focused on sports, boasting an impressive 60 million subscribers and over a dozen Guinness World Records. Among their achievements is last year’s incredible basket from the top of Las Vegas’ Strat Tower – an accomplishment they proudly credit to divine intervention.
Chris Williams (pocket.watch)
2017 saw me, a seasoned gamer with experience at Maker Studios and Disney, establish pocket.watch. Our mission? To cater to the digital creators who rule the kids’ domain. Today, we’re proud to call Ryan’s World, Love, Diana, and Onyx Monster Mysteries our talent, preparing for a groundbreaking 2024. We’ll be the first to bring a digital creator-driven film, Ryan’s World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure, to the big screen. As the largest independent kids and family content studio, we boast a library brimming with over 40,000 hours of Gen Alpha’s favorite content!
In five years, kids will be watching on … “YouTube.”
Rachel Griffin Accurso & Aron Accurso (‘Ms. Rachel’)
For the past five years, Rachel Griffin Accurso (known as Ms. Rachel to her audience) and her husband Aron have been creating educational and entertaining videos for their 100+ videos on YouTube, which now boast nearly 11 million subscribers and over 7 billion views combined. Lately, she’s faced criticism for expressing support for Pride Month and fundraising for Save the Children, an organization that aids children in conflict zones worldwide, including Gaza. However, Ms. Rachel remains firm in her beliefs.
“As for the children’s programs other than ours, our kid seems to favor ‘StoryBots’. Recently, he told us about the formation of planets, which left us puzzled yet amazed! Truly an engaging show!”
Eric Beckman (GKIDS)
15 years ago, in New York, Eric Beckman established GKIDS, a small animation film distribution company that has since grown to be referred to by The New York Times as the “A24 of animation.” This year, Beckman’s efforts were recognized when Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” became GKIDS’ 13th film nominated for an Oscar. In March, against all odds, it won the award for best animated feature.
Kristine Belson (Sony Pictures Animation)
Hey there! As a gamer speaking about myself in a fictional role as the leader of Studio PA (SPA), I oversee every title’s creation and production we develop. Under my guidance, our studio has achieved remarkable successes – like launching the highest-grossing film globally in 2023, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Furthermore, we’ve integrated our intellectual properties into educational programs focusing on mental health awareness for schools nationwide.
Just because it’s for kids doesn’t mean … “it has to be about kids, or juvenile in any way.”
Bree Bowles (Republic Records: Kids & Family)
2022 marked my debut as the musical maestro, and ever since, I’ve been enjoying every moment immersed in this vibrant playground of tunes. I’ve steered the music strategy for beloved brands such as Gabby’s Dollhouse, PAW Patrol, Dora, and Garfield, collaborating with YouTube on hit franchises like Ryan’s World and Toys and Colors. I was thrilled to be part of the team that launched original music by Qai Qai, a doll owned by Serena Williams’ daughter, and assisted EGOT winner John Legend in reaching out to a fresh audience with his family-friendly album. It’s been quite a symphony!
Vanessa Brookman & Sam Register (Warner Bros. Discovery)
2021 has been a challenging year for WBD’s children’s TV department, marked by personnel changes and the closure of Boomerang, its cartoon streaming service. In this reorganization, Brookman – General Manager of kids, global streaming, and international networks – now oversees all editorial, creative, and operational aspects related to children’s content and channels, reporting directly to Warner Bros. Animation president Sam Register. Lately, Brookman has given the go-ahead for several shows on Cartoon Network such as the preschool-focused revival of Foster’s Funtime for Imaginary Friends, the prequel Adventure Time: Side Quests, and Go-Go Mystery Machine.
My Saturday morning cartoon lineup as a kid
BROOKMAN “Roobarb, Mr Benn, Magic Roundabout — all very British, very bonkers and very brilliant!”
Joe Brumm (‘Bluey’)
Based on THR’s power list survey, Bluey – an animated series by Brumm about an imaginative Australian family of dogs that resonates with both kids and adults – has been named as the most cherished show currently available. Jennifer Lee, the chief creative officer at Walt Disney Animation, describes it as “calming”, “caring”, and a “de-stressor” for her and her 21-year-old daughter. The key to creating an ideal co-viewing series, according to Brumm – who has written the majority of the 150 episodes himself, including this year’s short “minisodes” – is not relying solely on children’s television writers. With Bluey dominating the Nielsen charts this year, there are stronger rumors that a Bluey film might be in production.
The question I get asked the most about my work “When is the next season coming out?”
“More folks ought to be aware of Amberry Games, along with the countless other creative minds on Roblox. It’s truly an outstanding platform.”
Shannon Burke, Josh Pate, Jonas Pate (‘Outer Banks’)
The creators and producers of “The Outer Banks” are steering not only one of Netflix’s most popular series among teenagers, but one of its most popular overall. The Youth Adult drama’s third season ranked among the top 10 streaming original series (across all platforms) in the United States, according to Nielsen, and has sparked millions of social media posts from an enthusiastic fan base. The fourth season is scheduled to debut later this year. Additionally, Burke and the Pate brothers are also behind a Prime Video series featuring The Runarounds, a band that appeared in “The Outer Banks”.
Kids are more discerning than adults about …
JONAS PATE “Slang.”
JOSH PATE “Plots. They get bored if the story doesn’t move.”
BURKE “False motivations. False emotions.”
In five years, kids will be watching on …
JONAS PATE “The moon.”
BURKE “Watches.”
Matt Burnett & Ben Levin (‘Craig of the Creek,’ ‘Jessica’s Big Little World’)
Previously, the creators behind Steven Universe teamed up to develop Craig of the Creek – an animated series that garnered Daytime Emmy, GLAAD Award, and NAACP Image Award nominations for Cartoon Network. The show is scheduled to conclude its six-season journey in September this year. Additionally, a prequel film titled Craig Before the Creek was launched earlier. In late 2023, we witnessed the premiere of Jessica’s Big Little World spinoff, which recently aired its finale in May.
Kids are more discerning than adults about …
BURNETT (PARAPHRASED) “Viewers want to see characters on screen that they can identify with, whether culturally or emotionally. An outstanding world and complex storyline may be present, but if a child can’t find a connection, they will quickly lose interest.”
Marc Ceccarelli & Vincent Waller (SpongeBob SquarePants’)
For over two decades, SpongeBob SquarePants has been a cornerstone on Nickelodeon, leaving an indelible mark regardless of how you measure its success: from the massive number of episodes (currently at 307 and still growing), to the staggering sales of merchandise ($13 billion and more), films (four released so far, with two more in production), and countless memes. Co-showrunners Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli have been part of the show’s journey for most of its life span, introducing a new generation, or perhaps even a third, to the beloved underwater sponge character.
Hollywood is talking about “AI shortcuts for generic content …”
“Refers to high-quality, authentic content that has been carefully crafted by skilled human artists over the course of their lifetimes.”
Does AI have a role to play in kids content?
CECCARELLI “I sincerely hope AI won’t play a significant part in children’s entertainment. I can’t imagine any artist preferring an AI to sketch their storyboard, design characters, or write stories for them. AI may collect vast amounts of data, but it will never truly grasp human feelings such as embarrassment. AI is unaware of the facial muscles that react to different emotions, and it will never experience sense memory that can recreate those original emotions based on past experiences.”
Margie Cohn (DreamWorks Animation)
As the president of DreamWorks Animation, Cohn is basking in his success. This year, DreamWorks hit a significant milestone with the successful release of Kung Fu Panda 4, pushing the studio to become the first to have more than one animated franchise surpass $2 billion at the global box office. Additionally, Cohn was delighted by the opening of DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando, an attraction that brings to life popular IP like Shrek and Gabby’s Dollhouse. The coming year promises exciting feature film releases for both these franchises, along with the debut of The Wild Robot on September 27, featuring Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal as voice talents.
Hollywood is talking about “where kids are watching content …”
Discussing the trend of children’s content on streaming platforms, we face the possibility that fewer original productions for kids will be made. This could lead us to a situation where future generations may lack a diverse selection of shows that can stimulate and inspire their creativity.
Vince Commisso (9 Story Media)
Under Commisso’s leadership as president and CEO, 9 Story Media underwent a transformative year. Earlier this year, Scholastic, a prominent book publishing company, invested $186 million in the Toronto-based animation studio specializing in kids and family content, having worked with them for decades before the acquisition. Currently, 9 Story has numerous series in development, such as “Paris & Pups” in collaboration with Paris Hilton’s entertainment group 11:11 Media and HappyNest.
Hollywood is talking about “known IP, platforms and the viability of business models …”
When it should be talking about “the next generation of storytellers.”
Joe D’Ambrosia (Sony Pictures Television)
Ambrosia serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager at a company, previously known as Silvergate Media, that Sony acquired. In this role, he oversees various aspects such as development, production, distribution, licensing, and merchandising of children’s content in more than 200 territories worldwide. Over the past year, his focus has been on leveraging Sony’s intellectual properties to establish new franchises catering to younger audiences, including a teenage adaptation of “Charlie’s Angels” and a reimagined animated version of “Bewitched.” Additionally, he is responsible for ensuring the ongoing success of the “Octonauts” franchise and is currently working on an animated series in collaboration with soccer legend Lionel Messi.
Kids are more discerning than adults about … “fairness.”
Ayo Davis (Disney Branded Television)
Over the past year, Davis’ Disney Branded TV has made significant strides in kids and family content. They introduced two major live-action series – ‘Goosebumps’ and ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’, boosted ‘Bluey’ to the peak of streaming rankings, greenlit a follow-up to their hit sitcom ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ with Selena Gomez as executive producer, and they’re working on it. The fourth installment of the successful ‘Descendants’ franchise also saw strong audience reception. DBT shows have been recognized with three Primetime Emmys and 14 awards at the Children’s and Family Emmys.
Hollywood is talking about “platforms …”
“Franchises capture children’s hearts when they become enamored with a character or tale. The top-performing kid’s content immerses them not just in one platform, but across multiple aspects of their life such as streaming, television, social media, YouTube, video games, toys, real-life events, and more.”
John Derderian & Hannah Minghella (Netflix)
Previously working at Bad Robot to establish its animation department, Minghella has now been appointed as Netflix’s new head of both feature animation and live-action family films. Notably, Netflix has already achieved success in animated movies, such as the upcoming film “Leo,” featuring Adam Sandler as a world-weary lizard’s voice, and the Oscar-nominated “Nimona.” Meanwhile, within its animated TV division, headed by Derderian since 2021, shows like “Blue Eye Samurai” have earned Emmy nominations for best animated series, and an anime project titled “Terminator Zero” is set to debut at the end of August.
Just because it’s for kids doesn’t mean …
“It lacks the ability to handle intricate topics and challenges. Nowadays, children crave authentic narratives that reflect their personal realities and life experiences.”
“MINGHELLA “Not suitable for all ages! Many wonderful narratives may be disregarded or quickly dismissed as ‘too simplistic.'”
The trend I never could have predicted
I, LOVER_OF_KNOWLEDGE, find that classic nursery rhymes in early education titles maintain an enduring charm, a traditional method of learning and bonding that stays timeless.”
In five years, kids will be watching on …
MINGHELLA “Netflix!”
Sara DeWitt (PBS Kids)
Under DeWitt’s guidance, PBS Kids remains a leader in promoting inclusivity within children’s television, most recently incorporating American Sign Language into various series. With its shows, accompanying games, and activities, PBS Kids connects with over 15 million users monthly. They are also introducing a lineup of programming focused on civic themes. Additionally, PBS Kids is exploring the use of AI-assisted voice technology (notably excluding generative AI) in interactive episodes across some of their shows, aiming to foster greater audience engagement compared to non-interactive content.
The question I’m asked the most about my work “Do you know [nature YouTubers] the Kratt brothers?”
“Five years from now, children will be captivated by the sights on… Television sets! While they’ll still rely on tablets and portable devices for entertainment while out and about, there’s just something enchanting about a large screen that will continue to keep kids hooked.”
Pete Docter (Pixar)
Prior to his appointment as Pixar’s chief creative officer in 2018, Pete Docter had already played a significant role in creating some of the studio’s most cherished children’s films such as “Up” and “Wall-E”. In 2022, he functioned as executive producer for “Inside Out 2”, which has now become the highest-grossing animated film ever made. Currently, he is overseeing the development of Pixar’s upcoming major releases, including “Elio” (a story about a boy who unintentionally becomes the intergalactic ambassador for Earth, expected in 2025) and “Toy Story 5” (scheduled for release in 2026).
“Even though it’s designed for children, it doesn’t imply that we didn’t spend over five years creating it.”
Jennifer Dodge (Spin Master Entertainment)
Before assuming the role of president at Spin Master Entertainment, which produces PAW Patrol, in January 2021, Dodge had been instrumental in creating enduring properties and managing their production schedule for the Canadian company. From 2009 to 2015, she held positions as vice president and executive producer, where she oversaw hundreds of animated episodes, including PAW Patrol and Little Charmers. Additionally, Dodge produced both PAW Patrol: The Movie and PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, and will continue her involvement in the third film installment of the popular children’s canine cop series.
The kids content I genuinely enjoy as an adult (besides my own) “SpongeBob FOREVER!”
Ellen Doherty (Fred Rogers Productions)
If you ever feel like you’re just too busy, consider Doherty’s full plate: The star producer acts as the chief creative officer for Fred Rogers Productions, where she’s in charge of TV and digital for four programs for its PBS Kids series, while serving as executive producer on two series, Donkey Hodie and Alma’s Way — all this while managing the legacy of Mr. Rogers, one of the most cherished figures in the history of children’s television. Over the past year, Doherty has continued to expand on his vision with her work on the long-running Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, an award-winning animated series following the offspring of the characters from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
Hollywood is talking about “what makes money …”
When it should be talking about “what kids are actually taking away from what they’re watching.”
“An unexpected direction, like a trailblazing jack-of-all-trades in the realm of unicorns.”
“Is there a place for artificial intelligence in creating content suitable for kids? This question echoes the thoughts of Fred Rogers from the 1950s, who saw television as an opportunity to provide meaningful content for young minds. Today, I wonder, how can we harness the power of emerging technologies to foster creativity and learning in children, rather than replace their natural curiosity?”
Dave Filoni (Lucasfilm)
Once a cartoonist for “King of the Hill” who was known for his geeky interests, found himself astonished by fortune when George Lucas selected him from obscurity in 2005 to develop the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” Little did he know that it was Lucas who had struck a goldmine. With an apparent expertise on the Force that surpasses most beings in the galaxy, Filoni has leveraged this knowledge to great effect as the chief designer of Disney+’s array of “Star Wars” productions, and most recently as the creator of the miniseries “Ahsoka.” He is also serving as executive producer for the upcoming “Star Wars” series “Skeleton Crew” and co-writing the film “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” scheduled for release in 2026.
The question I get asked most about my work “What is Grogu like?”
“In five years, children will be viewing content in shared virtual environments that can be seen by their friends from all around the world.”
“Is there a part for AI in children’s content? Absolutely! But let’s make certain to instill in them the understanding that their creative minds and vivid imaginations are what fuel this innovative technology. True wisdom and experience cannot be replaced by shortcuts.”
Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh Valdes & Rich Magallanes (‘Dora’)
In a new version of the popular animated series “Dora the Explorer,” co-creators Gifford and Walsh Valdes, along with executive producer Magallanes, have rebooted the show for a newer generation. This updated adaptation of the Emmy Award-winning phenomenon premiered on Nickelodeon back in 2000 continues to follow Dora, a curious bilingual preschooler accompanied by her best monkey friend Boots, as they embark on fresh “epic adventures” through the enchanting and magical rainforest. The second season is set to premiere exclusively on Paramount+ on September 13, consisting of 26 episodes, each lasting for 11 minutes.
Just because it’s for kids doesn’t mean …
“No matter who your audience is, it’s essential to understand the narrative, structure, and characters. These elements remain crucial, regardless of the context.”
Kids are more discerning than adults about …
GIFFORD“They’re an ‘authentic’ crowd. They only laugh if they find something amusing, and when they do, their laughter is louder than anyone else’s.”
Does AI have a role to play in kids content?
GIFFORD “Absolutely. Optimistically, it will allow us to react to what kids like quicker.”
Jenny Han (‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,’ ‘XO Kitty’)
Han remains dominant in the Young Adult (YA) realm. Following the success of her “To All the Boys” literary empire on Netflix, the spinoff series “XO Kitty,” which centers around a teenage matchmaker living in Seoul, is moving forward with a second season. The author, who was instrumental in adapting her trilogy “The Summer I Turned Pretty” into a highly successful Amazon Prime Video series, currently shares co-showrunning duties on “XO Kitty.” The first season received a GLAAD Award nomination for outstanding kids & family programming and has been distributed across more than 50 countries.
Just because it’s for kids doesn’t mean … “it can’t have depth and nuance.”
Katelynn Heil (Blippi)
Initially, Blippi began as a YouTube platform dedicated to delivering preschool educational material in an entertaining manner, using the energetic, spectacled character named Blippi portrayed by various actors. Over time, it has grown into a worldwide powerhouse. Established by Stevin John in 2014, the channel was later acquired by Moonbug Entertainment in 2020. As the manager of Blippi for Moonbug, Heil has played a significant role in expanding the brand. Under her leadership, new characters have been introduced, live tours organized, an iHeartRadio podcast created, and an online Roblox game developed, among other things. A lesser-known content creator worth recognizing is “Danny Go.” His music videos are designed to resemble actual video games, urging children to get active, move around, and engage with nature!
Lisa Henson (The Jim Henson Company)
The Jim Henson Company is responsible for two shows airing on Apple TV: “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” and “Harriet the Spy”. Currently, with Lisa Henson serving as CEO, they are creating “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip” for Disney+. Earlier this year, Disney+ also released Ron Howard’s documentary about Jim Henson, titled “Idea Man”. In addition to that, the company is working on a feature film sequel to the cult classic “Labyrinth” and a series based on the Greek mythology-themed Webtoon “Lore Olympus”.
As a fan, I find myself appreciating the humor in DreamWorks productions, such as the hilarious Trolls movies and their equally amusing television counterparts like The Boss Baby.
“I would have never foreseen the turn of events where even the most popular children’s TV channels are yielding to YouTube.”
Lester Holt (‘NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt: Kids Edition’)
Despite being primarily recognized for hosting Nightly News and Dateline, Holt also assumes the role of chief informer for Generation Alpha. The Nightly News: Kids Edition, released weekly in digital format, covers topics ranging from politics to the pandemic. Interestingly, the sons of NBC coworkers Craig Melvin and Carson Daly have been selected as correspondents for this series. Now in its fourth year, the show has received a nomination for the Children & Family Emmy Award and a Webby people’s choice award, and was also a finalist for the National Awards for Education Reporting.
My grandkids’ favorite kids content “Bluey, Paw Patrol and Daniel Tiger.”
Kids are more discerning than adults about Authenticity
Bin Jeong (The Pinkfong Company)
As the creator behind the catchy hit “Baby Shark,” which has been played an astounding 14 billion times on YouTube, I’ve become like a digital nanny for kids worldwide. Our YouTube channel, established in 2011, boasts an impressive 76 million subscribers. Recently, we surpassed the 100 billion view milestone across our channels. Since taking over in 2016, I’ve been at the helm of expanding the Baby Shark brand, which now includes multiple shows, live tours, and a tidal wave of merchandise.
Children have a keen eye for what’s entertaining, making them an unparalleled gauge of amusement. They absorb and appreciate content swiftly and authentically, reflecting the very heart of entertainment – happiness.
Sasha Junk (Kidz Bop)
For over two decades following its debut, the children’s music group Kidz Bop, known for kid-appropriate covers of popular tunes, continues to lead as the top youth music brand, amassing over 11 billion streams. Junk has served as the company’s president since 2000 and recently renewed a tour agreement with LiveNation across North America while simultaneously initiating a first-ever tour in the U.K. Future endeavors involve an exclusive clothing partnership and multiple film and television productions.
The kids content I genuinely enjoy as an adult (besides my own)
“Bluey! I’m also looking forward to the [Apple TV+] reboot of Yo Gabba Gabba!“
Jennifer Lee (Walt Disney Animation)
As a creative powerhouse in the gaming world, I’ve been juggling an action-packed lineup at our animation studio. Fresh off the success of ‘Wish’, which I co-wrote, and the upcoming series ‘Iwájú’, I’m diving headfirst into exciting new projects like the highly anticipated sequel to ‘Moana’, featuring Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson (hitting theaters November 27). I can’t wait to share ‘Zootopia 2’ with you, and of course, more adventures in the enchanting world of ‘Frozen’. Disney’s Bob Iger has hinted at a third installment slated for 2026, and there’s even talk about a fourth one being in development!
Children often have a keen eye for interpreting the themes and character arcs in films. It’s fascinating to hear their perspectives because they usually hit the mark with their insights, being both straightforward and inspiring when asked, “What is this movie about?” On the other hand, adults sometimes make the story more about their personal experiences, opinions, or relationships.
Steve Loter, Rodney Clouden & Pilar Flynn (‘Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’)
Executive producer Loter emphasizes that both accurate casting and trusting the creative freedom of the team are crucial factors in the success of the Disney Channel series. This team consists of fellow producers Clouden and Flynn. The series centers around 13-year-old genius Lunella Lafayette and her dinosaur companion, which is inspired by Marvel Comics characters with the same names. Following its initial season, the program topped the Children’s & Family Emmys with five wins.
The trend in kids content I never could have predicted
“CLOUDEN The remarkable influence of the 2D animated series, Bluey, truly amazes me. It’s heartwarming to see how it has managed to capture the affection of countless individuals.”
In five years, kids will be watching on …
FLYNN The VR headsets offer personalized virtual theaters where friends, no matter their location, can join in as distinctive digital characters representing themselves!
Chris Meledandri (Illumination)
In the last ten years, Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination, has achieved remarkable success, but the past year has been exceptionally rewarding for this influential studio leader. Highlights include the $1.3 billion earnings from The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the announcement of a sequel due in 2026. Additionally, Migration grossed close to $300 million, an impressive box office figure for a non-franchise animated film that still seemed like a small appetizer compared to Despicable Me 4, which is quickly approaching the $1 billion mark in earnings. Moreover, Meledandri was recently announced as a producer on Shrek 5 for DreamWorks, adding to his impressive portfolio that includes films from the Ice Age, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing franchises, as well as being a former president of 20th Century Fox Animation and current board member at Nintendo.
Peter Rida Michail (‘Teen Titans Go!’)
Michael has been steering the ship of the “Teen Titans Go!” series since it debuted in 2013, as this show based on DC Comics characters continues to air on Nickelodeon. Michael also directed the big-screen adaptation, “Teen Titans Go! To the Movies,” which was released in 2018. Over the years, this animated series has earned several nominations for prestigious awards such as Emmys, Kids’ Choice Awards, and BAFTA Awards. The popularity of “Teen Titans Go!” demonstrated that these heroes were ready for their own movie, paving the way for DC Film Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran to approve a live-action adaptation.
As an adult, I truly appreciate the children’s shows beyond just my own, and among them, “The Amazing World of Gumball” stands out with its clever writing, delightful character designs, and fantastic animation.
Ramsey Naito (Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon)
Under Naito’s leadership, Nickelodeon and Paramount’s animation divisions have transitioned into the IP era within Paramount Global, expanding on popular franchises such as SpongeBob SquarePants, whose spinoff movie “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie” premiered on Netflix in early August. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also made a comeback on August 9th on Paramount+. The revamped Dora series is currently in its second season, while a modern take on The Fairly OddParents debuted earlier this year. Additionally, Naito unveiled a lineup of original animated films at the Annecy festival in June, featuring projects like one from Will Ferrell and a Swan Lake adaptation.
Hollywood is talking about “trends …”
When it should be talking about “timeless stories that are relatable and emotionally impactful.”
“I never fathomed such a trend, but the allure of digital platforms has undeniably captivated young minds, transforming the playing field.”
Chris Prynoski & Shannon Prynoski (Titmouse)
Operated by the humorous duo Chris and Shannon Prynoski (feel free to check out their quirky official portraits on their website), Titmouse is the go-to studio for networks and streaming platforms in need of top-notch animation for their shows. Established as a T-shirt business in 2000, this L.A. studio has collaborated with virtually everyone in town. Some of their recent works include Amazon’s ‘Angry Birds: Mystery Island’, Disney’s ‘Stugo’, and Paramount+’s ‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’, which was co-created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.
Raven-Symoné (‘Alice in the Palace’)
Raven-Symoné, known for her success in The Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven” (aired from 2003 to 2007), is leveraging her expertise and impact within children’s content to create programming for the future. She has recently sealed a comprehensive deal with Disney Branded Television, initiating production on her “Alice in the Palace” pilot, a spinoff of “Raven’s Home”, which was a spinoff of the original “That’s So Raven”. Beyond this project, Raven-Symoné will also be responsible for producing, directing, and developing further multicamera comedy projects for the network, both on traditional TV and streaming platforms.
The kids content more people should know “Toddlers Can Read on YouTube.”
In five years, kids will be watching on … “VR machines and phones.”
René Rechtman, Patrick Reese, Samreen Ghani & Richard Hickey (Moonbug Entertainment)
Established by Danish-British entrepreneur and former Disney executive Rechtman in 2018, Moonbug has garnered significant attention for its popular franchise, CoComelon (headed by Reese), which is comparable to Taylor Swift’s popularity among audiences older than 3, generating over 4 billion views per month across all platforms, making it the most viewed preschool brand globally. Under the leadership of Moonbug Studio President Ghani and Moonbug Entertainment CCO Hickey, the company has expanded its content, recently debuting its first original series on Disney+, Morphle and the Magic Pets, as well as international adaptations for both CoComelon and Blippi.
In five years, kids will be watching content on …
RECHTMAN “multiple screens across YouTube, Netflix and Disney.”
The kids content I genuinely enjoy as an adult (besides my own)
“Mom or Dad We’re all about what our children are interested in right now. At the moment, we’re having a great time watching ‘PAW Patrol’ and ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ as a family.”
Rick Riordan, Jon Steinberg & Dan Shotz (‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’)
After nearly three years of growing anticipation, the long-awaited Percy Jackson TV series finally premiered in December and exceeded the high expectations of fans from various generations. Author Rick Riordan, who wrote the Percy Jackson books and plays an active role as executive producer and writer on the show, collaborated with Steinberg and Shotz to create Disney+’s most successful series that isn’t associated with Star Wars or Marvel. Production for season two has begun, and it is expected to air in 2025.
The kids content I genuinely enjoy as an adult (besides my own)
STEINBERG “Some of the best writing on television, in any genre, is being done on Bluey.”
The kids content my kids prefer (besides my own)
SHOTZ “Bluey, Bluey and more Bluey.”
Angela Santomero (‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’)
Santomero, a multiple Emmy-winning producer, initially started her career as a researcher at Nickelodeon. Over time, she co-created the legendary series ‘Blue’s Clues’, created ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ and ‘Super Why!’, and hosted ‘The Parent Show’, a parenting series on PBS. More recently, she collaborated with Netflix on ‘Charlie’s Colorforms City’, a show that educates children about colors and shapes. Notably, her latest accomplishment is the book ‘Life Clues’, which utilizes the insights of children to discover the secrets for living an exceptional life.
“In five years, children will experience content in fully interactive and immersive settings, all for the better.”
Josh Scherba (WildBrain)
Scherba was appointed CEO of WildBrain last year and has been with the studio since it was founded in 2006. He has helped build and foster WildBrain’s relationships with several companies including Apple TV+, Netflix, Amazon, SEGA, YouTube, the BBC, LEGO and Mattel. Recently announced projects at the Canadian entertainment company include the live-action Yo Gabba GabbaLand!, released on Apple TV+ on Aug. 9, along with the development of a Minecraft animated series adaptation in partnership with Netflix and the game’s creator, Mojang Studios.
Children often show a keen eye for discovering fresh ways and venues to enjoy content. They’ve consistently led the way in embracing new video-on-demand formats on platforms like YouTube and non-YouTube AVOD, and they usually set the trend for future consumption patterns.
In five years, kids will be watching on …
As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the evolving trend in media consumption. Personally, I see kids delving deeper into tailored content journeys on their individual screens, propelled by algorithms that cater to their unique preferences. On the other hand, families are gravitating towards shared experiences on larger screens, where stories resonate with children while still maintaining a broad appeal. This shift towards joint viewing is largely fueled by parents’ efforts to curb screen time on personal devices.
Josh Silverman (Mattel Television)
In his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Mattel, Silverman has played a significant part in capitalizing on the success of the blockbuster film “Barbie” from last year, which garnered eight Oscar nominations and won for best song. Mattel’s 2024 schedule was packed with events such as the premieres of Netflix’s animated series “Hot Wheels Let’s Race” and “Masters of the Universe: Revolution,” with the latter spearheaded by showrunner Kevin Smith. Moreover, Mattel plans to reintroduce its popular purple dinosaur this year through a new animated program titled “Barney’s World.” Other recent triumphs include the Roblox game “Barbie DreamHouse Tycoon,” which has been the platform’s most-visited branded experience since its debut last autumn.
The query I’m asked frequently regarding my job: “Amongst all the fantastic brands by Mattel, which one is your preferred? While I adore them all equally, Pingu definitely occupies a unique spot in my affections.”
Tara Sorensen (Apple TV+)
As the head of gaming content at Apple TV+, I’m proud to guide a team that has just shattered records, earning an impressive 27 nominations at the latest Children’s & Family Emmys. Among these nods, we garnered five for our live-action series, “Jane,” inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall herself. Our latest addition to the platform is the animated sci-fi show, “WondLa,” based on the books from renowned author Tony DiTerlizzi. We’ve also rekindled a beloved TV classic with the reboot of “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” and introduced a new Peanuts series, “Camp Snoopy.”
Kay Wilson Stallings (Sesame Workshop)
In the upcoming fall, the groundbreaking children’s television program, “Sesame Street,” will begin its 55th season. The focus this time is on promoting mental and emotional well-being among its young viewers. As Stallings explains, “We aim to celebrate everyday joy, help children understand and express their feelings, and assist parents in recognizing potential signs of mental health issues, all with the goal of fostering a solid foundation for future emotional health.”
David Steward II & Stephanie Sperber (Lion Forge Entertainment)
Established in 2019 by Steward, the son of billionaire entrepreneur David Steward, Lion Forge stands out as one of the few studios owned by Black individuals within the children’s sector. This studio is committed to narrating tales that resonate with and represent underrepresented groups. With industry veteran Sperber, who has managed kids and family divisions at Imagine and Universal, serving as president, Lion Forge has already garnered an Oscar for the 2019 animated short “Hair Love.” Recently, it has ventured beyond animation into live-action productions. In the past year, it has secured development deals with Nickelodeon, Penguin Random House, and other partners. One of its eagerly awaited projects is “Iyanu,” a 2D animated series inspired by Nigerian mythology, set to premiere on Max and Cartoon Network next year.
Kids are more discerning than adults about …
SPERBER “Authentic creativity. If something is too manufactured, kids will reject it.”
As a gamer, I totally concur! It’s a race against time when it comes to capturing a child’s interest. The way my profile appears on a streaming platform can make or break me – if it’s not appealing, I could lose potential viewers in the blink of an eye. Even if I manage to grab their attention initially, I’ve got just a minute or two to keep them engaged before they move on to something else. The stakes are high!
The trend I never could have predicted
“I wouldn’t have anticipated the widespread removal of children’s content from publishing. After all, a significant amount of TV programming originates from books. However, the increasing politicization of themes that were once seen as beneficial for young minds is likely to restrict and influence the types of stories that children will engage with as they grow.”
In five years, kids will be watching on …
ENTHUSIAST: “I believe virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies could revolutionize the way we consume content in the future. Instead of relying on physical screens, our content might be immersed within a virtual environment.”
Does AI have a role to play in kids content?
ADVISOR “I believe we could potentially utilize Artificial Intelligence to analyze children’s viewing patterns, which would enable creative professionals to more effectively match their ideas with content that appeals to young viewers.”
Brad Winderbaum (Marvel Studios Animation)
Marvel stands out as one of the rare entertainment brands catering to all ages, and in his role leading its television endeavors, Winderbaum covers the entire age range. This includes younger audiences through animated shows like “I Am Groot,” mature viewers with critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated series such as “X-Men ’97” and upcoming adult-oriented live-action projects like “Agatha All Along” and “Daredevil: Born Again.” While these last two are primarily for adults, it’s worth noting that kids are likely to tune in as well.
“Aside from my own, I truly appreciate cartoons like ‘The Amazing World of Gumball.’ In fact, I believe it’s one of the finest shows produced in the past decade.”
In five years, kids will be watching on … “Probably some technology that doesn’t even exist yet.”
In the August 14 edition of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine, I stumbled upon an intriguing tale. If you’d like to keep up with such exciting stories, consider subscribing here!
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2024-08-15 16:28