CBC Kids heads into Aunty B’s House for foster-care preschool series

Aunty B’s House is created by and stars Khalilah Brooks

CBC Kids, the children’s content hub of Canadian public broadcaster CBC, has commissioned a live-action preschool series from Toronto-based Headspinner Productions.

Aunty B’s House (20×7’), created by and starring Khalilah Brooks, is based on Brooks’ own experiences growing up in the Canadian foster care system.

The sitcom, which is currently in production, aims to present themes that are not typically found in preschool television shows, including becoming a new foster child and social worker visits.

In addition to Brooks, who plays the lead character, Aunty B, the series also stars Luke Dietz (Happy House of Frightenstein), Nendia Lewars (Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat) as Khalilah and Claire Poon (Blues Clues & You).

Kara Harun (Abroad, You’re My Hero) is showrunner, with Headspinner Productions’ principals Michelle Melanson and Ken Cuperus serving as executive producers. Headspinner holds worldwide rights outside of Canada.

In addition to the CBC, the project received financial support from the Canada Media Fund and the Shaw Rocket Fund.

“Aunty B’s House is an incredible property based on a character Khalilah created from her extraordinary life experience and has been performing in theatres for Canadian children for years,” said Melanson.

Swin Chang, executive in charge of development and production at CBC Kids, added: “The series will authentically represent the experience of growing up in foster care in an age-appropriate manner, while also sharing the warmth of the family’s love and support for one another.”