Former Co-Stars Return in Animated Adaptation
Ellie Kemper and Tituss Burgess, who previously starred together in Netflix's "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," are reuniting for a new children's animated series on Paramount+. The show, titled "The Elephant & Piggie Show!," represents an adaptation of popular children's books by acclaimed writer Mo Willems.
In the upcoming series, Kemper will voice the character Piggie, while Burgess will portray Elephant Gerald. The casting brings together the two actors who developed a strong on-screen chemistry during their time on the critically acclaimed Netflix comedy series.
Mo Willems Book Adaptation
The animated series draws from the work of Mo Willems, whose Elephant and Piggie book series has gained significant recognition in children's literature. Willems' books featuring these characters have been widely celebrated for their humor and appeal to young readers.
The original book series centers on the friendship between Gerald the Elephant and Piggie, characters known for their distinct personalities and comedic interactions. The books have become staples in many children's libraries and classrooms.
Streaming Platform Expansion
Paramount+ continues to expand its children's programming with this new animated offering. The streaming service has been building its family-friendly content library as part of its broader programming strategy.
The reunion of Kemper and Burgess represents a notable casting choice, leveraging their established rapport from "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," which ran for four seasons and earned critical praise for its writing and performances.
"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" originally premiered on Netflix in 2015 and concluded in 2019, with Kemper playing the titular character and Burgess portraying Titus Andromedon. The show was created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock and became known for its distinctive humor and storytelling style.
