With an abundance of television networks and streaming services, many cartoons aimed at kids are scheduled to premiere later in 2020. Below is a look into those on Disney Channel, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and Nickelodeon, as well as speculation about their chances of success. Before we start, it is important to note that every single one of these shows has a purpose to be ordered to series. It is simply part of the television business that some will inevitably fail, regardless of how well development went.
DISNEY CHANNEL
The Curse of Molly McGee
Disney seems to be hoping to attract children and pre-teen girls with this show, which details a happy-go-lucky girl and a miserable ghost’s mutual encounters.
Upon first glance, it seems as though The Curse of Molly McGee will be relying mainly on two characters. If viewers don’t like those characters, they’ll be inclined to not watch past the premiere. Additionally, it is not tied into an already-popular Disney franchise, giving it even more of a challenge.
Chance Of Success: LOW
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
Marvel has had mixed success on television. Three Marvel shows aired on ABC in the 2010s, with one (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) having a length run. They also had a slew of shows on Netflix, and while Netflix doesn’t release ratings publicly, fan outcry over their sudden cancelations proves they had, at the very least, a dedicated audience. Marvel’s movies have produced hit after hit for Disney.
The fact this will be airing on Disney Channel, rather than be a Disney+ exclusive, is likely a sign that Disney brass have faith in the show, which is based on the two Marvel characters named in the title. And while it does face the challenge of having just two main characters, the fact they are long-existing characters, combined with the fact Disney felt it necessary to explore a series with these two particular characters, is a sign that success is to come.
Chance Of Success: HIGH
Vikingskool
Vikingskool, like The Curse of Molly McGee, relies on fantasy. However, the concept of three students going through rigorous curriculum while not having completely figured out how to use all their strengths at once could lead to some comedy. On paper, this sounds similar to what a Harry Potter/Hogwarts series would sound like, which is something that could easily connect with kids. Additionally, taking the school setting and applying a fantasy element to it could make for some fresh storylines, and making this an animated show avoids the problem of having actors grow out of their roles too quickly.
Not being tied into a major property will be a challenge, but this seems like the type of the show that will benefit wildly from being animated.
Chance Of Success: MILD
Ghostforce
Ghostforce is another fantasy show coming to Disney Channel, although this one premieres in 2016. Or at least, was originally supposed to. In fact, 2020 is the fifth year in a row when Ghostforce has been scheduled to premiere. Should it finally be able to make its debut in 2020, as currently scheduled, it will have to prove to be of quality that Disney Channel feels can be easily marketed. Preferably, something that will appeal to fans of Ghostbusters without actually feeling like a Ghostbusters rip-off.
The potential of the latter situation happening seems somewhat high, given the show follows a group kids whose job are to capture ghosts in New York City. Maybe bringing back The Real Ghostbusters or Extreme Ghostbusters would work (emphasis on maybe). Starting from scratch is a reach.
Chance of Success: LOW
DISNEY+
Untitled Chip ‘n’ Dale Series
Like with Disney Channel’s upcoming Marvel animated series, Disney+ is relying on two characters from their large catalog to make a new hit. This show, starring the iconic chipmunks Chip ‘n’ Dale, is set to produce episodes that are seven minutes long and have no words.
This means the show will have to rely on physical humor to work. While the short length of the episodes should play into its favor, leaving the quality of the show up to the animation is a risk that is just as likely to work as not.
Chance Of Success: MILD
HBO Max
Looney Tunes Cartoons
Warner Brothers is taking a page out of Disney’s playbook by using a well-known, legendary set of characters to assist in launching their service. There is not a ton of information known about the show other than that it is set in the Looney Tunes Universe.
It’s imaginable that some adults will try to get their kids to watch the show, as they are curious themselves as to how it turns out. While it is ultimately up to the kids to decide whether they like or don’t like the show, it being one of the few options available on HBO Max’s launch date for kids should play in its favor, as should the nostalgia factor felt by older generations.
Chance Of Success: HIGH
Tig n’ Seek
This show, a fantasy which follows a child and his cat’s quest to find missing items in the city, was originally meant for Cartoon Network.
When people sign up for HBO Max, it is unclear how many have their kids in mind. Tig n’ Seek doesn’t seem like a title HBO Max has been hyping up a lot, and the title could mislead some people into thinking it’s in the Winnie The Pooh Universe (Tig/Tigger).
Chance Of Success: LOW
The Fungies!
Another show that was originally meant for Cartoon Network, The Fungies! is another show on this list that relies on fantasy. This one takes place in a land filled with talking, walking mushrooms.
It’s certainly an interesting concept at the very least. While it far from a guaranteed success, it could become something of a new generation’s Veggie Tales.
Chance Of Success: MILD
HULU
Animaniacs
Hulu has made kids cartoons before, but nothing to the level of recognition of Animaniacs. It appears that this version will be written so that an older audience will be able to enjoy it. Even if it doesn’t click too well with kids, there is also the possibility that this will catch on with adults.
Chance Of Success: HIGH
NETFLIX
Wizards: Tales of Arcadia
This is the third show in the trilogy that previously brought viewers Trollhunters and 3Below. While not much is known about the popularity of 3Below, a quick Internet search for Trollhunters shows it has a dedicated fanbase.
Wizards: Tales of Arcadia details a wide-scaled battle in apocalyptic times. It sounds like an intense show for something that is tailored toward kids and young adults. The safe consensus on this is it’ll do just as well, if not a little worse, than the other shows in the trilogy.
Chance Of Success: MILD
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous
This Jurassic World show stars a group of (animated) teenagers at camp. It takes a known brand and combines it with characters that, if executed correctly, many teens will be able to relate to in terms of personality. While it is preferable that viewers are able to relate to, or at least root for, these characters, coming from the Jurassic World Universe should help it.
Chance Of Success: HIGH
Kid Cosmic
This fantasy animated show coming to Netflix is about a boy who suddenly becomes a hero and finds out being one is not as fun as he thought it would be.
It is an interesting concept, but one that could easily get lost in the mix of the countless other shows made by Netflix without the advantage of marketability/having a name brand.
Chance Of Success: LOW
Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy
What Netflix is doing here is bringing to their platform something that has already been successful as a video game and a toy line.
Chances are, kids who have the video game and/or something from the toy line, as well as access to Netflix, will be inclined to sample this show. The quality will determine further popularity, but being part of a popular series is a huge advantage.
Chance Of Success: HIGH
NICKELODEON
Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years
This prequel to Nickelodeon’s flagship show is also a spinoff of the upcoming SpongeBob movie. As of now, the movie has been pushed back to premiere after the show. If that happens, there may be a poor launch. If the premiere of the show is pushed back to give the movie some time to be viewed in advance, then its prospects could be higher.
Kamp Koral certainly isn’t an obvious success. It will depend on timing and schedule placement, which may prove it to be a time slot hit at best, and a failure at worst.
Chance Of Success: MILD
Rugrats
In Nickelodeon’s early days of animation, Rugrats was their top show. It spawned multiple seasons that allowed the show to last over a decade, with theatrical releases and a sequel/spinoff series.
The problem here is, how many kids will be interested in this revival? The show was extremely popular in the 1990s, but there isn’t much on the surface to suggest it will connect with a new generation.
Chance Of Success: LOW
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