Vancouver-based Big Bad Boo Studios (1001 Nights, Lili & Lola) in partnership with TVO Kids has OKed production on a new original animated series, 16 Hudson. The first 39 x 7 season will be accompanied by a digital media component, with additional partners on the project including Knowledge Network, CBC Radio Canada, ICI TV, the Cogeco Fund and the Shaw Rocket Fund.

16 Hudson centers on four neighbors having small adventures in the big city: Lili, Sam, Amala and Luc. Their charming building at 16 Hudson is packed with kids and kids-at-heart, including Ivan the Sper and Mrs. Oldstein, an elderly lady who loves to relate her world travels to the children.

The main characters highlight the show’s larger themes of multiculturalism and diversity, with their backgrounds including Iranian, Chinese, Indian-Irish, and a family with same-sex parents. They also have varying interests and personalities, creating a cohesive and dynamic group of friends who join in each other’s cultural celebrations and everyday adventures. 16 Hudson also promotes kindergarten readiness with a curriculum covering oral language, math, vocabulary and problem-solving.

“It is our goal to create shows that are well balanced and reflect the true nature of the world kids live in today. My daughter has friends with all kinds of backgrounds and those values are not being represented on the screen. We are here to change that,” said co-creator Shabnam Rezaei.

16 Hudson