Apple TV+ has announced a series order for Harriet the Spy, the first animated adaptation of the iconic children’s novel that chronicles the coming-of-age adventures of Harriet M. Welsch.
Hailing from The Jim Henson Company and Rehab Entertainment, it will join Apple’s slate of award-winning series for kids and families. Set in 1960s New York when the original book was published, the new series will be voiced by a cast that includes Golden Globe and SAG Award nominee Beanie Feldstein, who will star as Harriet, a fiercely independent, adventurous, curious 11-year-old girl. More than anything, Harriet wants to be a writer, and in order to be a good writer, you need to know everything, and in order to know everything, you have to be a spy.
Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch will voice the role of Ole Golly, Harriet’s larger-than-life, no-nonsense nanny. Additional voice talent includes Lacey Chabert as Marion Hawthorne, the ringleader of a group of smug, popular girls at Harriet’s school.
Originally published in 1964, Harriet the Spy has remained an iconic children’s novel and series of books for children. The new Apple Original series based on the book by Louise Fitzhugh will be written and executive produced by Will McRobb (co-creator of the award-winning The Adventures of Pete & Pete). Sidney Clifton (Black Panther and Me, Eloise) will be the producer.
Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford will executive produce on behalf of The Jim Henson Company, and John W. Hyde and Terissa Kelton will executive produce for Rehab Entertainment. Wendy Moss-Klein and Nancy Steingard of 2 Friends Entertainment will also serve as executive producers. Titmouse Animation Studios will animate the series.
The series order follows recent milestone Daytime Emmy Award wins for Apple TV+ original children’s programs Ghostwriter and Peanuts in Space: Secrets of Apollo 10, making it the first streaming service to win a Daytime Emmy in its first year of eligibility.
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac, select Samsung and LG smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices, as well as at tv.apple.com, for US$4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial.
For a limited time, customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy one year of Apple TV+ for free. This special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. For more info, visit apple.com/tvpr.
