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A first-of-its-kind animated children’s show featuring a cast of characters who all have some type of disability is coming to television. The half-hour show “Hop” follows an eclectic group of best friends whose comedic adventures are intended to teach preschoolers to embrace differences in themselves and others. The streaming service Max will air the show, which comes from the creator of the venerable children’s series “Arthur,” starting next month.
“Led by Hop, an enthusiastic, empathetic frog with one leg shorter than the other, he and his quirky friends address kid-relatable challenges with a healthy dose of laughter, silliness, and adventure,” according to Max.
Hop’s friends in the community of Fair Village include the “fiercely intelligent squirrel” Filipa who’s described as neurodivergent and Benny, an alligator who’s afraid of everything from spiders and small spaces to mayonnaise.
“I believe we’ve created a safe, inviting show that will challenge our viewers to understand and appreciate people who are not like them, and to encourage children to act with tolerance and kindness,” said Marc Brown, the show’s creator. “This show is a labor of love, and I hope it brings joy and inspiration to children and families everywhere.”
The team behind “Hop” worked with the disability nonprofit RespectAbility on the show. The character of Hop is voiced by David Connolly, a Broadway actor who is a double below-knee amputee, and Filipa is voiced by Charlotte Walker who has autism.
“Hop” will premiere April 4 with six episodes on Max, the streaming service previously known as HBO Max. In total, 26 episodes are expected to air this year.
This article was featured in Disability Scoop by Shaun Heasley, March 25, 2024
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