Nick Jr. has renewed Thomas & Friends for Season 22 in the US, after the iconic British animated series was cancelled by PBS Kids, per Variety:
Nickelodeon has brought on board the series, based on the much-loved Reverend Awdry “Thomas the Tank Engine” books, and will also be the agent for “Thomas & Friends” toys and merchandise in the U.S. The deal spells an end to Thomas’ long relationship with PBS, which showed spin-off series “Shining Time Station” as far back as the late 1980s and “Thomas & Friends” from 2004.
Kate Schlomann, VP & Global Brand GM, Thomas & Friends, said:
Securing Nick Jr. as our new home for Thomas & Friends is a huge game changer for the brand franchise. The brand is undergoing a huge evolution to ensure that it remains relevant and competitive for today’s audiences. We are taking Thomas off Sodor for the first time in our episodic series, evolving our storytelling to be more inclusive, meaningful and entertaining.”
Pam Kaufman, CMO and president, Nickelodeon Consumer Products, added:
“Thomas & Friends iconic characters and engaging stories have resonated with kids for decades, and we believe the new seasons will be a great complement to Nickelodeon’s curriculum-driven preschool programming.”
Thomas & Friends Season 21 premieres March 22 on Nick Jr in the US.
Thomas & Friends Season 22 (Aka Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!) premieres fall 2018 on Nick Jr.
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