Cartoon Network has given the green light to two new animated comedy series: Steven Universe and Uncle Grandpa.
Created by Adventure Time writer and storyboard artist Rebecca Sugar, Steven Universe is a coming-of-age story told from the perspective of the youngest member of a team of magical Guardians of the Universe. Uncle Grandpa, created by veteran storyboard artist and writer Peter Browngardt, is based upon his Emmy-nominated short of the same name and follows the exploits of Uncle Grandpa — everyone in the world’s “magical’ uncle and grandpa.
Here’s a look at that original short:
Both series come out of the network’s shorts development initiative at Cartoon Network Studios in Burbank. Preproduction has begun on both series, with premieres expected in 2013.
“Steven Universe and Uncle Grandpa will build upon our record-breaking streak with original programming, and further define the voice for Cartoon Network Studios comedies,” said Cartoon Network Chief Content Officer Rob Sorcher. “Rebecca and Pete represent our next generation of homegrown talent, following Pendleton Ward and J.G. Quintel who set a high bar with their distinctive visual storytelling and unique comedic styles.”
Sugar became a storyboard artist and writer on Adventure Time in 2009 after graduating from the School of Visual Arts. The first episode she boarded, “It Came From the Nightosphere,” was nominated for an Emmy and included the first song she wrote for the series, “Daddy, Why Did You Eat My Fries?” which quickly became a fan favorite. Since then, she’s written 17 songs for the show and has storyboarded some of Adventure Time’s most acclaimed episodes. Sugar was nominated for an Annie Award for her storyboards on the Adventure Time season two finale, “Mortal Folly.”
After studying character animation at CalArts, Browngardt started working professionally on Futurama at age 19, followed by stints with Industrial Light and Magic, Augenblick Studios and MTV Animation. Since then Browngardt has worked on a number of Cartoon Network series including Chowder, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack and Adventure Time. Most recently Browngardt was the creator and executive producer of the award-winning Cartoon Network animated series Secret Mountain Fort Awesome.
