Netflix preps more CoComelon, Baby Bum

CoComelon first gained popularity on YouTube

Netflix and LA- and London-based children’s content company Moonbug Entertainment are working on new CoComelon and Little Baby Bum preschool series and specials.

The two will produce new specials, nursery rhyme compilations (4×60′) and three seasons (24×7′) of CoComelon Lane, based on the successful YouTube property.

Little Baby Bum: Music Time (48×7′), meanwhile, will premiere in 2023 and provide preschoolers with their first exploration of rhythms, sounds, instruments and other music fundamentals.

Both CoComelon and Little Baby Bum library catalogues will also be available on Netflix to stream, having initially found an audience of millions on YouTube.

Heather Tilert, director of original animation in preschool at Netflix, said: “CoComelon and Little Baby Bum are loved by kids and families all over the globe. We’re thrilled to partner with Moonbug to expand the worlds of both shows, and to bring our youngest viewers even more songs, stories and adventures from some of their favourite animated friends.”

René Rechtman, co-founder and CEO at Moonbug, added: “With so many options available to kids and families, the popularity of Moonbug’s series on Netflix speaks volumes.”

In related news, Netflix and Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) have signed a multi-year exclusive licensing deal in the US for animated feature films.

The Netflix window will begin after a four-month window on NBCUniversal-owned US streamer Peacock. This new agreement builds upon Netflix’s pre-existing output deal with Universal to now include content from fellow Comcast subsidiary DreamWorks Animation. Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish will be among the initial 2022 offerings.

As part of the deal, Netflix will also license rights to the full animated and live-action slate from UFEG about four years after release, as well as rights to select titles from Universal’s movie library.