London’s Moonbug Entertainment and British toyco Toikido are embarking on a franchise-building partnership for a new short series called PeaKeeBoo. 

The preschool project, featuring 2D animation with CG-animated backgrounds, will star three tiny creatures (Pea, Kee and Boo) who are enthralled by all of the sights and sounds of nature. Moonbug is producing a 30 x one-minute first season that’s already slated for a global premiere sometime in 2024 on its Moonbug Kids YouTube channel (10.4 million subscribers).  

The companies are now working out a 360-degree franchise strategy for PeaKeeBoo, with plans to eventually launch toys, books, apparel, playsets and games. 

This collaboration taps into Moonbug’s aptitude for building digital-first entertainment mega-brands like CoComelon, and also Toikido’s multiplatform franchise expertise. Over the past year, the toyco has successfully rolled out its original IP Piñata Smashlings with overlapping releases on Roblox, YouTube (animated shorts) and retail (multiple toy ranges).

Moonbug signed another key partnership last month with Spin Master Entertainment, encompassing licensing and digital content for the Canadian company’s preschool catalogue.

It’s worth noting that PeaKeeBoo is just the latest project to join a burgeoning number of eco-conscious kids TV shows in the market that are all looking to tap into the fascination this audience has right now with the outdoors.