Lat Am remake for Hi-5

MIPJUNIOR: A broadcaster in Latin America is developing a new version of children’s TV format Hi-5 after linking up with the Australian company behind the original.

Discovery Kids Latin America’s remake of Hi-5 will be available in both Spanish and Portuguese with regional cast members from Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina set to star in the show.

The preschool pay-TV network will coproduce the format with the series’ original producer Hi-5 World, the distribution arm of which has previously sold remake rights to broadcasters in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Discovery Kids has also picked up two new seasons of the Australian Hi-5 series, which focuses on a children’s pop group, and will begin airing the episodes in November. The deal was struck with the help of Hispanic distributor Comarex.

“Hi-5 has universal themes such as exploration, friendship, creativity, and learning. These qualities make the show accessible to almost any culture”, said Jared Lim, chairman of Hi-5 World.