Bananas in Pyjamas debuted on Cartoonito in the UK on 25th July 2011 and has stormed to the number one ratings spot on the preschool channel, in advance of the series rolling out on Cartoonito across Europe, the Middle East and Africa this September.

The internationally renowned preschool series is one of the flagship shows marking Cartoonito’s brand rollout across EMEA from 5th September 2011, when it will expand from UK-only broadcast to become available in 125 million homes across EMEA. Ratings information for the week commencing 8th August 2011 ranks Bananas in Pyjamas as the most watched programme on Cartoonito by kids aged four to nine. The news comes as Cartoonito in the UK continues to go from strength to strength, having doubled its ratings in the past year, making it now the third most watched pay TV preschool channel in the UK.* Bananas in Pyjamas is produced by Southern Star Entertainment/Southern Star Singapore (a division of Endemol Group) in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Turner Broadcasting’s licensing division – Turner CN Enterprises – also holds the licensing and merchandising rights to Bananas in Pyjamas, in partnership with Endemol Worldwide Brands, for all key territories across EMEA (excluding Eastern Europe and Nordic regions). Turner CN Enterprises will be spearheading a major licensing program for the franchise in 2012.

Gary Finnegan, UK Director of Programming, Turner Broadcasting says: “We’re absolutely delighted by the phenomenal early performance for Bananas in Pyjamas, and are looking forward to seeing the series roll out across Europe, the Middle East and Africa this September.”

Cathy Payne, Chief Executive, Endemol Worldwide Distribution adds: “It is exciting to see the new look Bananas in Pyjamas and their friends from Cuddlestown being embraced by a new generation of viewers in the UK. We are confident that this will be mirrored across Europe as the Bananas make their debut over the coming months”.

Bananas in Pyjamas is a colourful new CGI animated series. New stories, new laughs and new songs will delight audiences everywhere as those loveable pyjama wearing bananas, B1 and B2, their adorable friends the Teddies and the ever mischievous Rat, romp their way through the magical world of Cuddlestown. There are some new friends to meet too; Topsy the cheeky kangaroo, Charlie the inventive monkey, Pedro the carefree pig and Bernard, the wise old dog.

* Source Barb, Jan to Jul 2011, kids aged 4-9