A certain oversized housepet is ready to make a big comeback, as Scholastic prepares to rolls out a new TV series, global licensing program and full-scale publishing initiative for Clifford the Big Red Dog — as well as a new live-action/animation hybrid movie in the works at Paramount Pictures. The refresh will see Clifford put his best paw forward with a whole new look for the famous pup and his best friend, Emily Elizabeth.
The new Clifford the Big Red Dog TV series (39 x 22’) is produced by Scholastic Entertainment with the help of 100 Chickens and 9 Story/Brown Bag Films, and will introduce new adventures and characters, more colorful locations around Birdwell Island, a new art style and an original song in every episode. Viewers will be introduced with plenty of humor to a curriculum focused on imaginative play, early literacy and social-emotional skills. And, for the first time, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth will speak to one another. The Big Red Dog’s young human companion has been developed into a stronger, more independent character to inspire today’s girls.
The new show is set to premiere in the U.S. on Amazon Prime Video and PBS KIDS in fall 2019. The first 13 episodes available will be available for international broadcast beginning January 2020.
“We’re thrilled about bringing the new Clifford the Big Red Dog television series to viewers around the world,” said Caitlin Friedman, co-executive producer and VP & General Manager of Scholastic Entertainment. “With messages of friendship, love and kindness at its core, this show will help reinforce important social-emotional concepts for young viewers as they learn and grow along with Clifford and Emily Elizabeth.”
Complimenting the cartoon will be a big book collection, with the first three series-styled titles launching in the U.S. next year (a swimming story in May, a back-to-school adventure in July, and a “Welcome to Birdwell Island” book timed to the series debut). Additional books as well as a new edition of the original Clifford story will add to the extensive backlist of classic titles — currently there are more than 133 million Clifford books in print in 16 different languages.
“Clifford the Big Red Dog has been a beloved friend to children and families around the world for more than 50 years through the popular and enduring Scholastic books by Norman Bridwell,” said Debra Dorfman, VP & Publisher Global Licensing, Brands & Media, Scholastic Inc. “With a new television series, licensing program, movie and more on the way, we’re delighted to help reinvigorate the larger-than-life brand with a wide-ranging publishing program that will introduce Clifford, Emily Elizabeth and their friends to today’s young readers in fresh and exciting ways.”
