Toronto, Canada– Boat Rocker Rights announced that Universal Kids has acquired the US linear rights to the international hit tween series, The Next Step. A single-camera, half-hour tween drama that follows the lives of a group of elite dancers, The Next Step has already garnered international acclaim and is broadcast in over 120 countries worldwide.
Universal Kids has acquired seasons 1 through 5 (154 x 30’ episodes) from Boat Rocker Rights and BBC Worldwide, along with a production partnership for the sixth season, currently in production. Season 6 (26 x 30’) will introduce fans to a talented new group of young dancers in addition to returning fan-favorites from previous seasons. Boat Rocker Rights will now distribute the series worldwide, starting with season 6 and beyond.
“We are thrilled to be working with Universal Kids on this incredible brand,” said Jon Rutherford, President of Boat Rocker Rights. “The Next Step has been such a strong global success story over the past five years and we are confident that in the skillful hands of the Universal Kids team, it will be an equally powerful brand in the US market.”
“Universal Kids reflects all that is universal about being a kid – and The Next Step captures the essence of this with its friendship, passion and determination,” said Dea Perez, VP, Content Strategy and Acquisitions, Universal Kids. “International hits are an important part of our content mix, and The Next Step has resonated with audiences across the world. It is the perfect complement to the Universal Kids launch slate.”
The Next Step will air Mondays-Saturdays at 9:00pm ET beginning on September 9, 2017.The Next Step is produced by Radical Sheep Productions, a division of Boat Rocker Studios and is executive produced by Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier (Lost & Found Music Studios, Wingin’ It); and Michelle Melanson Cuperus (The Bagel and Becky Show, Fangbone!). Rachael Schaefer (The Next Step, Wingin’ It) and Karen McClellan (The Other Kingdom, Being Erica) return as showrunners and executive producers. The Next Step was created by Frank van Keeken. The Next Step is also produced with the participation of the Shaw Rocket Fund, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and BBC Worldwide.
