YouTube Originals Kids & Family today released the official trailer for its newest series, Jam Van, and announced the new lineup of celebrity voice talent and musical guests. From the Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning team of Believe Entertainment Group (Dear Basketball), composer/producer Bill Sherman (Hamilton, In the Heights, Sesame Street) and animation studio Global Mechanic comes a road-tripping, original music series for preschool kids and families.
The 8 x 11′ series launches January 19 at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET with two new episodes featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda and Brandi Carlile. Thereafter, new episodes of Jam Van will roll-out weekly on Thursdays on the YouTube Originals for Kids & Family channel and the YouTube Kids app.
“We came up with the idea for Jam Van with the intention of creating a funny, music-filled show that would expand young kids’ world and foster a sense of openness and an appreciation for each other’s similarities and differences. And we are thrilled to have this incredible roster of musical artists and comedic talent along for the ride,” said Bill Sherman and Brian Hunt, co-creators and executive producers.
Craig Hunter, Global Head of Kids & Family, for YouTube Originals, added, “Jam Van will greatly appeal to our preschool and bridge audiences with its fun characters and catchy original songs, but it’s also perfect for families to enjoy together. With a line-up of incredible artists kicking-off with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Brandi Carlile, this show is for music lovers of any age.”
The series is a blend of animation and live action, with each episode following the animated music-loving best friends Lamb (voiced by Pete Lee) and Anne the Alligator (Nicole Byer) who travel to new locations around the country, where they meet up with famous live-action musical artist friends who help them tackle a relatable social-emotional learning challenge with the assistance of a new original song they sing together. The series also features the voice of Marc Maron as Grumpy GPS.
The trailer highlights the series’ diverse roster of musical artists and the locations they are featured in, including Boyz II Men (Philadelphia), Brandi Carlile (Seattle), Sheryl Crow (Nashville), Daveed Diggs (Oakland), Fitz and The Tantrums (Los Angeles), Lin-Manuel Miranda (New York), Old Crow Medicine Show (Virginia) and Trombone Shorty (New Orleans).
Jam Van is produced by Believe Entertainment Group, Bill Sherman’s Pop Music Misery, Inc. and animation studio Global Mechanic. Craig Hunter is Global Head of Kids & Family Originals for YouTube with Zoë Di Stefano and Daniel Haack serving as creative leads on the series.
