ZDF has become a co-production partner on Hold on Gaston!, a preschool comedy from Dandelooo with TF1’s TFOU, alongside Belgium’s Vivi Film and VRT Ketnet.
The European co-pro has also landed presales with TV5MONDE France, TFO Canada’s French-language public broadcaster, DR in Denmark, and Iceland’s RÚV. Dandelooo is handling distribution in all other international markets. The show, aimed at kids 5 to 8, encompasses 48×11-minute episodes and two specials. Currently in production at Dandelooo’s animation studio Ooolala, delivery is scheduled for late 2027.
Hold on Gaston! is adapted from the Little Unicorn book series by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine, published by Hachette Enfants, which has logged more than 1.7 million copies sold in France alone.
Yann Labasque, head of TF1 Group’s youth programming segment, 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, added: “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 are 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!”
