“Pinocchio and Friends”: the new show will land on CBeebies

Italy’s leading content powerhouse, Rainbow Group, has inked an exclusive agreement with the UK’s leading free-to-air pre-school channel, CBeebies, to broadcast its new CGI animated series Pinocchio and Friends from early 2022.

The world’s most famous wooden puppet is back and already enjoying critical acclaim thanks to Iginio Straffi’s brilliant adaptation – ranking as the most watched and top-rated show on Italian channel Rai Yoyo, which premiered Pinocchio and Friends last November.

Produced by Rainbow in collaboration with Rai Ragazzi and Toonz Media Group, the 26 x 12minute action-comedy show retains the original values that made Collodi’s novel a timeless classic still brimming with potential, while taking the audience on brand new hilarious adventures set in the artfully designed, contemporary world.

Once again, Rainbow delivers a masterpiece in family entertainment.

The story begins in Papa Geppetto’s Shop of Wonders, the home of Pinocchio’s bunch of little heroes always ready to set off and explore the great outdoors.

The funny and cheeky puppet is joined on his adventures by Freeda, a pirate doll always ready to board, and grumpy Talking Cricket, appointed by the Fairy with Turquoise Hair to keep an eye on them. Among old and new encounters, modern technology, and surprising twists, Pinocchio will draw the audience on a funny journey to the discovery of everyday little wonders and universal values such as inclusion, friendship, and the power of dreams.

“I have been waiting for the right time to bring this concept to light with the attention and quality it deserves. My new Pinocchio brings out the essence of what makes this story so inspirational while speaking to children in a light-hearted, educational show that empowers their dreams with key life values and exciting dynamics. I couldn’t be more delighted that we’ve partnered with top quality broadcaster BBC to air on CBeebies for British children next year, and we look forward to seeing the series thrive” commented Mr Iginio Straffi, Rainbow’s Founder and CEO.

Pinocchio was presented at the 78th Venice Film Festival in September, treading the red carpet alongside Mr Straffi, and was greeted by film-going fans, critics, media, and producers from around the world also during the simultaneous premieres in Italy at Lucca Comics and Games and Los Angeles’ ITTV Festival last 30th October.

The series launched last November 29th on Italy’s leading children’s channel, Rai Yoyo, and is already top-rated show of the channel.