C5’s Milkshake! catches Gigglebug

Channel 5 in the UK has acquired Finnish children’s show Gigglebug and will make the series available via its Milkshake! branded digital services.

Gigglebug was originally ordered by YLE and SRF

The show is produced by Finland’s Gigglebug Entertainment and sold by Germany’s WDR Media Group (WDRMG). It will be available exclusively on Milkshake!’s newly launched YouTube channel from today, as well as on the kids block’s website.

The preschool show, originally commissioned by YLE in Finland and SRF in Switzerland, follows a little bug with a distinctive laugh who has a knack for turning around sticky situations and helping his friends.

Stefanie Fischer, head of content at WDRMG, said: “Starting a new YouTube channel with Gigglebug fits perfectly to the brand, as it originated in the digital world.

“This kind of distribution by Channel 5 is a great opportunity for the series to expand on the existing fan base in the English-speaking territories.”

The app on which the series is based has been downloaded more than one million times, according to WDRMG.

In related news, preschool show Puffin Rock will begin airing on Milkshake! following a deal between C5 and Hoho Rights, which distributes the rights to the show internationally, excluding China.

The show is a coproduction between Cartoon Saloon in Ireland and Penguin Random House and Dog Ears in the UK. It follows a family of puffins and features narration from Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids).