ZDF Joins As Co-production Partner For Dandelooo Animated Series ‘Hold On Gaston!’
Skwigly
Emmy Award-winning French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo together with TF1’s children’s programming block TFOU announce a major milestone in the development of the highly anticipated 2D animation series Hold on Gaston!
Hold on Gaston! (Image: Dandelooo/ZDF)
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!
Germany’s ZDF joins the project as co-production partner, marking a significant step in expanding the series’ international reach. The vibrant preschool comedy series is already established as a truly European co-production with Belgium’s Vivi Film and VRT Ketnet.
Hold on Gaston! has also secured pre-sales with TV5 Monde France, TFO Canadia’s French-language public broadcaster, DR in Denmark and Iceland’s RÚV. Worldwide distribution is handled by Dandelooo.
Based on the bestselling Little Unicorn book series by author and illustrator Aurélie Chien Chow Chine, published by Hachette Enfants, Hold on Gaston! is a 48 x 11-minute series accompanied by two 22-minute TV specials targeting children aged 5 to 8. Directed by Grégory Leterrier, the series is currently in production at Dandelooo’s animation studio Ooolala with delivery scheduled for late 2027.
Since its debut in 2018 the Little Unicorn books have become a phenomenal success capturing the hearts of young readers in France and around the world. With 55 titles published and more than 1.7 million copies sold in France alone the series continues to expand globally with translations in 28 languages.
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!