Tencent takes DHX kids’ shows

The reboot of Inspector Gadget will be available on Tencent

Chinese VoD giant Tencent has picked up more than 450 half-hours of children’s programming from Canada’s DHX Media.

The multi-year deal covers shows including the new version of Teletubbies and Inspector Gadget, as well as Twirlywoos, Super WHY!, Animal Mechanicals and Strawberry Shortcake, the latter available on an exclusive basis.

Tencent’s streaming subscribers will be able to watch the shows via its services across mainland China.

Josh Scherba, exec VP of distribution and content at DHX Media, said the deal with Tencent, which has “an incredibly robust and growing presence across the internet in China,” would allow millions of viewers to watch the series.

DHX Media has licensed more than 11,000 half-hours of content across numerous digital and linear services in China, leveraging more than 2,700 half-hours of Mandarin-dubbed content in its library.

Tencent has been ramping up its video operations over recent years, working on a local version of UK format Sexy Beasts and partnering with US-based talent firm WME-IMG’s expansion into China.