Banijay Kids & Family – behind hit shows “Totally Spies!” and “Mr Bean: The Animated Series” – has announced new distribution agreements for the latest installment of “Once Upon a Time…,” produced by Procidis.
Season 8, “Once Upon a Time… The Objects,” has been picked up by Puls 2’s Puls Kids in Poland, Turkuvaz Media Group’s children’s channel Minika GO in Turkey, TFO in Canada and Radio Television Hong Kong.
There’s more good news, however, as earlier seasons “continue to thrive” with AMC Networks International CNE acquiring Seasons 3 and 7 (“Life,” “Planet Earth”) for multiple Eastern European territories, and SF Studios picking up Season 3 (“Life”) for Norway and Sweden.
Described as an “iconic edutainment franchise,” the “Once Upon a Time…” saga was originally created by Albert Barillé in 1978 and has broadcast continuously in France for nearly 50 years.
“Its continued journey across borders, and into new territories, demonstrates its sustained relevance and appeal on a global scale,” noted Cécile Cau, SVP Sales, Co-productions and Acquisitions at Banijay Kids & Family.
“The franchise has an enduring legacy and educational value which stays with viewers for life, sparking curiosity in childhood and continuing to resonate with fans well into adulthood.”
Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO of Banijay Kids & Family and President of Procidis, told Variety: “At the time it was created, ‘Once Upon a Time…’ was revolutionary. Albert Barillé created a unique visual and narrative language that spoke to children and parents alike.”
Its longevity is rooted in its ability to “blend storytelling with education in a way that’s both engaging and timeless,” he argued, “making knowledge accessible, playful and universal.”
“The franchise has always sparked curiosity in children that leaves a lasting impression into adulthood. What’s kept it alive is its adaptability, with each new season tackling fresh themes that resonate with contemporary audiences. Every episode is driven by curiosity, pedagogy, and a genuine kindness toward the audience.”
It’s not the end of the decades-spanning story, however.
“The continued success of ‘Once Upon a Time…’ across new territories and platforms shows there’s still a strong appetite for thoughtful, educational content. With Helene Barillé, we have bold plans to grow and evolve the brand for a new generation. We’re continuing to keep building on its legacy and introduce it to new generations around the world, both through content and beyond with a growing portfolio of experiences and products.”
While every season has a different focus, “The Objects” takes a fresh look at the everyday items that shape our world.
“It’s a clever way to teach children about science, history and culture through objects they encounter daily. Buyers have responded enthusiastically because the show is accessible and universal, and they value content that smartly combines education and entertainment,” assured Di Sabatino. Arguing that the magic of the franchise likes in its storytelling.
“It doesn’t preach. It entertains. It invites understanding rather than memorization. Humor, poetry and iconic characters make knowledge come alive.”
He added: “It has always respected its audience’s intelligence and is a trusted source of knowledge, which captures children’s imaginations. That balance of emotion, narrative and scientific accuracy is what makes it such a timeless model of ‘edutainment,’ long before the term even existed.”
‘Once Upon a Time…’
Courtesy of Banijay Kids & Family
