Banijay Kids & Family, the force behind popular series like “Totally Spies!” and “Mr. Bean: The Animated Series,” has unveiled new distribution deals for the recent chapter of “Once Upon a Time…,” produced by Procidis.
The latest season, Season 8 titled “Once Upon a Time… The Objects,” has been secured by Puls 2’s Puls Kids in Poland, Turkuvaz Media Group’s Minika GO channel in Turkey, TFO in Canada, and Radio Television Hong Kong.
In addition to this, earlier seasons continue to flourish, with AMC Networks International CNE obtaining Seasons 3 and 7 (“Life,” “Planet Earth”) for various Eastern European regions, and SF Studios acquiring Season 3 (“Life”) for Norway and Sweden.
Described as an “iconic edutainment franchise,” the “Once Upon a Time…” series was initially conceived by Albert Barillé in 1978 and has been broadcast continuously in France for nearly five decades.
“Its ongoing journey across borders and into new markets illustrates its lasting relevance and appeal worldwide,” remarked Cécile Cau, Senior Vice President of Sales, Co-productions, and Acquisitions at Banijay Kids & Family.
“The franchise possesses an enduring legacy and educational value that resonates with viewers throughout their lives, igniting curiosity in childhood and continuing to attract fans into adulthood.”
Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO of Banijay Kids & Family and President of Procidis, stated to Variety: “When it was created, ‘Once Upon a Time…’ was groundbreaking. Albert Barillé crafted a unique visual and storytelling style that appealed to both children and parents.”
Its longevity hinges on its capacity to “merge narration with education in a manner that is both captivating and timeless,” he explained, “making knowledge engaging, playful, and universally accessible.”
“The franchise has consistently ignited curiosity in children that leaves a lasting impact into adulthood. Its sustained vitality stems from its adaptability, with new seasons addressing fresh themes that resonate with modern audiences. Each episode is driven by curiosity, pedagogy, and a genuine kindness towards viewers.”
The journey of this decades-spanning narrative continues, however.
“The ongoing success of ‘Once Upon a Time…’ across new markets and platforms indicates a strong demand for thoughtful, educational content. Together with Helene Barillé, we have ambitious plans to expand and evolve the brand for a new generation. We are committed to building upon its legacy and introducing it to new generations globally, through engaging content and a growing array of experiences and products.”
While each season has a distinct theme, “The Objects” offers an innovative perspective on the everyday items that influence our world.
“It’s a clever method to educate children about science, history, and culture using objects they encounter daily. Buyers have responded positively because the show is relatable and universal, and they appreciate content that cleverly intertwines education with entertainment,” Di Sabatino confirmed, emphasizing that the charm of the franchise lies in its storytelling.
“It doesn’t preach. It entertains. It encourages understanding rather than rote memorization. Humor, poetry, and memorable characters breathe life into knowledge.”
He added: “It has always honored its audience’s intelligence and has been a trusted source of knowledge that captures children’s imaginations. This balance of emotion, narrative, and scientific accuracy is what defines it as a timeless model of ‘edutainment,’ long before the term gained popularity.”
Courtesy of Banijay Kids & Family
