Roy MacGregor’s acclaimed book series Screech Owls, previously adapted as a live-action series, is getting an animated action-adventure treatment from Shaftesbury and Sphere Animation, in partnership with the National Hockey League and Boat Rocker Studios.
The 26×11-minute series is being executive produced by NHL All-Star P.K. Subban. Production is underway in Toronto for a fall 2027 launch in English on CBC and winter 2028 in French on Radio-Canada and TFO (Télévision française de l’Ontario). NHL holds exclusive distribution rights within the U.S. and Nordics. Boat Rocker Studios has exclusive distribution rights for the rest of the world, excluding Canada.
Shafesbury produced the 2001 adaptation for YTV and Discovery Kids about a group of hockey players swept into a world of hidden clues, high-tech villains, and impossible missions. John May and Suzanne Bolch return as head writers. The property is being envisaged as a franchise that extends beyond television and books into interactive gaming, consumer products, and global licensing.
PWHL star Sarah Nurse is also making a cameo as herself, with other guest stars to be announced.
“A major focus of my career has been finding new ways to grow the game and reach young, diverse audiences with positive role models, and Screech Owls, a series I grew up reading, does both,” said Subban, star and EP. “Hockey teaches character, leadership, and teamwork. You don’t need to know what ‘offside’ means to watch Screech Owls—you just have to love globe-trotting kids solving mysteries, working together, and having a blast.”
“Screech Owls is being built as a true multiplatform franchise, reimagining a beloved Canadian story for a whole new generation with adventure, mystery, and heart,” said Christina Jennings, chairman and president of Shaftesbury. “Partnering with Sphere, CBC/Radio-Canada, Boat Rocker Studios, and the NHL allows us to expand this universe globally, while having P.K. Subban on board adds an incredible layer of authenticity and energy.”
“This gem of a series is just what kids need right now—Screech Owls wraps friendship, teamwork and sport in a lighthearted and uplifting animated version of Canada,” said Marie McCann, senior director of children’s content at CBC Kids. “It’s an honor to collaborate with P.K. Subban on this fresh adaptation of the classic Canadian books, which will no doubt captivate a new generation of young audiences with the perfect mix of mysteries and hockey.”
“Radio-Canada is thrilled to offer young audiences Screech Owls, a series packed with mystery and humor that is sure to delight them,” said Christiane Asselin, executive director for streaming services, youth programming and digital sports, at Radio-Canada. “Having someone as inspiring and devoted to young people as P.K. Subban on board makes this project even stronger, conveying fantastic values of courage, perseverance, and teamwork.”
“The NHL is reimagining how hockey reaches, inspires and entertains youth and families,” said David Lehanski, NHL EVP for innovation and growth strategy. “With Screech Owls we have a unique opportunity to meet kids where they are—through high-energy storytelling, adventure and characters they can connect with—while showcasing hockey’s best attributes in a way kids will love and parents will appreciate.”
“Animation gives us the opportunity to expand the world of Screech Owls in exciting new ways,” said Bruno Dubé, CEO and EP at Sphere. “Our team is focused on creating a visually distinctive series that captures the spirit of the original books while bringing a fresh cinematic scale and energy to the screen.”
