HBO Max Unveils 2nd Originals Slate: New Toons for Kids & Adults

HBO Max has revealed the second slate of premium Max Originals available to viewers after the streamer’s May 27 launch. The next wave of titles coming to the platform begins Thursday, June 18, bringing a fresh lineup of new animated series and seasons as well as bolstering the platform’s library content with familiar favorites.

“Shortly after the initial launch our monthly strategy kicks in, as we introduce great new originals every month throughout the year,” said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer, HBO Max, President, TNT, TBS and truTV.

“We want to provide audiences with a wide-ranging and consistent flow of high-quality programming across all genres,” added Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max. “From scripted series and intimate documentaries, to premium animation for kids and adults, to feature length films from teams at the top of their game, our creators bring it all, each with their own unique take, building a slate of originals that is nothing short of amazing.”

Esme & Roy

Here’s what toon fans can look forward to:

On Thursday, June 25, HBO Max will premiere an original second season of Sesame Workshop’s animated series Esme & Roy, taking preschool-aged viewers on learning adventures through Monsterdale; and Adventure Time: Distant Lands- BMO, the first of four hour long breakout specials resurrecting the Emmy and Peabody award-winning franchise Adventure Time.

• Esme and Roy are best friends — and the best monstersitters in Monsterdale! The animated series from the makers of Sesame Street will bring little viewers into a colorful world where even the littlest monsters can overcome big challenges together. Esme & Roy is produced by Sesame Workshop.
• Return to the Land of Ooo and beyond in Adventure Time: Distant Lands. Based on the animated series Adventure Time created by Pendleton Ward and executive produced by Adam Muto, these four breakout specials explore the unseen corners of the world with characters both familiar and brand new. The first of these specials is BMO, which follows the lovable little robot on a new adventure. When there’s a deadly space emergency in the farthest reaches of the galaxy, there’s only one hero to call, and it’s probably not BMO. Except that this time it is! Adventure Time: Distant Lands – BMO is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

Thursday, July 9 is the premiere of the adult animated comedy Close Enough, a hilarious look at the surreal life of a millennial family living with roommates, from JG Quintel, creator of the Emmy-winning Regular Show.

• From JG Quintel, creator of the Emmy Award-winning Regular Show, comes Close Enough, a surreal animated comedy about a married couple, their five-year-old daughter, and their two divorced best friends/roommates all living together on the east side of Los Angeles. They’re navigating that transitional time in your 30s when life is about growing up, but not growing old. It’s about juggling work, kids and pursuing your dreams, while avoiding time-traveling snails, stripper clowns and murderous mannequins. Their life may not be ideal but for now, it’s close enough. Close Enough is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

On Thursday, July 23, HBO Max will debut Cartoon Network Studios’ animated children’s series Tig n’ Seek, following eight-year-old Tiggy and his gadget-building cat Gweeseek.

• From creator Myke Chilian, Tig n’ Seek follows an upbeat and eccentric eight-year-old boy named Tiggy and his cat, Gweeseek. Tiggy not only works at the Department of Lost and Found, finding lost items all throughout Wee-Gee City, he lives there, too! Though he tries to help his friends whenever he can, his over-eagerness and neurotic quirks often lead to chaos in the Department. Tiggy’s partner and best friend is his cat, Gweeseek. She’s a graceful, friendly kitty who appears to be a normal cat, but is also capable of inventing extraordinary gadgets to help her friends in times of need. Join Tig n’ Seek as they navigate the wacky day-to-day dilemmas of working at the Department of Lost and Found. Tig n’ Seek is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

These new titles will join the previously announced day one Max Originals including the all-new Looney Tunes Cartoons from Warner Bros. Animation; and Sesame Workshop’s The Not Too Late Show with Elmo.

Newly announced library series available at launch include Adult Swim’s six-time Emmy-winning series Robot Chicken.

Adding to the previously announced launch slate of feature films acquired for the platform, HBO Max will offer a range of powerhouse titles on day one, including DreamWorks Animation’s Monsters vs. Aliens. HBO Max will also launch with titles via the HBO service, including fan favorites such as Anastasia, Babe, The Flintstones (live action) and The Land Before Time series. Previously announced library series and films can be found here.

HBO Max’s second wave of originals also features live-action titles Doom Patrol Season Two (simultaneous premieres on DC UNIVERSE), comedy thriller Search Party, sitcom The House of Ho, retro fish-out-of-water comedy Frayed (NBCU/Sky Studios), drama I May Destroy You (HBO/BBC), the new Perry Mason starring Matthew Rhys, anthology series Room 104 (Duplass Bros.), J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele’s Lovecraft Country; new Seth Rogen movie An American Pickle (based on Simon Rich’s novella); docuseries and unscripted shows Expecting Amy (Amy Schumer), The Dog House (Channel 4) and Golden Gate Killer doc I’ll Be Gone in the Dark (Michelle McNamara).