The Smurfs have been entertaining and bringing joy to generation after generation for decades – from a nine-season long TV show to three, blockbuster hit movies, several video games and more – and it looks like these fun-loving creatures are going to be embarking on a whole lot more adventures! Nickelodeon recently announced its terrific partnership with LAFIG Belgium and IMPS to create a brand new CG-animated series based on the iconic property. We’ll get to see fan-favorite characters including Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty, Clumsy and the rest of The Smurfs crew have many more heart-warming and hilarious moments in the much-anticipated series set to premiere in 2021 in the U.S., followed by Nickelodeon channels internationally.
To add onto all of the Smurf-tastic excitement, ViacomCBS Consumer Products also announced it will be launching a product line based on the new animated series of The Smurfs. According to the press release, the product line will “span categories including toys, stationery, apparel and accessories, home, consumer packaged goods and more” and is set to release at retail in 2022.
“The Smurfs is an iconic global franchise that has resonated with audiences for decades,” said Pam Kaufman, President, ViacomCBS Consumer Products. “By partnering with LAFIG, we are able to join our creative forces to bring an all-new line of consumer products across multiple categories to consumers, along with a fresh and original animated series” (source: press release).
Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships, shared her enthusiasm over the partnership and said, “The Smurfs have entertained generations of kids and families globally, and we are thrilled to bring these identifiable characters, their stories and universal themes of cooperation, sharing and caring for their community to Nickelodeon” (source: press release).
The Smurfs is a beloved franchise for people of all ages. We know that this all-new animated series set to premiere on Nickelodeon will continue to encourage co-viewing between kids and their parents and will transport all viewers to the magical and mystical mushroom village of The Smurfs.
“I am extremely proud and happy to have Nickelodeon and its fantastic team to represent our Smurf brand both for the broadcast of our beautiful new TV series and as an agent. We are making history again more than 40 years after the global success of the first TV series of the Smurfs, which is broadcast in more than 100 countries still today! I am convinced that we could not have found a better partner to smurf our beautiful blue planet,” said Véronique Culliford, Founder & President of IMPS/LAFIG” (source: press release).
The Smurfs is produced by Peyo Productions and Dupuis Edition & Audiovisuel. It is directed by William Renaud (Calimero, Casper’s Scare School, A Kind of Magic) and written by Peter Saisselin (Sonic Boom, Alvin!!! And the Chipmunks) and Amy Serafin (Sonic Boom, Alvin!!! And the Chipmunks).
I am so thrilled that The Smurfs have officially joined the ever-growing and wonderful Nickelodeon family. I can’t wait to see all of the fun that will happen in each and every episode of this extraordinary, upcoming series. Comment below and tell me or tweet me at @alexisjoyvipacc, are you excited to see the brand new The Smurfs series?