The popular children’s educational series Yo Gabba Gabba! is returning with a new creative vision. Reportedly, Apple TV+ is looking to expand its selection of kids programming starting with the revival of the former Nickelodeon series. In collaboration with WildBrain, the streamer has ordered a new 20-episode half-hour series based on the original incarnation. The deal also includes the rights to the entire library of all past Yo Gabba Gabba! series episodes and specials.
Per Apple TV+, the revival will be a “reimagining based on the heart and essence of what Yo Gabba Gabba! is – a fantastic land of optimism and fun, where kids and families are taught life lessons through song and dance that allow them to learn, laugh and heal.” No additional information has been provided, so it’s unclear if the new show will bring back DJ Lance Rock and his colorful friends Muno, Foofa, Toodee, Brobee, and Plex.
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The idea of rebooting or “reimagining” any beloved property is always met with apprehension from fans. It doesn’t help that there is no guarantee of the original actors or characters returning. Sadly, Biz Markie has since passed away, so we know the new show won’t feature Biz’s Beat of the Day. Still, perhaps it’s best to remember the lessons taught by Brobee and friends in the original series if a new cast is brought into the fray and welcome these new friends. It’s important to note all of the classic episodes will be streaming as well.
Originally, Yo Gabba Gabba! was conceived by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz. The show aired on Nickelodeon from 2007-2015, winning a Daytime Emmy Award and two Television Critics Association Awards during that time. It had become so popular that DJ Lance Rock, Biz Markie, and the Yo Gabba Gabba! gang went on tour to sing and dance for their young fans live. There were also scores of toys and other merchandise inspired by the show. Fans still celebrate the series and many were happy to see it appearing on WandaVision earlier this year.
Many celebrity guests have appeared on the series, often playing themselves. This includes stars like Jack Black, Andy Samberg, Laila Ali, Elijah Wood, Bill Hader, Tony Hawk, and Anthony Bourdain. A wide variety of musical guests have also appeared in classic episodes to perform music for the children watching, such as The Roots, My Chemical Romance, The Flaming Lips, Erykah Badu, Jimmy Eat World, Mos Def, Solange Knowles, Mya, The Shins, MGMT, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and frequent appearances by The Aquabats.
It’s unclear what happened at Nickelodeon, but at some point, their partnership with the Yo Gabba Gabba! team fizzled. The series was removed from Nickelodeon-associated apps and streaming services and can now be found streaming in their entirety for free on YouTube and Tubi. As of now, these episodes are still streaming, though it seems likely they’ll eventually be removed once they start streaming on Apple TV+.
The new Yo Gabba Gabba! will be produced in partnership and collaboration with WildBrain and Yo Gabba Gabba LLC, co-owners of the IP. This deal also follows Apple TV+ previously teaming up with Peanuts Worldwide and Lee Mendelson Film Productions to make the streaming service the exclusive home of Peanuts specials along with new original specials. It’s unclear when the new Yo Gabba Gabba! will arrive. This news comes to us from Deadline.
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