TV deal for Stephen Hawking toon

Canadian broadcaster TVO has partnered with celebrated theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and his author daughter Lucy on a science-themed animated kids series.

The show will be based on Lucy Hawking’s George Greenby books, which explores various aspects of STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

It will follow a pair of 11-year-old children that are taught by an artificial intelligence app that can transport the kids to anywhere in the universe. Each episode “will turn big science concepts into bite-sized information for kids, with a whimsical take on how the universe works”.

DHX Media is producing the show along with UK prodco Pure Grass Films co-financing, executive producing and distributing outside of Canada.

“We are delighted to be working with DHX and TVO to bring the wonder and joy of discovering the universe to kids through storytelling and animation,” said the Hawkings in a joint statement.

“It is very exciting to see our George book series transform into a visual medium, and we are thrilled about the potential to educate through entertainment.”

“This series will help strengthen kids’ essential STEM skills, demonstrating how to use and apply technology for learning, while teaching them about outer space through science, specifically physics,” said Pat Ellingson, creative head of children’s and parents’ media, TVO.

The show is scheduled for 39 half-hour episodes and includes a “robust” interactive mobile and web component.