Banana Splits being revived
By Staff -- Playthings, 8/19/2008 3:14:00 PM
BURBANK, Calif.—Hanna-Barbera cult classic TV series The Banana Splits is returning to TV next month in updated form, Warner Bros. Consumer Products has announced.
Starting Tuesday, September 2, The Banana Splits—a costumed rock band comprised of a dog, lion, gorilla and elephant—will star in new comedy shorts and music videos on Cartoon Network and Boomerang as the first step in a multi-platform effort to revive the property that includes a new website, DVDs, live entertainment and music CDs.
“Everything that made The Banana Splits hugely popular in the ’60s is back, including the group’s terrific humor and hit music,” said Jordan Sollitto, WBCP’s executive vice president for new business initiatives and international licensing. “We take great pride in having carefully updated the look and feel of the original show for today’s kids while retaining all of the elements that made the original Banana Splits such a hit.”
In conjunction with the TV revival, the series' characters will be featured in a wide range of merchandise, including toys, games, books and apparel. Licensees in those product categories have yet to be announced.
The Banana Splits originally debuted in 1968 as hosts of The Banana Splits Adventure Hour, a variety-style show that aired on NBC for two seasons. The show generated a multitude of consumer products, numerous albums and an impossible to forget theme song, “The Tra La La Song.”
A key element of the property’s return will be as many as 130, 1½-to-2½-minute comedy shorts appearing on Cartoon Network on weekdays 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The new shorts, filled with “unique, kid-focused comedy,” share the same look of the original television series.
Additionally, Universal Records will debut a CD and DVD featuring 13 new Banana Splits pop and rock songs and music videos. Intended to appeal to kids and parents, the music and music videos will be offered online and incorporated into the Cartoon Network comedy shorts.
The Banana Splits will also be seen in concert tours and live theme park appearances.
