ITV and RTÉjr to recommission show that helps toddlers understand their emotions
Launched in November, Paper Owl Films’ series Happy the Hoglet has been such a success that both
its broadcasters, ITV and RTÉjr, are very happy to progress with a second series.
Production of the next 26 episodes of Happy the Hoglet is planned to start in late 2024 and Paper
Owl Films will be heading to Kidscreen Summit later this month to meet with international partners
also interested in investing in the show.
Happy the Hoglet follows a baby hedgehog’s adventures with his friends as they explore their
feelings. Each episode focuses on an adventure during which Happy learns to understand emotions
from feeling excited to ‘hangry’ or feeling like he just needs a quiet minute.
The show helps its young audience overcome negative feelings and make the most of positive ones.
Reaction to the first series has been overwhelmingly positive. Pre-schoolers laugh out loud while
watching the show and collaborate to identify the emotions on-screen. A constructive response from
educators shows there is opportunity for follow-up activities with the characters from Happy in the
classroom.
Aardman is the distributor for series one and series two of Happy the Hoglet.
Grainne McGuinness, Creative Director at Paper Owl Films, comments: “Toddlers need to learn
emotional resilience earlier than ever given the world they are set to grow up in. The reaction to the
first series of Happy has been huge so we are thrilled to be bringing the show to Kidscreen Summit
later this month.”
Darren Nartey, Acquisitions Manager at ITV, comments: “We’re extremely delighted with the
performance of Happy across our platforms. It’s a beautiful, engaging and well-written show, and
our young audience have responded really well to it.”
Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s Content at RTÉ, comments: “Happy the Hoglet and his wonderful
bunch of friends reassure RTÉjr viewers that no matter how grumpy, sad or cross we are, we can
work through it together. I am really excited about Happy the Hoglet on RTÉjr. Everyone could do
with some Happy right now!”