James R | On 27, Jul 2016

Netflix has renewed Beat Bugs for a second season. The show, which follows a group of five bug friends who band together to explore and learn in an overgrown suburban backyard, incorporates songs from the Lennon/McCartney Northern Songs catalogue, to tell “uplifting and life-affirming stories filled with hope and melody”.

Some of the most well-known Beatles songs are woven into the narrative of each episode, with Eddie Vedder, P!nk, James Bay, Sia, The Shins, Of Monsters and Men, Chris Cornell, Regina Spektor, James Corden, and Birdy each recording their rendition of an iconic song.

Season 2 of Beat Bugs will premiere on Friday 18th November.

Netflix announced the renewal today at its Summer Press Tour in the US, alongside an order for follow-up series from writer/director Josh Wakely and exec producer Smokey Robinson.

The Motown-themed series, which is currently untitled, revolves around a “loveable, funny and slightly shy eight year old boy named Ben, who discovers he has the extraordinary ability to bring street-art to life”.

Ben and his family live in the imaginary city of Motown, based on Detroit and its rich musical heritage. Inspired by the words and melodies of Motown’s classic songs, Ben and his friends Angie and Mickey, along with an amazing cast of enchanting street art characters, discover that creativity is magic, as they revive vibrancy to their city and learn life lessons.

Internationally-renowned recording artist and songwriter Smokey Robinson will serve as Executive Music Producer on the show, which, like Beat Bugs, will feature contemporary artists performing hit songs from the Motown catalog that will serve as inspiration for each episode.

The series will bring 52 of these iconic songs to life, including those made famous by all-time greats like Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and many more.

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