The beloved American Girl dolls are heading to the small screen. Amazon inked a multiyear, multimillion dollar production deal with Mattel, Inc. to produce a set of four live-action specials based on the American Girl dolls for Amazon Prime, Amazon announced in a press release. The company also has an option to produce a multiseason live-action series based on the American Girl characters.
"American Girl resonates strongly with kids and parents alike through its message of self-confidence, adventure, exploration and learning," said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming, Amazon Studios, in the press release. "Their research dives deep and adds rich layers to the IP that are unparalleled in this space which, in turn, will facilitate a truly enriched on-screen experience."
Two specials will be based on the historical characters of the BeForever franchise of American Girl dolls and one special will focus on the contemporary characters of the Girl of the Year franchise, according to the press release. The "American Girl" specials will join the Amazon Original Kids roster, along with the record-setting live-action series "Just Add Magic," the Emmy-nominated live-action series "Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street" and the Youth Media Alliance Awards Grand Prize-winning live-action series "Annedroids."
"Amazon Studios has differentiated itself by creating shows that bring more than just entertainment to families," said Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, Chief Content Officer of Mattel Inc., in the press release. "Their focus on creating positive role models that both inspire and educate was an absolute perfect fit with Mattel's mission of creating purposeful play. Partnering with Amazon shows our commitment to innovation and to bringing content to our customers where, when and how they want to watch it."
The first American Girl special is set to premiere later this year across the Amazon Prime Video U.S., U.K., Germany and Austria markets.
