Dedicated to producing smart series that entertain, empower and resonate with their viewers, Astral’s Family Channel announces that it will greenlight three new live-action comedy series all set to premiere in spring 2011.
“Whether it be the premise, the characters, the writing team or the possibility to explore a multiplatform rollout strategy, each of these series presents many exciting opportunities to deliver on the ‘never a dull moment’ Family Channel experience,” said Michael Goldsmith, Director, Original Programming. “We’re looking forward to working with the production teams on each show and seeing how our audience reacts to each series.”
SERIES SYNOPSIS
DECIDEDLY DEBRA (13 episodes x 30 minutes)
Produced by Cookie Jar Entertainment, Decidedly Debra follows Debra Delong, an effervescent teen with a unique style and outlook on the world who is determined to start her own business. Debra’s best friend Preston is sometimes reluctant to become embroiled in Debra’s ambitious schemes but always manages to stick by her side. Decidedly Debra is created by Andrew Nicolls and Darrel Vickers (Jimmy Neutron, Fairly OddParents, Back to the Barnyard) and marks Cookie Jar Entertainment’s first live-action series for Family Channel.
REALLY ME (13 episodes x 30 minutes)
Best friends Maddy and Julia win their own reality TV show and look forward to the fame, endorsement deals and perks they assume will go along with gig. However, with a pushy producer, an over enthusiastic family and no privacy, they soon discover that having their lives documented 24/7 may not be as much fun as they thought. Really Me is created by Tom McGillis and Jennifer Pertsch and produced by Fresh TV (6TEEN, Total Drama Island, My Babysitter’s A Vampire).
WHAT’S UP, WARTHOGS! (100 episodes x 5 minutes)
A group of teens aim to transform their school’s morning announcements into an entertaining news show in What’s Up, Warthogs!, produced by Aircraft Pictures (Todd & The Book Of Pure Evil) and executive produced by Bill O’Dowd of Dolphin Entertainment (Zoey 101). Utilizing online as well as on air, What’s Up, Warthogs! will roll out as short-form episodes on Family.ca before premiering on the network. Created by Alex Diaz and Julie Sagalowsky, the writing team will be lead by Dean Batali (That 70’s Show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
