Headstart International partnered with Chinese digital platform Youku to distribute the Australian toyco’s CGI preschool series Best Furry Friends. The agreement was inked through Playology International and Senyu International.

The content has been dubbed in Mandarin for both Youku’s streaming and download platforms, available online as well as through its mobile app. It originally launched at the end of February at the height of the country’s COVID-19 lockdown.

Best Furry Friends revolves around six friends and their animal sidekicks. The series, which garnered 20,000 views in its first month on Youku, focuses on the development of social-emotional skills and personal growth.

The Best Furry Friends brand originally launched as a toy property, with a focus on collectibles, dolls and plush. Headstart then teamed with Turner to co-produce the series in 2018. Last year, the toyco closed a deal with WildBrain Spark (then WildBrain) to manage the brand on YouTube.