News round-up: BBC Studios announces ‘Bluey’ minisodes; Paramount+ renews ‘Lioness’; Sony rebooting ‘Charlie’s Angels’

Bluey (Source: BBC Studios)

BBC Studios announces ‘Bluey’ minisodes

BBC Studios has announced a series of 20 x 1-3-minute Bluey ‘minisodes’ which will launch on Australian broadcaster ABC, Disney Jr and Disney+ in July.

Written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and produced by Ludo Studio, the shortform episodes will be “funny and sweet” moments featuring Bluey and Bingo as well as new characters alongside fan favourites, including Unicorse, Nana and Bob Heeler.

Plots will include dad Bandit getting a ‘tattoo’ and behind the scenes at Bluey and Bingo’s dreamhouse.

Cecilia Persson, MD of BBC Studios Kids & Family, which jointly commissions Bluey with ABC Children’s, said: “The minisodes were created to dive deeper into the wonderful world and characters of Bluey, highlighting the cultural references and games that ignite joy amongst our fans. From Dad’s new robot to Unicorse’s no filter, we know fans will go wackadoo for this fantastic new content.”

Paramount+ renews ‘Lioness’

Paramount+ has renewed original espionage thriller series Lioness for a second season.

Hailing from Taylor Sheridan and produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, the series follows the life of Joe (Zoe Saldaña) while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror.

The cast also includes Laysla De Oliveira, Michael Kelly, Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman.

“Our Paramount+ audience resoundingly has joined forces in support of Lioness’ gripping, global story and the powerhouse performances from Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira and Nicole Kidman,” said Jeff Grossman, EVP of programming, Paramount+. “We cannot wait to see more of the heart-stopping suspense and action that Taylor Sheridan and the incredibly talented team deliver in its second season.”

Sony rebooting ‘Charlie’s Angels’ for tweens

Sony Pictures Television – Kids and Sony Pictures Television-backed Floresta, are teaming to produce a reimagined version of the Charlie’s Angels franchise for kids.

Being developed for tweens, the live action Portuguese-language series will be penned by Brazilian actress and writer, Suzana Pires.

The new Charlie’s Angels will be set in Latin America and will retain the brand’s core tenets “including high-octane action and comedy, a mysterious boss and empowered young female characters.”

The kids’ series will center around three pre-teens with different backgrounds and realities who are selected by a talent scout according to their special skills to join a secret school of spies called the Angels Academy.

“We’re excited to have an opportunity to evolve this incredible Sony IP for a younger modern audience,” said Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP & GM, SPT – Kids.