Kids

Dandelooo and TF1's children's programming block TFOU have announced a major milestone for the upcoming animated preschool series Hold on Gaston!, with German broadcaster ZDF joining the project as a co-production partner. The addition of ZDF further strengthens the European collaboration behind the 2D animated comedy, which is already being co-produced by Belgium's Vivi Film and VRT Ketnet. The series has also secured a string of international pre-sales with TV5 Monde (France), TFO (Canada), DR (Denmark) and Iceland's RÚV, while Dandelooo will handle worldwide distribution.

Based on the bestselling Little Unicorn books by author and illustrator Aurélie Chien Chow Chine, Hold on Gaston! is a 48 x 11-minute animated series accompanied by two 22-minute specials for children aged 5 to 8. Directed by Grégory Leterrier, the production is currently underway at Dandelooo's Ooolala animation studio, with delivery scheduled for late 2027. The series follows a cheerful little unicorn whose colorful mane changes with his emotions. Whenever Gaston is overwhelmed by a feeling, he embarks on imaginative adventures alongside his friends in the whimsical world of Univille-on-Joy, helping young viewers explore emotions through humor, friendship and colorful storytelling.

Yann Labasque, Head of Youth Programming at TF1 Group, said: "We're thrilled to collaborate with Dandelooo to bring Little Unicorn, the beloved book series by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine, to life on screen. Gaston's journey is a perfect fit for TFOU's mission: to create stories that entertain and give kids the tools to understand their emotions. This series is not just an adaptation—it's a whimsical comedy for young viewers to explore with energy and benevolence the ups and downs of growing up."
Telidja Klai, Content Manager at VRT Ketnet, highlighted the series' emotional storytelling and visual appeal: "Hold on Gaston! has a very funny, warm and happy storytelling, the most original characters, very beautiful high-quality design and very positive values matching the values of Ketnet. The focus on social emotional development of children, the translation of emotion into colors and the way of dealing with emotions is positive, unique and an added value in Ketnet's portfolio."
Veerle Appelmans, Producer at Vivi Film, added: "Hold on Gaston! marks the second series co-produced by Vivi Film with Dandelooo, following the success of Upside Down River. Aimed at upper preschoolers, this vibrant series brings a fresh emotion-driven approach that sparks adventure, emotional insight and plenty of laughs. We're thrilled to contribute to the animation and create a Flemish dub to bring the series to young audiences in Flanders."