Cartoon Network Greenlights second series of European-spawned hit “The Amazing World of Gumball”
Press Release –
Turner Broadcasting has commissioned a second season of The Amazing World of Gumball, in advance of the rollout of the first series of the groundbreaking animated show.
As well as bolstering Turner Broadcasting’s commitment to the production of large scale European kids’ series, the move is further evidence that the broadcaster is anticipating big things from its first commission out of the Cartoon Network Development Studio Europe.
The second season of The Amazing World of Gumball will consist of 40 x 11′ episodes and will continue its format of 2D and 3D animation within a live-action setting. It will air on Cartoon Network in over 166 countries across the world.
Produced in London and animated at Boulder Media in Ireland (with 3D elements from Studio Soi in Germany), The Amazing World of Gumball is set to have its international debut on Cartoon Network in the UK on 2nd May 2011.
“The Mystery” and “The Responsible” will be the first two episodes to debut in the UK, followed by a full series launch later in the year. Production on the second series is expected to commence in June and will retain its core team of creator Ben Bocquelet, director Mic Graves and executive producer Daniel Lennard.
As a result of phenomenal audience testing, the United States will be the first territory to roll out the full series from 9th May 2011, as part of Cartoon Network’s prime time Monday evening comedy block. Other countries are expected to begin launching in Q4.
The Amazing World of Gumball follows the misadventures of twelve-year-old Gumball and his family in the weird and wonderful town of Elmore. Featuring a stellar cast of characters, Gumball’s school friends include a tyrannosaurus rex, a cheerleading peanut, and a banana.
Daniel Lennard, Vice President Original Series and Development at Turner Broadcasting said: “A visually groundbreaking series with a cast of funny, loveable characters, The Amazing World of Gumball is one of the most exciting animation shows to launch in recent years. Commissioning a second series before the first show has aired shows our absolute commitment and belief in the series and we’re hoping audiences the world over will embrace this show as much as we have.”
Ben Bocquelet, Show Creator adds: “I’m hugely excited. There are so many amazing stories to tell with these unique characters and a whole universe to develop further. I can’t wait to get the team back together.”
Michael Carrington, Chief Content Officer, Turner Broadcasting adds: “There is a fantastic appetite for high-quality, narrative-driven comedy animation amongst children’s audiences around the world, and with The Amazing World of Gumball, we are helping to fill that gap. I’m thrilled to have greenlit this second series before we’ve launched the first – it is a tremendous accolade to our cast and crew who have created an amazing show”.