Genius Brands International is increasing the global reach of its animated preschool series, Rainbow Rangers, with its launch in China on CCTV’s (China Central Television) kid’s channel. The series is also on the streaming service iQiyi to 100 million VIP subscribers.
Rainbow Rangers began its initial run on CCTV Kids in January, and a second run debut on February 28, where it is currently running six episodes per day. Since the series has additionally become available on CCTV’s digital platform,iQiyi, Rainbow Rangers has ranked alongside Peppa Pig among the top animated series produced outside of China.
CCTV joins other international broadcast and platform partners for Rainbow Rangers, including Nickelodeon and NOGGIN in Latin America and Cartoonito in Italy. The series premiered in the U.S. in November 2018 on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. and has since reached a 400+% increase in airtime with Rainbow Rangers now airing 26 times each week. Additionally, Rainbow Rangers’ short-form content is available on the Genius Brands Network, which reaches over 100 million U.S. households.
“Having a footprint in China is a crucial next step in the global expansion of Rainbow Rangers, a fun and adventure-based series with relatable characters that is now resonating with kids around the world,” said Caroline Tyre, SVP International Distribution & Head of Genius Brands Network, at Genius Brands. “We are thrilled to begin our partnership with CCTV and iQiyi to bring these empowering and engaging stories to over 1.2 billion children and their families across the region, and to then launch our consumer products across this key and lucrative territory.”
“Premium content series are always in demand, and to have reached an agreement for Rainbow Rangers with China’s leading children’s broadcaster, and the largest streaming platform, further solidifies the groundswell of support we have seen for the brand from other countries,” said Chang Fan, VP, Senyu, Genius Brands’ exclusive distributor and licensing and merchandising agent in China.
Rainbow Rangers is a rescue-based series that follows the adventures of seven girls who are Earth’s first responders, protecting people, animals, resources, and the natural beauty of the world. The series’ team of creators from the animated motion picture and television worlds includes: Rob Minkoff (Disney’s The Lion King director), Shane Morris (Disney’s Frozen co-writer), Tim Mansfield, and writer Elise Allen (Dinosaur Train, Lion Guard, Barbie specials), who serves as head writer and co-creator. Michael Maliani directs the series and Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO Andy Heyward serves as executive producer.