Acclaimed creator Marc Brown’s animated children’s show Hop is set to debut on 4 April on Max in the US, with a total of twenty-six episodes are set to roll out this year.
Co-creators and fellow Arthur alums, Peter K. Hirsch and Tolon Brown join Marc in bringing his beloved children’s book illustrations to life on Hop, produced by Epic Story Media and animated by Loomi Animation.
“I am beyond excited to finally share Hop on 4 April on Max,” said Brown. “I believe we’ve created a safe, inviting show that will challenge our viewers to understand and appreciate people who are not like them, and to encourage children to act with tolerance and kindness. This show is a labour of love, and I hope it brings joy and inspiration to children and families everywhere.”
“Working with Marc, Peter and Tolon has been an absolute pleasure. Their commitment to inclusive story-telling and their skill at leading our entire creative team has been inspiring for everyone. I am especially proud of the authentic casting and the diverse writers and creative team we brought together for this series,” said Epic Story Media founder Ken Faier. “Our goal has always been to make epic content for kids with the world’s best creators. It’s a wonderful achievement and we are thrilled to be working with the team at Max and Warner Bros. Discovery. More announcements from around the world to come!”
Official synopsis reads: Hop follows an eclectic group of besties whose comedic adventures teach preschoolers to embrace their own, and others’, uniqueness. Led by Hop, an enthusiastic, empathetic frog with one leg shorter than the other, he and his quirky friends address kid-relatable challenges with a healthy dose of laughter, silliness, and adventure. Set in the aspirational community of Fair Village, every episode is grounded in emotional reality but soars into the world of fantasy, populated by dragons, trolls, and talking banjos. With a gentle balance of humour and heart, our heroes promise to captivate audiences with delightful journeys filled with friendship, valuable life lessons and endless possibilities.
The premiere of Hop marks a significant milestone in inclusive children’s entertainment, with the entire ensemble cast coping with some type of disability, helping kids relate to, and better understand, others—challenges that are often also reflected in the show. RespectAbility, the esteemed advocacy nonprofit organisation fighting stigma and advancing opportunity for people with disabilities, was brought on to consult on the series. With its enchanting animation, lovable characters, and meaningful storytelling, Hop is set to become a new favourite for audiences both big and small.