CBBC, iPlayer spin off cheerleading teen drama from Boat Rocker’s The Next Step

Boat Rocker Studios Next Step: Cheer follows a cheerleading team

CBBC and BBC iPlayer in the UK have greenlit a spin-off from Boat Rocker Studios’ long-running dance-focused teenage drama The Next Step.

Next Step: Cheer (20×24’), set in the world of competitive cheerleading, was developed by Courtney Jane Walker (Holly Hobbie) and Matt Huether (Degrassi: Next Class), who serve as showrunners and executive producers. Production is currently underway.

The spin-off follows The Next Step character Kenzie (Emmerly Tinglin) as she steps in to run cheerleading team the Comets after their legendary coach leaves. The cast also includes Carter Musselman, Hattie Kragten, Neo Brunton, Malia VJ Tinglin and Elya Wardini.

The Next Step: Cheer is produced and distributed globally by Toronto-based Boat Rocker Studios. It is based on the original series created by Frank Van Keeken (Lost & Found Music Studios, Wingin’ It).

Executive producers on the project include Boat Rocker’s David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg, Nick Nantell and Jon Rutherford, in addition to Amy Wright.

For CBBC, the series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, senior head of BBC children’s commissioning for ages seven and above. The commissioning editor is Aubrey Clarke.