Friday, May 26, 2017

Nickelodeon Australia Acquires Rights To "Beat Bugs"; To Premiere On Nick Jr. Australia On Monday 29th May 2017

Nickelodeon Australia has picked up the broadcast rights Beyond Distribution's Emmy-winning Netflix original co-production Beat Bugs, and will start to air the popular music-centric animated series weekdays at 8:15am on Nick Jr. Australia from Monday 29th May 2017!


The 52 x 11-minute Australian-Canadian series from creator Josh Wakely features re-imagined versions of famous Beatles songs performed by popular recording artists including Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Vedder, The Shins, Robbie Williams and Pink!.

Co-produced by Netflix, Grace: A Storytelling Company, Beyond Screen Production (Mythbusters: The Search) and Thunderbird, Beat Bugs debuted globally in August 2016 on Netflix and airs on Seven Network in Australia.

Ben Cox, the Vice President (VP) and General Manager (GM) of Nickelodeon Networks in Australia and New Zealand, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Beat Bugs to Nick Jr. The series has high production values and is set to an amazing soundtrack; it offers something a little different to children and parents alike. We know music is a great learning tool for preschoolers, and through the songs made famous by The Beatles parents and carers can be involved, helping promote co-viewing and getting preschoolers school-ready.”

Joanne Azzorpardi, the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Sales and Acquisitions for Australia, New Zealand and Asia at Beyond Distribution, added: “I’m so pleased Beat Bugs will appear on Nick Jr. It is an endorsement of the quality of the series to be broadcast on one of the world’s leading channels for children’s content.”

The series, which Netflix renewed for a second season last July, is expected to officially launch to buyers at MIP Jr. 2017 later this year.

Licensing deals have also already been signed by Target in the US and Tesco in the UK for products including toys, publishing and apparel.

Below is Nick Jr. Australia's currently announced episode schedule for Beat Bugs:

Monday 29th May 2017 - Help: After refusing help from his friends, a stubborn Jay launches himself across the backyard using Crick's latest catapult invention, landing in a large glass jam jar. Inspired by the song "Help!".

Tuesday 30th May 2017 - Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds: After Kumi tells a scary story, Buzz has trouble sleeping, so the Beat Bugs take her to see a sleep doctor, Lucy the dragonfly. Inspired by the song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". Guest starring Pink.

Wednesday 31st May 2017 - I Am the Walrus: Walter tells the story of when he moved in with the Beat Bugs. He recalls how he made a fool of himself when he first approached the bugs. Inspired by the song "I Am the Walrus".

Thursday 1st June 2017 - I'm a Loser: Morgs the stick insect is tired of constantly being mistaken for a stick, and is worried that his old friend Katter, who is now a butterfly, will think he is a loser. Inspired by the song "I'm a Loser". Guest starring James Corden.

Friday 2nd June 2017 - Come Together: When Walter kicks the Beat Bugs out of his house for playing too carelessly, Crick has the idea of building a treehouse for the bugs to all come together to play in. Inspired by the song "Come Together".

Monday 5th June 2017 - Rain: After a three day downpour of rain of in the village, the bugs all come up with plans to change the weather. Inspired by the song "Rain". Guest starring Aloe Blacc.

Tuesday 6th June 2017 - Good Day Sunshine: The Beat Bugs struggle to stay warm through a prolonged winter, with Mr Sun away on vacation and deciding to extend his stay. Inspired by the song "Good Day Sunshine". Guest starring Robbie Williams.

Wednesday 7th June 2017 - Sun King: The Beat Bugs disuss how they should use an ice cream wrapper which has been dropped in the backyard. Inspired by the song "Sun King".

Thursday 8th June 2017 - Penny Lane: Crick feels as if he is being unnoticed, so the Beat Bugs plan to create a place for him to express himself. Using pennies found in the backyard, the friends construct an auditorium called Penny Lane. Inspired by the song "Penny Lane".

Friday 9th June 2017 - Birthday: Kumi, Walter and Buzz plan a surprise party for Jay and Crick's birthday, and send the pair away while they prepare. Inspired by the song "Birthday".

More Nick: Australia Post Unveils "PAW Patrol" Stamp Collection!

Sources: Kidscreen, The Official Foxtel Australia TV Guide, Wikipedia, TVKIDS.
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