David Farnor | On 11, Feb 2016

First iTunes, then Spotify. Now, The Beatles are coming to Netflix, as part of a new kids’ series, Beat Bugs.

The Netflix original, which is produced by A Storytelling Company (Grace), Thunderbird and Beyond Screen Production, will feature original characters and a world created by Josh Wakely, who will direct, write and produce the series. The bugs themselves are five friends – Jay, Kumi, Crick, Buzz, and Walter – who band together to explore and learn in an overgrown suburban backyard.

Where do the Fab Four fit in? The show 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 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. Further artists joining the project are expected to be announced in the coming months. Among the songs featured include Help!, All You Need Is Love, Come Together, Penny Lane, Yellow Submarine, Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Magical Mystery Tour.

“Personally I’m very grateful to be part of Josh’s vision,” says Eddie Vedder. “A tremendous show for kids that combines beautiful animation with great stories and obviously some of the best songs ever written.”

“It’s a rare occasion to be presented with a truly one-of-a-kind children’s show that is so perfectly suited to Netflix,” adds Andy Yeatman, director of original kid’s content at Netflix. “Josh and his team have not only developed a compelling children’s show filled with life lessons, but they’ve built a show that will transcend generations and have parents and grandparents enjoying right alongside their little ones.”

The announcement follows a deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing for worldwide rights to record covers of the Beatles song catalogue for this production. It marks the first project from Wakely’s independent film and television production and development banner, Grace: A Storytelling Company – which he co-owns with Beat Bugs Exec Producer Trevor Roy.

The show will be released on Netflix around the world this summer, except for Australia, where the show will premiere on Seven Network before being added to the service at a later date.

Add to Watchlist