The Smurfs is set to return to S4C, under the Welsh title Y Smyrffs, for the first time in 40 years.
The Welsh-language channel secured a license to broadcast the animated series from Peyo Company. The series will be dubbed in Welsh (Cymraeg) by Cwmni Da and shown on S4C from Spring 2025.
The Smurfs animated series (2021) is currently airing worldwide on Nickelodeon, on local free-to-air channels and is available on Netflix. The series is currently in its third season, with a fourth currently in production. A new Smurfs movie produced and distributed by Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Animation and starring Rihanna as Smurfette has been recently announced with a July 2025 worldwide theatrical release.
Sioned Geraint, S4C’s content commissioner for children and learners, said: “It’s 40 years since Y Smyrffs were on S4C, and I’m delighted that we can re-introduce these wonderful characters to a new audience in 2025.
“It’s been a privilege to work together with Peyo Company to make this possible and to meet relatives of Pierre Culliford (Peyo), the man who created the Smurfs. It is thanks to their support for minority languages and S4C’s own ambitions that this new home for the Smurfs has been made possible, and I am very excited.”
Véronique Culliford, president of the Peyo Company and daughter of Pierre Culliford (aka Peyo), creator of the Smurfs, said: “I am very proud of this upcoming launch on S4C. The local-languages approach has always been central for us, and this new release in Welsh will be the 50th language release for our TV series! Kids and parents can already expect a lot of fun watching Y Smyrffs on S4C. Mae’r Smyrffs yn ôl! [The Smyrffs are back!]”
Blue and as tall as three apples, the Smurfs embody teamwork, loyalty, optimism, joy, humor, and respect for nature. They may not be easy to distinguish at first glance, but each Smurf has its own uniqueness and personality. The Smurfs live in a village filled with mushroom-shaped houses, hidden deep within a magical forest where few dare to venture. Making their debut in Johan and Peewit's comic book in 1958, these little blue characters created by Belgian artist Peyo (Pierre Culliford) have been spreading happiness and entertaining families worldwide for several generations.
For Nickelodeon, The Smurfs CG-animated series acquisition is overseen by Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships and Dana Cluverius, Senior Vice President, Current Series Animation for Nickelodeon, and Jason Oliveri, Executive in Charge, Current Series Animation for Nickelodeon.
The Smurfs is a Peyo Productions and Dupuis Audiovisuel production, in co-production with KiKA, Ketnet and RTBF, with the participation of TF1 and with the participation of Wallimage (La Wallonie), of Screen Flanders, of BNPPFFF and with the support of the Tax Shelter of the Belgian Government and the participation of the CNC.
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Originally published: November 30, 2024.
Original source: TV Kids.
