Nickelodeon and LAFIG Belgium and IMPS, the worldwide licensors for The Smurfs, are partnering to bring a new original CG-animated series based on the iconic property. It will feature Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty and the rest and is set to premiere in 2021.
In addition to the content partnership, ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP) will manage consumer products licensing for The Smurfs property across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Malaysia. VCP will seek new merchandising and promotional partners in select categories and territories for The Smurfs classic brand, in addition to a new product line for the new animated series The Smurfs, spanning categories including toys, stationery, apparel and accessories, home, consumer packaged goods and more, to launch at retail in 2022.
Produced by Peyo Productions and Dupuis Edition and Audiovisuel, The Smurfs is directed by William Renaud (Calimero, Casper’s Scare School, A Kind of Magic) and written by Peter Saisselin (Sonic Boom, ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks) and Amy Serafin (Sonic Boom, ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks).
The Smurfs series will be overseen by senior vice president, global acquisitions and content partnerships Layla Lewis and senior vice president current series animation Dana Cluverius.
This partnership expands Nickelodeon’s growing portfolio of influential properties that already includes SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Blue’s Clues & You!, the first-ever SpongeBob spinoff, Kamp Koral, and new animated Star Trek series.