2018 was a solid year for TV animation. If you missed the dozens and dozens of new shows that came out over the last calendar year, be sure to check out my two"Best of 2018"lists for bothnew kids showsandnew adult animated seriesalike. So while 2018 treated audiences to returning favorites and brand new beloved titles, it’s to 2019 we look now to see what’s in store in the months ahead.
We’ve pulled together everything we know about 30-odd new series that have been confirmed for release in 2019 or, at worst, aresupposedto premiere in 2019. Because of the fickle nature of the industry, many of the premiere dates for the following series have yet to be announced, so be sure to check back regularly to see what’s been updated. And because there areso manynew series coming to air this year, we’ve sorted this list by intended age of audience, starting with new shows for the kiddos and progressing all the way up to new mature shows that are only for adults. We’ve also done our best to spotlight as many platforms and networks as possible, which include traditional cable networks like Nickelodeon, TBS, and Cartoon Network; streaming platforms like Rooster Teeth, Netflix, and Amazon; and public broadcasting channels like PBS. Oddly enough, broadcast networks have by and large opted to shift any of their animated projects to streaming services or partnered platforms, even Fox and its vaunted Animation Domination block.
Many of the following series have been in the works for some time; years, in most cases. And many of them come from singular creators of imaginative vision. Those names includeJ.G. Quintel(Regular Show),Guillermo del Toro(Tales of Arcadia), andRobert Kirkman(The Walking Dead), among many, many others. We can’t wait to see how 2019 shapes up in the world of animation, so here are the titles we’re keeping our eyes on!
Gigantosaurus
Network:Disney Channel
Premiere Date:January 18th
Straight from the Cretaceous period comesGigantosaurus, a new laugh-out-loud, CGI animated series from Cyber Group Studios, set to bring larger-than-life fun to preschoolers as it makes tracks into homes nationwide this January! Based onJonny Duddle’s bestselling book of the same name, the series stars four fiercely-fun dinosaur friends who will take preschoolers on exciting, comedy-filled adventures as they dare to be themselves and explore the world beyond their nests.Gigantosauruspremieres Friday, January 18, (9:00 a.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel and will also become available that day in the DisneyNOW app.
Gigantosaurus invites the youngest of viewers along on the prehistoric adventures of four curious young dinosaur friends, Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu, as they explore the mystery of “Gigantosaurus” – the biggest, fiercest dinosaur of all. Every imagination-inspiring episode follows the group on a quest, as they face their individual fears and work together to solve a problem. As the inquisitive Mazu, playful Tiny, timid Bill, and courageous Rocky aim to learn more about Gigantosaurus, they discover they each have something to learn from him, too!
With its distinctly lush look, the new series will captivate young audiences with a vast array of dinosaurs and true-to-the-period flora and fauna. From long-necked Brachiosaurus and huge Triceratops to verdant jungles, raging rivers, and the tallest trees, the wondrous world ofGigantosaurusinvites preschoolers to dig in!
Network:Disney Junior
Premiere Date:TBA
Disney Junior has greenlitT.O.T.S., a new series for kid ages 2-7 which tells about the hilarious adventures of best friends Pip and Freddy, a tenacious penguin and a kind-hearted flamingo, who are the only non-stork delivery birds in-training at Tiny Ones Transfer Service (T.O.T.S.). As new members of the esteemed team, these junior flyers must take tender care in transferring baby animals – kittens, cubs, calves, bunnies, puppies and joeys among them – from the nursery to their forever families around the globe. Together, they will learn how to nurture and care for the babies and use creative thinking and problem solving to model for young viewers that there isn’t just one way to achieve a goal.
The series was created byTravis Braun(Disney Junior’sVampirina), who also serves as co-executive producer. Joining Braun on the creative team isVic Cook(Disney Junior’sMickey Mouse Clubhouse) as executive producer and director;Chris Gilligan(Disney Junior’sGoldie & Bear) as co-executive producer and supervising director; andGuy Toubes(The Stinky & Dirty Show) as story editor. The series is produced by Titmouse in association with Disney Junior. Stay tuned for more information onT.O.T.S.as we get it!
The Rocketeer, a new animated adventure series for young kids and their families, is expected to arrive on Disney Junior this year. Inspired byDave Stevens‘ popular comic book series,The Rocketeerfollows Kit Seacourt, a young girl who receives a surprise package on her birthday revealing she’s next in line to become the Rocketeer, a legendary superhero who has the ability to fly with the help of a rocket-powered jet pack. Armed with her cool new gear and secret identity, Kit is ready to take flight and save the day with her gadget-minded best friend, Tesh, and airplane mechanic uncle, Ambrose, who join her on her epic adventures.
The reimagined story, aimed towards kids 2-5 and their families, is a 3D, CGI series that will be set in the contemporary world and depart substantially from the original comics. Each episode ofThe Rocketeerwill feature two 11-minute stories and include an original song.Nicole Dubuc(Transformers: Rescue Bots) is on board as executive producer, and the series will be produced by Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior.
Molly of Denali
Network:PBS Kids, CBC Television
Premiere Date:Summer 2019
Molly of Denali, an upcoming animated television series created and produced by Vancouver’s Atomic Cartoons and Boston’s WGBH Kids for PBS Kids and CBC Television, will be the first ever nationally distributed children’s show to feature an Alaska Native as the lead and title character. The series follows 10-year-old Molly, an Alaska Native girl from the fictional village of Qyah, and her daily adventures running the Denali Trading Post. In addition to a one-hour special, each half-hour episode will include two x 11-minute animated stories along with interstitial content featuring live-action depictions of real children and regions in Alaska.
Princess Daazhraii Johnson, an Alaskan Native, is the show’s creative producer; members of her community will provide voice talent in key roles, including Molly.Molly of Denaliwill also use video content, interactive games, and real-world activities to teach kids about aspects Alaskan life, lessons supplemented by local texts including books, online resources, field guides, historical archives and Indigenous knowledge from elders.Molly of Denaliis beingdeveloped as part of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS Ready To Learn Initiative, with funding from the U.S. Department of Education.
Abby Hatcher, Fuzzly Catcher
Network:Nickelodeon
Premiere Date:December 31st/January 1st
From creatorRob Hoegee(Niko and the Sword of Light) comesAbby Hatcher, a new series that follows a top-notch monster-catcher who helps friends and monsters solve their problems. The intelligent and energetic seven-year-old Abby Hatcher and her new friends, the amazing and quirky creatures known as the Fuzzlies, live together in her family’s hotel. Together with her best Fuzzly friend Bozzly, Abby goes on wild adventures to fix Fuzzly mishaps and help them in any way she can
Produced by Spin Master Entertainment (PAW Patrol),Abby Hatcheris set for a New Year’s Eve premiere.
Green Eggs and Ham
Network:Netflix
Announced way back in 2015, the first-ever team-up between Netflix and Warner Bros. will be for the animated animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s bookGreen Eggs and Ham.Ellen DeGeneresexecutive produces for Warner Bros. Television alongsideJared Stern,Jeff Kleeman,Mike KarzandDavid Dobkin. Stern will write the 13-episode adaptation that follows Guy, a standoffish inventor, and Sam-I-Am, on an adventurous road trip full of new lessons and new experiences, like trying, of course, green eggs and ham.
Yabba Dabba Dinosaurs!
Network:Boomerang
Yabba-Dabba-Doo! Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm are back in this quarter-hour animated comedy series,Yabba-Dabba Dinosaurs!Warner Bros. Animation takes you beyond Bedrock to The Crags, a vast land that is as dangerous and wild as the dinosaurs that inhabit it.
Pebbles Flintstone and Bamm-Bamm Rubble are two best friends, growing up in the prehistoric time when dinosaurs and giant beasts still walked the earth. But as exciting as that sounds, they live in peaceful, quiet old Bedrock, a modern domestic civilization similar to our own (but with stone cars that run on leg-power). That’s why whenever they get the chance, Pebbles, Bamm-Bamm and Dino head to the open wilderness, helping new friends, fighting new enemies and learning about life through their endless crazy adventures. Back in Bedrock, Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty still enjoy all the familiar quirks and trappings of life as a modern Stone Age family not knowing all the trouble (and fun!) their kids are getting themselves into.
Yabba-Dabba Dinosaurs!is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.Mark Marek(MAD) andMarly Halpern-Graser(Right Now Kapow) serve as producer withSam Register(Teen Titans Go!) as executive producer.
Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?
The Mystery Inc. gang welcomes new members in the all-new series,Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?From Warner Bros. Animation,Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?follows the grand tradition ofScooby-Dooteam-ups and takes the idea to hilarious new heights.
Faced with some of their toughest mysteries yet, Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo will join forces with some of the biggest names in celebrity and pop culture including NBA superstarChris Paul, recording artistsHalseyandSia,Ricky Gervais,Kenan Thompson,Bill Nye,Neil deGrasse Tyson,Mark Hamill,Steve Urkel(voiced byJaleel Whitereprising his iconic role) Batman, Sherlock Holmes, The Flash, Wonder Woman and many more!
Jump into the Mystery Machine for all-new comedic mystery-solving adventures where the biggest mystery will be who’s teaming up with those “meddling kids” this week!
Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.Chris Bailey(Kim Possible) serves as producer withSam Register(Teen Titans Go!) as executive producer. The series premieres in 2019.
Carmen Sandiego
Carmen Sandiegowill be launching withGina Rodriguez(Jane the Virgin) voicing the title character. Carmen Sandiego returns in this series that follows her new international capers as well as past escapades that led to her becoming a super thief, along withFinn Wolfhard(Stranger Things) as Player, Carmen’s chief accomplice and friend.
Twenty 22-minute episodes are on the way from co-executive producer and showrunnerDuane Capizzi(The Batman) alongside executive producerC.J. Kettler(The Tick).Caroline Fraseris the executive in charge of production.Kevin Dart(Mr. Peabody & Sherman) and Chromosphere provided the visual designs, while DHX Media is the animation studio responsible for bringing the show to life.
DC Super Hero Girls
Network: Cartoon Network
Moving from web series to full-on animated series isDC Super Hero Girls, a new show developed byLauren Faust(My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic). The series follows the adventures of teenage versions of Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Bumblebee, Batgirl, Zatanna, and Jessica Cruz, who are students of Super Hero High.
The world may know them as Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl, but not-so-typical teenagers Diana, Kara and Barbara, alongside their Super Hero friends have much more to deal with than just protecting the citizens of Metropolis from some of the most sinister school-aged Super-Villains of the DC Universe. After all, being teens is tough enough, what with school, friends, family and the chaos that comes with managing a social life. But add super powers and a secret identity to the mix, and things can get a lot more complicated.
Sure, gal pals Bumblebee, Zatanna and Green Lantern Jessica Cruz are always there to lend an ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a fist to punch with, but what happens when Diana and her favorite study buddy and fencing partner, Tatsu, can’t agree on how to dole out justice as Wonder Woman and Katana? Or when Barbara finds out her Gotham-Con bestie is teen-fiend Harley Quinn? Along with all their friends, foes and frenemies, this squad of super teens navigates the unique growing pains that come when you’re a teenager trying to fight the battles of the world and the battles of growing up at the same time.
StarringGrey Griffinas Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, Lois Lane, Doris Zeul/Giganta;John de Lancieas Victor Freeze/Mr. Freeze;Tara Strongas Barbara Gordon/Batgirl; andNicole Sullivanas Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, the newDC Super Hero Girlsshould be arriving on Cartoon Network this year.
