A whole new generation is about to become fans of the Beatles. Netflix announced on Tuesday that it will release a new animated series for kids that is based on popular songs from the iconic band.
Called Beat Bugs (nice play on words there, Netflix), the animated series will follow the story of five best friends friends — Jay, Kumi, Crick, Buzz and Walter — who band together to explore the universe, which is really just a suburban backyard.
Created, written, directed and produced by Josh Wakley, each of the characters is charming and adventurous, and they often find themselves either causing or getting into trouble.
With a deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing to be able to record covers for the series from John Lennon and Paul McCartney's "Northern Songs" catalog, Beat Bugs will feature over 50 Beatles songs performed by current popular artists, such as P!nk covering "Lucy In The Sky with Diamonds" and Sia covering "Blackbird." Other artists include Of Monsters and Men, Regina Spektor and Eddie Vedder, who will sing the songs we all know and love, like "All You Need Is Love," "Come Together," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Yellow Submarine."
"Personally I'm very grateful to be part of Josh's vision," Eddie Vedder said in a press release. "A tremendous show for kids that combines beautiful animation with great stories and obviously some of the best songs ever written."
The uplifting songs will be woven into the narrative of each episode, leaving both kids and their parents entertained.
"It's a rare occasion to be presented with a truly one-of-a-kind children's show that is so perfectly suited to Netflix," Andy Yeatman, director of original kids' content at Netflix, said. "Josh and his team have not only developed a compelling children's show filled with life lessons, but they've built a show that will transcend generations and have parents and grandparents enjoying right alongside their little ones."
Beat Bugs is the first project from Wakley's indie film and TV production company, Grace: A Storytelling Company. Thunderbird and Beyond Screen Productions are on board as partners, with Thunderbird's Atomic Cartoons animating the series.
The animated series inspired by the Beatles is coming to Netflix in August 2016. Check out the trailer below.
Source: Netflix
