ABC TV's Bananas in Pyjamas to air on Channel Five, CN, Disney & Discovery Kids

ABC TV’s Bananas in Pyjamas’ new animated series, which launched in Australia in May, has proved popular internationally with sales to every major European market, Ireland, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and New Zealand.

The new series has sold to Channel Five UK, whose Milkshake slot is one of the highest regarded children’s preschool blocks internationally. It will also debut in September for Cartoon Network’s European, Middle East and African outlets. It will screen on Disney Asia in July and also launch in January 2012 across Discovery Kids’ Latin American channel.

Cathy Payne, Chief Executive of Endemol Worldwide Distribution said “Bananas in Pyjamas has been warmly received by the international market. Broadcasters have embraced the return of the much loved characters in a fresh format that better meets the need of their schedule and audience, while at the same time, retains the quintessential endearing qualities of the brand.”

The animated Bananas in Pyjamas series has proved a success at home where it moved to its new home on ABC 4 Kids block on ABC2.

The new series has increased its audience with its first screening each day at 8am averaging 168,000 viewers, and now with a 1.30pm repeat each day, it attracts a further average of 87,000 viewers.

The new series has also been one of the most popular shows on ABC 4 Kids website and iview with over 555,000 views of episodes.

ABC TV Executive Head of Children’s TV Tim Brooke-Hunt said “The Bananas in Pyjamas sit alongside Play School as ABC TV’s most important and enduring pre-school brands.

“I am delighted that our decision to invest in reviving the Bananas via a new animated series has proven enormously successful, both in terms of an increased domestic audience and in sales to major international broadcasters. I have every confidence that a whole new generation of children around the world will grow up loving the Bananas every bit as much as their predecessors,” he said.

Australian fans of the new Bananas will also be delighted when in August a substantial new range of books, toys, CDs, apparel and accessories will become available. The new DVD titled Cuddles Avenue is released today.