Sometimes a show gets a second chance to make a first impression. And with multiple platforms and networks to pitch, the chances are far better now than they used to be. That is the case for The Spiderwick Chronicles.
Roku announced it has landed the exclusive, premiere U.S. rights to the television adaptation of the globally-acclaimed book series of the same name by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. The show’s 8-episode first season was originally produced with the idea of it being a Disney+ original series, but Disney decided against putting the series on its streamer in a cost-cutting move.
Produced by Paramount Television Studios & 20th Television, the now Roku Original series will debut on The Roku Channel in early 2024. The wildly popular fantasy adventure novels are #1 New York Times best-sellers with 20 million copies sold and have been translated in over 30 countries.
“It is an honor to bring The Spiderwick Chronicles, a spectacular adventure-filled story led by the incredible Christian Slater and Joy Bryant, exclusively to The Roku Channel,” said Brian Tannenbaum, Head of Originals, Roku Media. “We cannot wait to introduce this exquisitely crafted series, imagined by a world-class creative team, to millions of streamers.”
“We are elated that The Spiderwick Chronicles has found a new home and want to thank The Roku Channel for their passionate partnership,” said Nicole Clemens, President of Paramount Television Studios and Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “Our showrunner Aron Eli Coleite has crafted a beautiful series full of all the enchantment that made the books so beloved, and we can’t wait for audiences to meet these wonderful characters.”
An ensemble cast of actors bring the series’ beloved characters to life including Joy Bryant as “Helen Grace”; Noah Cottrell as “Simon Grace”; Lyon Daniels as “Jared Grace”; Mychala Lee as “Mallory Grace”; Jack Dylan Grazer as the voice of “Thimbletack” and Christian Slater as “Mulgarath.”
“The Spiderwick Chronicles” is executive produced by Aron Eli Coleite, who also serves as showrunner, along with Kat Coiro, who directs the first two episodes of the series. Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell, D.J. Goldberg, Julie Kane-Ritsch and Grace Gilroy also executive produce. Produced by Paramount Television Studios & 20th Television, Paramount Global Content Distribution distributes the series internationally.
“The Spiderwick Chronicles” joins Roku’s growing slate of Roku Originals including “WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story,” “The Great American Baking Show,” “Die Hart 2: Die Harter,” “Meet Me in Paris,” “Honest Renovations,” “Morimoto’s Sushi Master” and more. From award-winning scripted entertainment and engaging documentaries to new breakout unscripted series, Roku Originals gives viewers free access to bold, fresh entertainment from the biggest names in Hollywood.
Launched in 2017, The Roku Channel is the home of free and premium entertainment on the Roku platform. In Q4 2022, The Roku Channel reached U.S. households with an estimated 100 million people. The Roku Channel is a top-five channel on the Roku platform by active account reach and streaming hour engagement (Q2 2023). Today, The Roku Channel features a diverse lineup of more than 80,000 free movies and programs and more than 400 free live linear television channels in the U.S. It licenses and distributes content from more than 250 partners.
