Milkshake!, RTÉ and NRK have greenlit the 2D animated preschool series The Huggingtons (52 x 5′), marking the first-ever co-production between the three broadcasters.
The Huggingtons follows the adventures of Liv, a half-Viking, half-troll girl who loves warm family hugs as much as she loves exploring the wondrous world around her. Produced by Klipp Fiction and Kavaleer Productions and based on an original concept from Norwegian studio and IP owner Klipp Fiction, the series will be distributed worldwide by Epic Story Media. It also marks the first original production from Kavaleer’s newly established Manchester base, Kavaleer UK.
Louise Bucknole, Senior Vice President (SVP), Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland, said: “We loved The Huggingtons from when we first saw it as it captures all the excitement, wonder and big emotions that come with being five years old through Liv’s funny, relatable adventures and her wonderfully eccentric family. The blended Viking and troll family felt like something genuinely different. Their relationships feel just like a real family, while the Norwegian setting and values woven throughout give the series a distinctive charm. Full of humour, heart and warmth, it’s a wonderful addition to the Milkshake! line-up, and we’re delighted to be partnering with RTÉ and NRK on our first co-production together.”
Alec Thom, Head of Editorial Preschool, NRK said: “With The Huggingtons, we’re investing in original, Nordic preschool IP with cultural relevance and the ability to build value over time. It is a clear, fun and engaging series rooted in Scandinavian storytelling that we trust will connect well with preschool children in Norway and abroad.”
Suzanne Kelly, Head of RTÉ KIDS said: “As a content commissioner I receive loads of really interesting and engaging pitches for our preschool audience, but I can hand on heart say that when I first saw the creative for The Huggingtons, I was instantly captivated. It was immediately evident how much thought and development had gone into the artwork and character design of Liv and her family, from the shape, form and colour palette, it’s instantly memorable! Coupled with the rich folklore and adventure filled Scandinavian stories of trolls & Vikings, I really felt that this series would connect with our youngest viewers. I am thrilled to be partnering with Milkshake! and NRK on this project and, as always, it is a delight to work with Kavaleer.”
Gary Timpson, Managing Director of Kavaleer Productions, said: “The Huggingtons is a beautifully crafted and entertaining series. We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this journey, and we are delighted to be collaborating with the talented creative team at Klipp Fiction to bring these wonderful characters and stories to life. It is also a significant milestone for Kavaleer, as The Huggingtons becomes the first series to be produced through our UK studio. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and excited for audiences to experience the warmth, humour and charm of this wonderful series.”
Kjersti Greger, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Klipp Fiction said: “We’re incredibly proud to see our show finally reaching an international audience. It has taken many years, a lot of persistence and the support of some fantastic people and partners along the way to get here, so to now be making the series together with Kavaleer for our broadcasting partners Milkshake! RTÉ and NRK feels very special. We always wanted The Huggingtons to bring something distinctly Norwegian to children’s television. The world is inspired by our landscapes, folklore and cultural traditions – including some of the stranger and more playful ones – but at its heart, the show is about family, curiosity and the wonderfully big emotions of being small. We hope children everywhere will find this world and the characters funny and relatable but also discover something they haven’t seen before.”
Ken Faier, CEO, Epic Story Media said: “Everyone at Epic Story Media is honoured to be trusted with such a beautiful project that we know will connect with kids and families around the world. There is so much care being put into the show and we can’t wait to share the series with platforms from around the world.”
The Huggingtons is set to premiere on Milkshake!, RTÉ and NRK in 2027.
About the Show: Set in the far, far North, beyond the Big Mountain, The Huggingtons unfolds in a rich Scandinavian world filled with spectacular landscapes, wildlife and magical beings, from giant trolls to an extraordinary dancing eight-legged horse. Here, sparky and spirited five-year-old Liv throws herself into every challenge with boundless enthusiasm, whether she’s wondering why she can’t stay up past bedtime or trying to coax a pygmy owl out of Pappa’s beard.
At the heart of Liv’s world is her loving and eccentric family, always ready with support, guidance or a reassuring Huggingtons family hug. Mamma is a Viking Valkyrie, big and strong, while Pappa is a troll and a sensitive soul who lives in harmony with the magic of nature. Their eldest child, Inga, is an artistic dreamer, while youngest sibling Erik has boundless Viking energy and a particular fondness for bringing home wild animals. Rounding out the family is Liv’s fun-loving pet, simply called Pet because everyone has forgotten what kind of animal he is, and Grandma, Mamma’s mother, whose lively and mischievous nature makes her a beloved influence on her grandchildren.
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Source: Televisual; H/T and additional source: Animation Magazine; Additional imagery courtesy of ScreenMDM.
