The Hub Announces 2011-2012 Program Line-Up, Including a Warren Buffet Animated Series

A music competition for kids, family game shows based on iconic, beloved brands, and an animated Warren Buffett are among the nine new original programs that will join ten returning popular series with new episodes in the 2011-2012 program lineup on The Hub television network, a destination for kids and their families. Announcement of the network’s continued ambitious strategy of original programming – which includes 425 half-hours of new production, on a single network in one television season — was made by Margaret Loesch, President and CEO, The Hub, in advance of the network’s upfront meeting with advertisers in New York Thursday evening.

The Hub, a joint venture of Discovery Communications and Hasbro, Inc., was re-branded on October 10, 2010, and is available to 60 million U.S. cable and satellite households.

“In the short period of time we’ve been a newly branded network, we’ve seen that our strategy of providing quality, engaging entertainment to kids and their families – in an environment where they can watch and enjoy programs together — is exactly the right space for us,” said Ms. Loesch. “We have a tremendous advantage with strong, proven brands, and we are working with some of the best creative minds to bring those brands to life across multiple platforms and also to create new properties that will become future brands. The programs that we are announcing today will add strength, dimension and excitement to a schedule that is already resonating with viewers and building an extremely loyal audience.”

The Hub’s lineup of new series and returning series with new episodes — live-action and animated — will join a schedule that will also feature a wide range of acquired series and popular family movies, all targeting children 6-11 and providing opportunities for children to watch programs together with their families.

New, original series on The Hub for 2011-2012: [Editor’s Note: Edited to only show new animated shows in the line-up. – Chris A.]

The Aquabats Super Show (Hub Original Series)

From the creators of Yo Gabba Gabba comes this quirky comedy adventure show featuring the popular rock band The Aquabats. A hybrid of concert footage, live-action skits and animation, the Aquabats battle evil with music and superhero powers unlike any seen before. The Aquabats are a touring band with five albums currently released. Produced by FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Magic Store.

Blythe Loves The Littlest Pet Shop (Hub Original Series, working title)

Inspired by the beloved Littlest Pet Shop brand, Blythe moves to the city and discovers that her new apartment is where her neighbors’ pets come to play when their owners are away. In this animated series, Blythe befriends the pets and introduces them to a world of adventures just outside their door. Produced by Hasbro Studios.

Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters (Hub Original Series, working title)

In this animated series inspired by the wildly popular trading card game, Duel Masters, a 14-year-old boy discovers a secret world in which mind-blowing creatures rule! These creatures harness special powers that if unleashed, could destroy the world as we know it. It is up to the boy to master his abilities in the ancient art of Kaijudo to protect their world and his own. Produced by Hasbro Studios.

Rescue Bots (Hub Original Series, working title)

Inspired by the iconic Transformers brand, a group of Autobots, too young to protect humanity alongside Optimus Prime and his team, are partnered with a close-knit human family of first responders. Together, they learn teamwork and heroism alongside their new human friends in this animated series produced by Hasbro Studios.

“Secret Millionaire’s Club (Hub Original Series of Specials)

The Hub will air four half-hour specials of Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaire’s Club, a new animated series created by one of the most successful investors in the world. Warren Buffett is a secret advisor to a group of kids who learn about business and how the world around them works. Through a series of adventures, kids learn basic business principles, and discover that the most valuable investment they can make is an investment in themselves. Created in partnership with and voiced by Mr. Buffett himself. Produced by A Squared Entertainment and Andy Heyward, former CEO of DIC Entertainment.