Nickelodeon to Revive ‘The Smurfs’

Nickelodeon from ViacomCBS has partnered with the worldwide licensors for “The Smurfs,” LAFIG Belgium and IMPS, to launch a new animated series based on the classic blue human-like characters in 2021. The “Smurfs” franchise began in 1981 as a comic and expanded into advertising, films, TV series, ice capades, video games, theme parks, and dolls.

ViacomCBS Consumer Products will also manage licensing for the property in North America, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Malaysia that will include a product line for the new series as well as items tied to the classic Smurfs brand.

“‘The Smurfs’ have entertained generations of kids and families globally, and we are thrilled to bring these identifiable characters, their stories and universal themes of cooperation, sharing and caring for their community to Nickelodeon,” said Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President. Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships at Nickelodeon.

The new series comes from Peyo Productions and Dupuis Edition & Audiovisuel. William Renaud directs, and Peter Saisselin and Amy Serafin (“Alvin and the Chipmunks”) are writing. Lewis and Dana Cluverius,