Streaming content provider Netflix continues to expand its offerings as it challenges traditional over-the-air and cable distribution of video content.  The latest moves announced by Netflix include the revival of the Canadian-produced Degrassi, which evolved from the original Degrassi Junior High series that was a trendsetter in programming for tweens during the late 1980s and early 1990s.  In addition to the teen-skewing Degrassi revival Netflix also announced four animated series (including an adaptation of ERB’s Tarzan) targeting older and younger kids.  As streaming services battle with cable companies for entertainment dollars, Netflix in particular has recognized the importance of having plenty of children’s programming in order to compete with the “babysitting” capability of cable with its multiple cartoon outlets.

The new Netflix Degrassi series will be known as Degrassi: Next Class, and the first wave of episodes of the revived teen drama will be available for streaming in 2016.  Variety reports that Netflix picked up the Degrassi series almost as soon as it was cancelled by the TeenNick cable channel.  In 2006 the original Canadian series, which by then had morphed into Degrassi High: The Next Generation, spawned a series of graphic novel adaptations from Pocket Books (see “DeGrassi High Graphic Novels”).

Two of the new Netflix animated series are aimed at older kids, including Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan and Jane, which is slated for a second half of 2016 debut.  The series will follow the adventures of a teenage Tarzan, who meets Jane at a London boarding school and with her help solves mysteries and rights environmental wrongs.  The 8-episode series is produced by former Marvel Studios honcho Avi Arad.

The other Netflix animated series aimed at older kids is Kulipari: An Army of Frogs, which is based on a trilogy of books by NFL star Trevor Pryce.  Two other animated series, Cirque de Soleil Luna Petunia, and Puffin Rock target younger children.