EXCLUSIVE: Middle Eastern kids channel Spacetoon and celebrity chef Abir El-Saghir are preparing in the ingredients for an animated series.
The series will be inspired by El-Saghir’s culinary flair and storytelling abilities. She has some 60 million followers across social media in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) and Türkiye, and is considered one of the most influential digital personalities and celebrity chiefs in the region.
The series, whose English title roughly translates to Abir and the Little Prince, will feature a lively, young and heroic character, Abir, who brings her culinary magic and adventurous spirit to life. Set in a vibrant kingdom, the series follows her on a heartfelt quest to help a young prince overcome depression while navigating the challenges of being differently-abled. It’s set to premiere this quarter on the Spacetoon channel and streaming services.
The series marks the start of a strategic partnership between Spacetoon and El-Saghir, with plans for 2025 to branch out into merchandising and licensing program, including toys, themed products, interactive events and activity corners.
“Collaborating with Spacetoon is a dream come true,” said El-Saghir. “Their legacy of delivering captivating and inspiring content makes them the perfect partner. This collaboration opens doors to incredible new ways to connect with my fans, blending storytelling, culinary arts, and interactive experiences unlike anything we’ve done before.”
Spacetoon’s General Manager, Ahmed Weiss, added: ““We are thrilled to partner with Abir El-Saghir, a talented and beloved figure among kids and families. Her passion for inspiring young minds aligns perfectly with Spacetoon’s mission to create meaningful, engaging content and experiences for the next generation.”
In July, Spacetoon hired former Disney and Fox exec Kemal Coşkuner to lead a new Turkish network.