Kids

Epic Story Media and Gibson Group have wrapped production on “Mr. Hugo’s Little Library”, a live-action musical comedy series for children aged 4–8, produced as a Canada–New Zealand co-production. The 8 x 12-minute series has been commissioned by TVNZ, RNZ, TVOkids and Knowledge Network, with financing from the Shaw Rocket Fund and NZ On Air.

Designed as a feel-good preschool series, “Mr. Hugo’s Little Library” explores the magic of storytelling through music, dance, imaginative play and theatrical performance. The story follows three young friends who meet the exuberant librarian Mr. Hugo and discover a magical library where books literally come to life. Each episode introduces a new cast of fantastical characters, delivering messages centred on friendship, creativity and self-expression.

The series features a diverse ensemble drawn from musical theatre and drag traditions, alongside original songs performed by well-known artists including award-winning Canadian-born New Zealand singer Tami Neilson, Ladyhawke, and Richard O’Brien of The Rocky Horror Show and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. At its core, the project promotes literacy while celebrating diversity and inclusion.

“When Epic Story Media brought us ‘Mr. Hugo’s Little Library’ in 2024, we knew that it was something we wanted to come on board for,” said Kirsten Hurd, Commissioning Editor of TVOkids. “The theatrical storytelling and beautiful visuals all wrapped up in a show that promotes literacy and inclusivity is a perfect fit for TVOkids. We are thrilled with the final result and can’t wait to introduce Mr. Hugo and the rest of the characters to our audiences in June.”

“There is a magic in the art of storytelling that resonates especially strongly with children,” says Gary Scott, Executive Producer of the Gibson Group. “The imagination and intuition kids use to understand the world around them is a powerful force for good. ‘Mr. Hugo’s Little Library’ really evokes that fantastic world of song, dance and dress-up into a joyous and colourful series about friendship and peer support. We are all very proud of it.”

“We are incredibly proud to have partnered with the Gibson Group to co-produce this amazing series,” says Epic Story Media CEO Ken Faier. “TVNZ, RNZ, TVOkids and Knowledge Network embraced what we were trying to achieve, and I couldn't be more thrilled with how the show turned out. It promotes literacy, fun, and embracing different ways of sharing the love of story. It's gonna be Epic!”

“Mr. Hugo’s Little Library” will premiere on TVNZ in New Zealand in 2026, followed by a second window on RNZ later in the year. In Canada, the series will launch on TVOkids in June 2026 and on Knowledge Kids in fall 2026. Epic Story Media will handle global distribution and will present the series at Kidscreen Summit 2026.