HBO Max inks a bundle deal with RTL+

HBO Max owner Warner Bros. Discovery has partnered with German streaming platform RTL+ to offer both services to consumers in the region for a cheaper price. This deal comes just in advance of HBO Max’s German rollout next Tuesday, with bundles starting at US$14 a month for an ad-supported option, and US$21 for ad-free streaming. RTL+ appeals to its core audience with live sports and local-language dramas, while Max brings a catalogue of premium TV series and feature films including Superman, Game of Thrones, A Minecraft Movie and the Harry Potter film franchise into the mix. 

Bluey is getting into frozen treats

BBC Studios has teamed up with The Magnum Ice Cream Company to produce a new six-pack of Popsicles based on preschool brand Bluey that will launch at US retailers later this month. Featuring a mixed-berry flavor, the frozen treats will be made in the shape of the blue heeler pup’s cheerful face. 

A new Sesame Street YouTube special has dropped

Sesame Workshop has partnered with global healthcare company Abbott to produce a 26-minute special called Elmo’s World: Dance Party!, which launched on YouTube today. With American actor Aubrey Plaza guest-starring as Ms. Noodle, Elmo and Grover take young viewers on an adventure to learn new dance moves and healthy habits that will fuel their minds and bodies. 

Radio-Canada picks up YA series from WildBrain

The CBC’s French-Canadian subsidiary has acquired broadcast rights to WildBrain’s live-action teen drama Finding Her Edge, which will start streaming this month on ICI TOU.TV Extra and air on linear channel ICI TÉLÉ at a later date. The English-language series was originally destined for Family Channel, but will now stream on Netflix in Canada since WildBrain has shuttered the kidsnet. Netflix co-commissioned Finding Her Edge, which is based on a same-name novel by Jennifer Iacopelli about an elite ice dancer caught between trying to keep her family’s ice rink afloat and falling in love with her partners. 

Hachette steps up as Mr. Bean’s master publisher

Banijay Kids & Family has appointed Hachette Children’s Group as its master publishing partner for both the live-action and animated versions of Mr. Bean. A new range of books is slated to launch worldwide in September, including The Mr. Bean Search and Find Book.