Germany’s ZDF has officially signed on as a co-production partner for the highly anticipated 2D preschool animation series Hold on Gaston!, marking a major international expansion for the project.
Jointly announced by Emmy Award-winning producer Dandelooo and TF1’s children’s block TFOU, the vibrant comedy series is being developed as a truly European collaboration, with Belgium’s Vivi Film and VRT Ketnet already confirmed as co-producers.
The series has also successfully secured key international pre-sales with public broadcasters including TV5 Monde (France), French-language TFO (Canada), DR (Denmark), and RÚV (Iceland), with Dandelooo managing worldwide distribution.
Based on the globally popular Little Unicorn book series by author-illustrator Aurélie Chien Chow Chine (published by Hachette Enfants), Hold on Gaston! is a 48 x 11-minute series, complete with two 22-minute TV specials. Directed by Grégory Leterrier and tailored for children aged 5 to 8, production is currently underway at Dandelooo’s animation studio Ooolala, with delivery slated for late 2027.
Since its launch in 2018, the original book franchise has become a phenomenal global success, selling over 1.7 million copies in France alone across 55 titles, and has been translated into 28 languages worldwide.
Yann Labasque, Head of TF1 Group’s Youth Programming 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 is positive, unique and an added value in Ketnet’s portfolio.”
Veerle Appelmans, Producer at Vivi Film commented:
“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!”
Hold on Gaston!
With his multicolored mane, round belly and horn always pointing towards the unknown, Gaston is a little unicorn bursting with emotion. Hold on tight, because when he’s overcome by one of his emotions, the adventure begins with his friends in the whimsical world of Univille-on-Joy! Get ready as Gaston is sure to take children on a fun and colorful ride!
