The Hub announces first original series and pick ups

Discovery and Hasbro-backed kids channel The Hub has announced a slew of original and acquired series ahead of its launch this October. Ahead of its upfront presentation to advertisers, The Hub’s president, Margaret Loesch gave details of six original and ten acquired  series that will appear on the network.

The original programming line-up includes Islam-inspired animated series The 99, which is produced by Endemol and Teksheel Media.

Making use of Hasbro IP there is an animated G.I. Joe series, G.I. Joe Renegades, produced by Hasbro Studios. Also from Hasbro’s production arm is Pound Puppies, about a band of dogs who find homes for puppies in need, and Family Game Night, a gameshow with rounds inspired by Hasbro games including Connect4 and Bop-It.

There are two original series from The Hatchery, the US indie founded by Loesch. Dan Vs., produced in association with Starz’ Film Roman, follows misanthropic Dan and sidekick Chris as they take on the frustrations of modern life. The other Hatchery series is horror anthology R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour.

The network also announced ten acquired series that will be making their US premiere. These include Decode’s Animal Mechanicals, Moonscoop’s Cosmic Quantum Ray and Henson series Fraggle Rock.

The other series are Deltora Quest (Dentsu), Maryoku Mummy (DQ Entertainment), Meerkat Manor (Oxford Scientific Films), Strawberry Shortcake (American Greetings), The WotWots (Weta Workshop), Twisted Whiskers (American Greetings) and Family Movie Night, a film strand with titles to be announced.