Ready Jet Go!, the hit animated space-themed PBS KIDS series from Wind Dancer Films, will soon blast off to more markets around the globe, as international distributor CAKE has signed a number of new deals with broadcasters in various key territories. The broadcast deals follow the recent announcement about production of Season 2 of the show, which includes 24 episodes, an hour-long special and a collection of web games and mobile apps, set to begin rolling out in the USA in late 2017.
The new international broadcasters now counting down for Ready Jet Go! include:
- ABC (Australia)
- BBC Kids (Canada)
- Knowledge Network (Canada)
- YLE (Finland)
- NRK (Norway)
- SIC Television (Portugal)
- PBS (Thailand)
- MBC (Middle East)
“Ready Jet Go! has quickly taken off with U.S. audiences, and we’re thrilled about the warm reception that CAKE has received for the series from the international broadcast community,” said Wind Dancer Films, executive producer of the series, Dete Meserve. “Our mission with Ready Jet Go! is to encourage young viewers to engage in science in ways that spark their natural curiosity, broaden their horizons and deepen their connection to the universe. These new deals will extend all the rich learning opportunities of the series along with its music-filled, action-packed fun, to young viewers all around the world,” she added.
“We’re very excited to be furthering the international expansion of such a standout show,” said CAKE, CCO and MD, Ed Galton. “Ready Jet Go! delivers on multiple levels and the series’ strong entertainment factor and humour-infused storylines are universally appealing to young children and their families. We look forward to continuing to work alongside Wind Dancer to bring the series to even more global markets.”
Since its February premiere on PBS KIDS, Ready Jet Go! has reached 22 million viewers, including 7.6 million kids on linear TV. Ready Jet Go! content has been streamed more than 93 million times since January. A wide-ranging consumer products program to include licensed toys, publishing and apparel is also on the horizon.
Ready Jet Go! was created by Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold!, Dinosaur Train) with a focus on astronomy, technology, scientific exploration, innovation, and invention while offering entertainment, music and physical and character-based humour. Aimed at three to eight year olds, the series follows Jet Propulsion, the new kid in town who is an alien from outer space, along with his earth friends, Sean and Sydney. Together, the trio sets out on an astronomical adventure exploring the solar system and how it affects the Earth, while learning about friendship and teamwork along the way.
Ready Jet Go! is produced by Wind Dancer Films with the company’s Dete Meserve and founders Matt Williams and David McFadzean as executive producers. Major funding for the series is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). International distribution excluding USA and Canada (but including broadcast rights for the latter) is handled by CAKE.