Apple TV+ spies Harriet deal

Nickelodeon’s 1996 version of Harriet the Spy

Apple TV+ has greenlit an animated adaptation of Harriet the Spy, starring Beanie Feldstein and Jane Lynch, based on the classic children’s novel.

Set in 1960s New York, which was when the original book was published, the series will see Feldstein voice the fiercely independent, adventurous and curious 11-year-old Harriet.

It marks the first animated adaptation of Louise Fitzhugh’s novel, which has previously been adapted into feature-length live-action projects by Nickelodeon in 1996 and Disney Channel in 2010, as well as a live-action series in the 2000s.

The new series, from The Jim Henson Company (TJHC) and Rehab Entertainment, will be written and executive produced by Will McRobb, co-creator of The Adventures of Pete & Pete, while Sidney Clifton (Black Panther) is the producer.

Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford will executive produce on behalf of TJHC, while John W Hyde and Terissa Kelton will exec produce for Rehab Entertainment.

Wendy Moss-Klein and Nancy Steingard of 2 Friends Entertainment will also serve as exec producers. Titmouse Animation Studios will animate the series.

It expands Apple’s partnership with TJHC, which has so far seen the two premiere the original series Fraggle Rock: Rock On!, and develop a separate reboot of Fraggle Rock.

Apple TV+ is also home to a growing number of original kids’ and family series, including programmes from Sesame Workshop and Peanuts, plus forthcoming series based on the stories and illustrations of Maurice Sendak.