Mel B, one of the Spice Girls and a former host on America’s Got Talent, will narrate her first TV series. Sky Kids said Tuesday that the Scary Spice will be the narrator of a new animated children’s series called Happy Town.
“Narrated by Mel B, Happy Town follows the problem-solving adventures of an adorable hedgehog and ladybird best friend duo, Pep and Tabitha, in a charming and unique community,” the network said. “The brightness of the light in Happy Town depends on the townsfolks’ glee, so each time it starts to fizz out, the duo set out on a mission to make the sign shine bright again by helping others and encouraging everyone to help each other too.”
“This is a huge moment for me to be the voice of Happy Town for Sky Kids – my first time ever as a narrator,” said Mel B. “I’ve actually spent years looking for the perfect children’s show to get involved with because I’m a mum of three and I strongly believe that little ones learn so much through brilliant, colorful, creative storytelling.”
She added: “Happy Town is all about kindness and community and a cute ladybird and hedgehog duo who make it their mission to help people. I’m totally in love with this gorgeous Sky Kids show. At its heart is fun, adventure and great entertainment – just like me really!”
The music star’s TV career has also included serving as a coach and mentor on The Voice Kids Australia (2014) and as a judge on The Masked Singer Australia since 2022.
Also joining the Sky Kids slate is the animated comedy series Let’s Go, Bananas!, created and scripted by Tim Bain, who has written for such animated kids hits as Bluey and PJ Masks, “focusing on a community of three sweet and silly neighboring animal families who share each other’s triumphs, dramas and completely bananas lives.”
Said Sky Kids: “The show is a feel-good celebration of different family structures, and all the wonderful chaos, joy and messy moments which will be recognized and loved by young viewers and their own families.”
The new kids’ shows are part of a raft of new original and exclusive titles that Sky, owned by Comcast, is unveiling for 2024 ahead of its annual “Up Next” event in London on Thursday.
“Full of positivity and encouraging creative thinking, Happy Town is a burst of color and joy which is completely encapsulated in the brilliant Mel B’s warm and engaging narration,” said Lucy Murphy, director of Sky Kids. “And we’re delighted to be working with Tim Bain on the hilarious Let’s Go Bananas which shows kids that family is what you make it.”
Here are more details about the two children’s series.
Happy Town (50 episodes of seven minutes), commissioned by Lucy Murphy, director of kids content for Zai Bennett, managing director of content for Sky U.K. and Ireland. The commissioning editor for Sky is Ian France. The series is produced by Happy Town Productions. James Fox is the creator and director; Dominic Buttimore is the producer.
Let’s Go, Bananas! (52 episodes of 11 minutes), commissioned Lucy Murphy for Bennett. The executive producer for Sky Kids is Lisa Mackintosh. The series is produced by 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films. Sonia Santarelli is the producer.
