Max & Ruby is a co-production from Nelvana/Corus Ent. in association with Chorion Silver Lining. The program features the rabbit siblings as one with a knack for antics and adventure ("Max") and the other with a more creatively independent nature ("Ruby"). Nickelodeon Preschool Television believes that this duo, having already fit so well into earlier morning programming on the NOGGIN television channel (at 10:30am ET), is poised for more success given the support the viewing audience has shown thus far. Nick Jr. has ordered another season of Max & Ruby, which will be scheduled for release in Spring 2007.
"We believe passionately in Max & Ruby," Nicholas James, CEO of Chorion commented. "The books and the TV series speak directly to young children across cultures and the series is a firm favorite with broadcasters, parents and youngsters alike." James continued: "We are delighted that Nelvana has produced 14 more half-hour episodes and that Nick Jr. has picked these up. We know that Max and Ruby's large family of devoted fans can't wait to get to see these new shows."
Each half-hour episode of Max & Ruby consists of three seven-and-a-half-minute stories that celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships. The series follows Max, an enthusiastic and determined preschool bunny, and his big sister Ruby, a very smart and goal-oriented seven-year-old, through their everyday lives in the village of East Bunnyhop. Even though Max and Ruby have conflicting agendas, they enjoy working and playing together. Max & Ruby is an animated comedy based on the children's books by Rosemary Wells. The show offers an empowering message for children by showing Max and Ruby playing together and resolving their differences in ways that are respectful and supportive.
Wells is quoted in previously observing: "Max & Ruby celebrates the relationship between Ruby and her younger brother, Max, and the universal nature of sibling relationships. It's as common an experience to many childhoods as Band-aids and birthdays." Wells went on to comment: "What makes the relationship in the series compelling is that I've added salt and pepper to it, instead of sugar."
"The television series centers on the familiar faces of Max and Ruby, but also introduces new characters and an expanded world with many brand-new stories written especially for television. Like the books, each of the shows is funny and gentle and makes a point for preschoolers."
About Chorion: Chorion (www.chorion.co.uk) owns and manages classic and contemporary literary-based brands that have worldwide appeal. Its owned properties include Noddy, MR. MEN and the works of Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler. Its managed properties include the non-publishing rights to Max & Ruby, Olivia and Eric Carle. Chorion has offices in London, New York, Tokyo and Sydney. In the U.S., all its children's properties are managed by Chorion Silver Lining, a wholly owned subsidiary. Chorion specializes in developing and producing new television content for its properties, directly or with third parties, and then building those properties into worldwide brands.
About Nick Jr.: Nick Jr. is a specially designed programming block airing on Nickelodeon weekdays from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (ET/PT). Completely dedicated to preschoolers ages 2-5, Nick Jr.'s Emmy, Peabody and Parents' Choice Award-winning programs are curriculum based, fun and commercial free. NOGGIN (www.noggin.com) is the commercial-free, educational preschool network from Nickelodeon, reaches 52 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite TV. NOGGIN, which airs from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (ET), is like preschool on TV, with educational programming both on-air and online.