In addition to expanding its original slate of dramas and comedies, Netflix is also looking to add new original content to its selection of children’s shows. (In case you didn’t know, Netflix has an entire section of its streaming site dedicated to kids under 12; other programming there comes from PBS, Disney Channel, Dreamworks, and more — but there’s no such thing as having too much TV content for kids!)
One of the new shows is Tarzan and Jane, an adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ stories, but with a modern day take. The series, set to launch in 2016, features a 16 year-old Tarzan, who returns from the African jungle to a boarding school in London. There, he meets up with his soulmate Jane, who (according to a press release), “helps him solve environmental injustice, crimes, and mysteries.” The eight-episode season comes from executive producer Avi Arad, who also developed another upcoming series, Kong — King of the Apes.
Kong, too, will be presenting a new take on an old tale. Taking pace in 2050, Kong — the strongest creature on Earth, born with many human traits — has become a hero. But,
In Kong, the future looks bright for San Franciscos Alcatraz Island since its transformation into the most impressive Natural History and Marine Preserve on the planet. But when the star attraction suddenly goes ape and Kong becomes public enemy number one, the villain that framed him is free to unleash an army of gigantic robotic dinosaurs on the unsuspecting world. Ironically, Kong is the only force formidable enough to stop these super-powered dinosaurs and the evil genius manipulating them. But Kong is now the worlds most hunted fugitive. Fortunately, there are three young humans who know the truth and are willing to risk their lives to help Kong evade capture, while he battles to save humankind.
Other series that Netflix has acquired for its kids programming include Kulipari: An Army of Frogs, and two series aimed at preschoolers, Luna Petunia and Puffin Rock. The streaming giant has also picked up a few international titles like Masha and the Bear from Russia, The Day My Butt Went Psycho from Canada, and Elias from Norway.
And, this being Netflix, all of the series’ episodes will be available as soon as they launch. Check out the posters for Tarzan and Jane and Kong — King of the Apes below.
