WildBrain and Mattel Inc. announce new seasons of kids’ shows Fireman Sam and Polly Pocket, based on the popular Mattel brands.
Fireman Sam and the Pontypandy Rescue Team are returning to save the day on land, at sea and in the air with two new CG-animated seasons of Fireman Sam. Season 14 is scheduled to premiere in December 2022 and season 15 will debut in June 2023, with each season bringing 26 x 11-minute episodes. The fresh seasons feature a host of nail-biting emergencies, plus newcomer pilot Krystyna in a shiny new rescue plane, a freshly built airport, exciting upgrades to the team’s Jupiter fire engine and wonderful new friends to help!
Also returning is Polly Pocket, based on Mattel’s original micro-scale doll brand. In season five of Polly Pocket, slated for March 2023 release, Polly shares her magic pockite with her friends, now they all have their own unique powers! Together they’ll explore fantastical, tiny worlds that are full of big surprises. The new season for the 2D-animated series will consist of 26 x 11-minute episodes and the release of Polly Pocket: Sparkle Cove Adventure, a 66-minute special. In Sparkle Cove Adventure, Polly discovers the hidden world of Sparkle Cove – a marvellous, tropical island paradise and the origin of the magical pockite that gives Polly her shrinking powers. The release will mark the first special for Polly Pocket since Mattel relaunched the brand in 2018.
Mattel Television content distribution VP Alex Godfrey said, “We are thrilled to see the continued support and excitement for Fireman Sam and Polly Pocket around the world. As these iconic Mattel properties continue to resonate with audiences globally, we look forward to sharing more stories and adventures for years to come.”
WildBrain global sales and rights strategy VP Caroline Tyre said, “Global demand from broadcasters and streamers for both Fireman Sam and Polly Pocket remains very strong. These beloved series continue to delight and educate kids with compelling characters and stories filled with action and humour. We’re pleased to continue working with Mattel to deliver even more Sam and Polly for kids around the world to enjoy.”
New distribution deals
WildBrain has secured multiple new streaming and broadcast deals for Fireman Sam and Polly Pocket. In deals that include the new seasons of Fireman Sam, ABC Kids (Australia) and HOP! (Israel) have picked seasons 13-15, MiniMini+ (Poland) has picked seasons 14 and 15, and Cartoonito (U.K. and Ireland) and NRK Super (Norway) have picked seasons 13 and 14. Season 13 of Fireman Sam has been picked up by KiKA (Germany), Amazon Prime Video (U.K., Ireland, Germany), Milkshake! (U.K.), RTE Jr. (Ireland), Cartoonito (Italy), France Télévisions (France), MiniMini+ (Poland), and Vudu (U.S.).
Seasons four and five of Polly Pocket have been picked up by Minimax (CEE excluding Poland). Seasons three and four by Netflix (US, U.K.); POP (U.K.), Amazon Kids+ (U.S.); Discovery Kids (LatAm); Family Channel (Canada); teleTOON+ (Poland); Gulli, M6 and Tiji (France, French-speaking EMEA); Cartoonito and Boomerang (Italy and Turkey); SUPER RTL (Germany, Austria, Switzerland); KidZone TV (Baltics); BIGI (Israel); Channel 9 (Australia); TVNZ (New Zealand); Vudu (U.S.); and EITB (Spain). Season three has also been picked up by Amazon Prime Video (U.K., France, Italy) and Astro (Malaysia and Brunei).
The new greenlights and distribution deals are part of a multi-year, co-development, production, distribution and licensing agreement between Mattel and WildBrain. The new seasons of Fireman Sam and Polly Pocket are being produced at WildBrain’s Vancouver animation studio.