Genius Brands International announced the launch of season one of its flagship animated children’s series, Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten starting March 2022 on Alibaba Group’s video streaming platform, Youku, which is one of the top three streaming platforms in the Mainland China territory. Additionally, the acclaimed series executive produced by and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger will be available via the Tudou and Kumiao apps.
“I have always loved bringing my latest projects to my Chinese fans, because they’re some of the most passionate fans in the world, so I can’t wait for them to see Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” said Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“Alibaba’s Youku is one of the most far-reaching media platforms for kids in the world, and we are excited to make Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten available to millions of kids across China. This unique action-packed series delivers all the elements that resonate with kids today, along with positive messaging and Arnold’s star power,” said Genius Brands chairman and CEO Andy Heyward.
“Genius Brands has done a tremendous job of creating a truly unique series that kids and their families can enjoy together. With Arnold Schwarzenegger driving Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, and the creative storylines and compelling characters, we have no doubt that we will be able to create an impressive fan base in China, building on the success of the series in the U.S. and Canada,” said Youku Kids GM Aaron Liao.
Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten premiered on April 23 2021 on Genius Brands’ Kartoon Channel! in the U.S. and Canada and has since garnered over 75 million views. The Company will continue to launch the series in key territories around the world in 2022.
Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten is geared towards kids and families and focuses on the adventures of six unique kids who are learning to master their super skills, along with their ABCs. With the help of their teacher Arnold Armstrong (AKA ‘Captain Fantastic’, the greatest superhero to ever live!).
As per the official synopsis: It all began five years ago when Arnold Armstrong faced off in a final fight against his nemesis, the evil Dr. Superior, that left him powerless. Little did anyone know that during the fight, super-energy particles rained down on a group of unsuspecting toddlers. Now, those toddlers are kindergarten students at Greenville Elementary School who, with the help of Arnold Armstrong, must learn to control their powers as they go on super adventures! Arnold Armstrong’s mission: to train these kids to use their super-powers safely without revealing their identities. They learn the values of teamwork, health, diversity and anti-bullying while also protecting their town from rivals, and the nefarious Dr. Superior who has returned as Headmaster Danforth of the Academy for Superior Children across town.
Fun for the whole family, the series opens up the superhero genre for a whole new demographic and draws kids in with action and comedy, while parents can appreciate the quality of content synonymous with Stan Lee. Season one of the series includes 26 half-hour long episodes.
Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten features Schwarzenegger, voice-directed by John Landis, one of the most successful movie directors of all time, with Steven Banks, former head writer for SpongeBob SquarePants, serving as head writer for the series. The series is produced by Genius Brands and Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment in association with Schwarzenegger’s Oak Productions. Gill Champion, CEO of Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment; Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of Genius Brands; Schwarzenegger; and Paul Wachter of Main Street Advisors serve as executive producers.
