Paper Owl Films’ Happy the Hoglet, an animated preschool series aimed at helping kids overcome negative feelings and make the most of positive emotions, was greenlit for a second season. Both its broadcasters, ITV and RTÉjr, have recommissioned the show after its successful launch in November 2022. Production of the next 26 episodes will start late 2024.
Happy the Hoglet follows a baby hedgehog’s adventures with his friends as they explore their feelings. Each episode focuses on an adventure during which Happy learns to understand emotions, from feeling excited to ‘hangry’ or feeling like he just needs a quiet minute.
Grainne McGuinness, Creative Director at Paper Owl Films, commented, “Toddlers need to learn emotional resilience earlier than ever given the world they are set to grow up in. The reaction to the first series of Happy has been huge.”
“We’re extremely delighted with the performance of Happy across our platforms,” said Darren Nartey, Acquisitions Manager at ITV. “It’s a beautiful, engaging and well-written show, and our young audience have responded really well to it.”
Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s Content at RTÉ, stated, “Happy the Hoglet and his wonderful bunch of friends reassure RTÉjr viewers that no matter how grumpy, sad or cross we are, we can work through it together. I am really excited about Happy the Hoglet on RTÉjr. Everyone could do with some Happy right now!”
Aardman is the distributor for Season 1 and 2 of the show.
Source: Paper Owl Films
Whitney is a freelance writer focusing on VFX-driven fantasy film & TV as well as preschool animation.
