Netflix and Scholastic Media have just announced plans to bring a new version of The Magic School Bus to subscribers sometime in 2016.
The new series is entitled The Magic School Bus 360, and will contain 26 half-hour episodes. It is being described as a “dynamic reimagining” of the original Magic School Bus series. The old series was one of PBS’ highest-rated, and ran 52 episodes from 1994 to 1997.
“Magic School Bus, the old version, is remarkably popular on Netflix,” Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos told the New York Times. “It teaches science in a way that transcends generations.” He went on to add that it’s Netflix’s most-popular educational show.
With that much interest in a 20-year-old show, Sarandos and crew must feel pretty confident that Netflix would have a hit on their hands with a reboot.
“The Magic School Bus revolutionized kids’ television through a unique and powerful blend of entertainment and science information. We’re proud that it’s become an evergreen show that children and parents continue to watch together,” said Deborah Forte, President of Scholastic Media. “Our new rendition The Magic School Bus 360° is a similarly compelling addition to the current landscape of children’s programming and on Netflix is bound to reach more families around the world than ever before who will now be able to watch the show anytime, anywhere they want.”
Here’s the new show’s official description:
The new iteration of the enduring franchise features a modernized Ms. Frizzle and her class along with an inventive high-tech bus that invites children on high-flying hijinks that introduce the incredible world of science. Each new episode promises thrilling discoveries, heart-pounding explorations and relatable humor, while encouraging kids to think critically and creatively to answer questions and solve problems. The series also features the latest tech innovations such as robotics, wearables and camera technology to captivate children’s imaginations and motivate their interest in the sciences. The all-new episodes also leverage advancements in animation, science and technology in a way that will delight a new generation of young viewers, and like its predecessor, will help kids around the world discover the magic and value of exploration and innovation.
Magic School Bus 360 will align with the “global emphasis on STEM education.”
Seatbelts, everyone! Reimagined Magic School Bus series coming to Netflix http://t.co/1naEZ0jveX pic.twitter.com/XZRvGlcH47
— Netflix US (@netflix) June 11, 2014
This marks another advancement in Netflix’s relationship with Scholastic. Back in August of 2013, the two companies signed a deal that brought all episodes of The Magic School Bus and Goosebumps to Netflix’s streaming offerings.
Image via Netflix, Twitter
