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StoryBots
Created by
  • Evan Spiridellis
  • Gregg Spiridellis
Owners
Years2012–present
Films and television
Animated seriesAsk the StoryBots, StoryBots Super Songs, Storybots: Answer Time, Storybots: Super Silly Stories with Bo
Television special(s)A StoryBots Christmas
Television short(s)StoryBots
Official website
www.storybots.com

StoryBots is an American children's media franchise that produces educational TV series, books, videos, music, video games, and classroom activities.[1] Its productions include the Netflix series Ask the StoryBots, StoryBots: Answer Time, StoryBots: Super Silly Stories with Bo, and StoryBots Super Songs.[2]

After launching online and gaining more than 620 million views on YouTube,[3] StoryBots launched its first television series on the streaming service Netflix in 2016. Over three seasons, Ask the StoryBots has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and an Annie Award, along with recognition from the Peabody Awards and British Academy Children's Awards. It also spawned a companion show, StoryBots Super Songs, and a holiday special, A StoryBots Christmas.[4]

Created by the entertainment studio JibJab, the brand later became part of StoryBots, Inc., an independent production company. StoryBots, Inc., (along with the StoryBots brand) was acquired by Netflix in May 2019 as part of an overall push by the streaming service into more educational and family-oriented content.[5][6]

History

[edit]

StoryBots launched to the public in the summer of 2012 and has been featured on CNN,[7] The New York Times,[8] CNBC,[9] and other news outlets.[10][11][12][13] Gregg Spiridellis, co-founder and CEO of StoryBots, told CNBC in 2013 that he and his brother had five young children between them and noticed "a massive shift in how kids are consuming media".[9] Spiridellis stated that this shift became the inspiration for StoryBots, with digital content akin to Sesame Street created for a device-centric, connected generation of children.[14]

In May 2019, Netflix announced that it had acquired the StoryBots media franchise and signed co-creators Evan and Gregg Spiridellis to an exclusive producing deal. The acquisition was the first of its kind for Netflix and was part of a stated commitment to expand its educational content.[5]

Television programming

[edit]

The StoryBots franchise's original TV series Ask the StoryBots premiered on Netflix on August 12, 2016. The show follows the StoryBots characters Beep, Bing, Bang, Boop, and Bo (a.k.a. "Answer Team 341B"), and stars Judy Greer. Answer Team 341B goes on adventures into the human world to help answer kids' biggest questions. The first season featured guest appearances from Jay Leno, Whoopi Goldberg, " Weird Al" Yankovic, Kevin Smith, Garfunkel and Oates, Tim Meadows, and Chris Parnell. Ask the StoryBots received critical acclaim for its educational quality and entertainment value for both parents and children.[15][16] A second season premiered on Netflix on August 24, 2018, and featured guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Edward Norton, Christina Applegate, Wanda Sykes, David Cross, Ali Wong, Kristen Schaal, and David Koechner.

A third season was released worldwide on Netflix on August 2, 2019, and includes guest appearances from John Legend, Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Garner, Jason Sudeikis, Alyssa Milano, Tony Hale, Maria Bamford, and Reggie Watts.[5] A trailer for the new episodes was released on YouTube ahead of the season launch.[17] All three season's music soundtracks are available on most music streaming services.

Spinoffs

[edit]

A companion series, StoryBots Super Songs, premiered on October 7, 2016, also on Netflix. While each episode of Ask the StoryBots featured the lead characters answering a child's single question, StoryBots Super Songs focused on broader topics, such as outer space, colors, shapes, and dinosaurs, through music and live-action vignettes with real children.[18] Episodes were also released on StoryBots' YouTube channel.[19]

Ask the StoryBots also spun off a holiday special, A StoryBots Christmas, which premiered December 1, 2017, on Netflix. Featuring a guest appearance by Ed Asner as Santa Claus, the special received two Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Special Class Animated Program, as well as four additional nominations.

A new series called StoryBots: Answer Time premiered on Netflix on November 21, 2022, and includes guest appearances from Danny DeVito, Zooey Deschanel, Common, Sophie Turner, Kevin Smith, Anne Hathaway, Chrissy Teigen, Patton Oswalt, Gabriel Iglesias, and Craig Robinson. A second season of this show premiered on Netflix on July 10, 2023, and includes guest appearances from Rainn Wilson, Josh Gad, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Scarlett Johansson, Gabrielle Union, Joe Lo Truglio, Steve Buscemi, Kristen Bell, Simu Liu, Julie Bowen, Trevor Noah, and Jessica Alba.

Another spin-off series called StoryBots: Super Silly Stories with Bo [20] premiered on Netflix's YouTube channel on June 26, 2022.[21] The series consisted of four seasons, with a total of 26 short form episodes (approximately four to six minutes in length), and four long-form episodes (approximately 22 to 44 minutes in length).[22] Directed, co-written, and edited by Henry Dalton, this series differed from Ask The StoryBots and StoryBots: Answer Time in being comedy-led rather than centering around a child's question to be answered. Super Silly Stories instead focused on a single StoryBot, Bo, and featured much more interaction from the unscripted live-action children.[23] The series was nominated for two Kidscreen Awards, winning "Best Web/App Series - Branded (6-10 Years)."[24] The series has not become available on the streaming platform Netflix.[25]

Digital library

[edit]

StoryBots created a collection of online learning content and activities that were available at StoryBots' official website before its acquisition by Netflix in 2019.[26] However, the digital library is still available on YouTube. The StoryBots website was nominated for best youth website at the 2018 Webby Awards.

The digital library includes:

  • Learning Videos (a collection of animated musical videos that explore a wide range of educational topics)
  • Starring You videos (animated music videos that allow users to add their own name and photo)
  • Learning Books (educationally-focused ebooks with narration)
  • Starring You books (ebooks ranging from classic fairy tales to modern adventures, with face and name personalization)
  • Activity sheets and printable books
  • Math Skills,[27] Common Core-aligned kindergarten-level math games

StoryBots Classroom

[edit]

In 2016, StoryBots launched StoryBots Classroom, a free online resource for educators that includes unlimited access to the entire StoryBots library of digital books, videos, activities, the then-newly created Common Core State Standards Initiative-aligned Math Games, and classroom management tools including the Backpack and Class Roster.[27] The product was designed for use on laptops, tablets, and interactive white boards.[28] When it was released, StoryBots Classroom was by profiled by Education Week[29] and was named an "S'Cool Tool of the Week" by EdSurge.[30] It has since received the Teachers' Choice Award and the Tech Edvocate Award for best early childhood education app or tool.

In an interview, CEO Gregg Spiridellis cited significant interest in StoryBots by teachers as the impetus to "invest more in building a product custom-tailored for classroom use, with an emphasis on interactive projection boards, classroom tools, and more educational content."[31]

After Netflix’s acquisition of the brand, StoryBots Classroom was made unavailable.[26]

YouTube channel

[edit]

StoryBots first uploaded five videos to YouTube in June 2012. StoryBots was also nominated for a 2019 Webby Award in the "Video Series & Channels – Animation" category.[32]

In 2018, StoryBots signed with the DHX Media-owned WildBrain to manage its YouTube channel.[33]

In January 2019, the channel rebranded itself as Netflix Jr. to coincide with the buyout of StoryBots by Netflix.[26]

[edit]

In addition to ebooks available on its website, StoryBots also has several print books featuring its characters that are published by Random House Children's Books.[34] Titles include:

  • The Amazing Planet Earth (Step Into Reading)[35]
  • Cars Are Cool[36]
  • The Moon's Time To Shine (Step Into Reading)[37]
  • StoryBots ABC Jamboree[38]
  • Trucks Are Terrific[39]
  • Tyrannosaurus Rex (Step Into Reading)[40]

Awards

[edit]

Since its founding in 2012, StoryBots has won numerous awards for its digital content, including the Teachers' Choice Award from Learning Magazine, Parent's Choice Award, Family Choice Award, Tech Advocate Award, and an Editor's Choice Award from Children's Technology Review.[41]

For its television work, including Ask the StoryBots, A StoryBots Christmas, StoryBots: Answer Time, StoryBots: Super Silly Stories with Bo, and StoryBots Super Songs, StoryBots has won nine Daytime Emmy Awards, an Annie Award, and a Kidscreen Award. It has received recognition from the British Academy Children's Awards and Peabody Awards.

Year Award Category Recipient(s) Result
2024 Kidscreen Awards Best Web/App Series - Branded (6-10 Years) Storybots: Super Silly Stories with Bo Won
Best Mixed-Media Series (6-10 Years) Storybots: Super Silly Stories with Bo Nominated
Annie Awards Best Animated Television/Media Production for Preschool Children Storybots: Answer Time Nominated
2023 Children's & Family Emmy Awards Outstanding Preschool Animated Series Storybots: Answer Time Won
Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Program Storybots: Answer Time Won
Outstanding Voice Performance in a Preschool Program Storybots: Answer Time Erin Fitzgerald Nominated
Outstanding Voice Performance in a Preschool Program Storybots: Answer Time Fred Tatasciore Nominated
Outstanding Editing for a Preschool Animated Program Storybots: Answer Time Nominated
Annie Awards Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Television/Media Production Storybots: Answer Time Henrique Baron Nominated
Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Media Production Storybots: Answer Time Fred Tatasciore Nominated
2019 Webby Award Video Series & Channels – Animation StoryBots on YouTube Nominated
Websites – Education StoryBots.com Nominated
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Preschool Children's Animated Series Ask the StoryBots Nominated
Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Program Ask the StoryBots Won
Outstanding Directing for a Preschool Animated Program Ask the StoryBots Won
Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program StoryBots.com Nominated
Outstanding Performer in a Children's, Family Viewing or Special Class Program Edward Norton in Ask the StoryBots Nominated
Annie Award Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production For Preschool Children Ask the StoryBots Won
Directing in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production Ask the StoryBots Nominated
2018 Webby Award Websites – Youth StoryBots.com Nominated
Common Sense Media Common Sense Seal A StoryBots Christmas Won
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Special Class Animated Program A StoryBots Christmas Won
Outstanding Interactive Media – Enhancement to a Daytime Program or Series StoryBots.com Nominated
Outstanding Performer in a Children's/Preschool Children's or Educational or Informational Program Ed Asner in A StoryBots Christmas Nominated
Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program A StoryBots Christmas Nominated
Outstanding Directing in a Preschool Animated Program A StoryBots Christmas Won
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program A StoryBots Christmas Nominated
Teachers' Choice Awards Teachers' Choice Awards for the Family – Supplemental Materials StoryBots.com Won
Kidscreen Awards Best Learning App – Branded StoryBots App Nominated
2017 Tech Edvocate Awards Best Early Childhood Education App or Tool StoryBots Classroom Won
British Academy Children's Awards International Ask the StoryBots Nominated
Cynopsis Kids !magination Awards Educational Series/Special Ask the StoryBots Nominated
Webby Award Mobiles Sites & Apps – Family & Kids StoryBots App Nominated
Peabody Award Children's Programming Ask the StoryBots Nominated
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Preschool Children's Animated Program Ask the StoryBots Nominated
Outstanding Interactive Media – Enhancement to a Daytime Program or Series StoryBots App and StoryBots Classroom Won
Outstanding Directing in a Preschool Animated Program Ask the StoryBots Nominated
Outstanding Main Title and Graphic Design Ask the StoryBots Nominated
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Preschool Animated Program Ask the StoryBots Nominated
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program Ask the StoryBots Nominated
Teachers' Choice Awards Teachers' Choice Awards for the Classroom – Supplemental Materials StoryBots Classroom Won
Annie Awards Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production For Preschool Children Ask the StoryBots Nominated
2016 Common Sense Media Common Sense Seal Ask the StoryBots Won
Cynopsis Kids !magination Awards Mobile App (Educational) StoryBots App Won
2015 Parents' Choice Award Parents' Choice Award Fun Stuff StoryBots.com Won
2014 Kapi Awards Best App for Younger Children StoryBots Won
Parents' Choice Award Parents' Choice Award Recommended StoryBots.com Won
Family Choice Awards Family Choice Award StoryBots Starring You Videos Won
Interactive Media Awards Family StoryBots.com Won
2013 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval StoryBots.com Won
Parents' Choice Award Parents' Choice Award Recommended StoryBots Beep & Boop Won
Parents' Choice Award Parents' Choice Award Fun Stuff StoryBots Starring You Books Won
Parents' Choice Award Parents' Choice Award Recommended StoryBots.com Won
Parents' Choice Award Parents' Choice Award Silver Honor StoryBots Tap & Sing Won
Children's Technology Review Editors' Choice StoryBots Beep & Boop Won
Children's Technology Review Editors' Choice StoryBots Tap & Sing Won
Appy Awards Books StoryBots Starring You Books Won
Interactive Media Awards Kids StoryBots.com Won
Family Choice Awards Family Choice Award StoryBots Won
2012 Family Choice Awards Family Choice Award StoryBots Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

StoryBots

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
StoryBots is an American children's educational that features animated characters exploring scientific, historical, and everyday concepts through songs, adventures, and interactive storytelling to engage preschool and early elementary audiences. Created by brothers Evan Spiridellis and Gregg Spiridellis of Bros. Studios, the franchise originated with short videos in 2012 and expanded into books, apps, music, and classroom resources aimed at fostering curiosity and learning in young children. The flagship series, , premiered as a original in 2016, following five inquisitive creatures—Beep, Boop, Bing, Bang, and Bo—who embark on quests to answer children's big questions, such as "How does the night happen?" or "Why do we dream?", blending with celebrity guest voices and educational facts. Subsequent installments include (2016–present), an educational music series; StoryBots: Laugh, Learn, Sing (2021–2022), which focuses on , letters, and early reading skills through musical episodes; and StoryBots: Answer Time (2022–present), a live-action series where the characters respond to real kids' queries in short, interactive formats. In May 2019, Netflix acquired the full StoryBots franchise from Bros. Studios in a multi-year deal valued as immaterial to the company, enabling the Spiridellis brothers to develop additional content exclusively for the platform, including specials and expanded digital experiences. The franchise has earned acclaim for its vibrant , catchy original songs by composers such as Gabe Sokoloff, and commitment to (, , engineering, arts, and math) , receiving multiple for outstanding writing and music direction.

History

Origins and Early Development

StoryBots originated from JibJab Jr., which had a in August 2011, and was rebranded and founded as StoryBots in 2012 by brothers and Gregg Spiridellis, co-founders of the digital entertainment company Bros. Studios, which they established in 1999 and gained prominence for viral animated videos like the 2004 "This Land." The Spiridellis brothers, motivated by their experiences as new fathers and the rise of mobile devices among young children, sought to create engaging educational content that blended animation, music, and interactivity to appeal to both kids and parents. This inspiration drew from the evolving media habits of children, who were increasingly consuming content on tablets and smartphones, prompting a modern take on educational programming reminiscent of classics like but tailored for digital platforms. Early development focused on a approach, beginning with the launch of the StoryBots website in September 2012, which included an Activity Center offering free downloadable learning sheets and interactive tools for families. Initial releases encompassed videos featuring animated songs, such as alphabet lessons, and mobile apps like the "Beep & Boop" app released in March 2012, which utilized JibJab's "Starring You" personalization technology to insert children's faces and names into stories. By its first in 2013, the platform had amassed 18 million video views and expanded to 18 s and additional apps, emphasizing ad-free, subscription-based access at $3.99 per month. The core characters, including the inquisitive Beep and her companion Boop, were introduced in the inaugural app and subsequent content, forming the basis of Team 341B—a group of colorful robot-like bots designed to guide young learners. The format centered on addressing children's "why" questions through musical adventures and animated explorations, such as explaining everyday phenomena with catchy songs and simple narratives to foster curiosity and foundational learning. This innovative approach garnered early media attention, including features on highlighting the brothers' pivot from adult to kid-friendly , and recognition from The National Parenting Center for its engaging, family-oriented website.

Netflix Acquisition and Franchise Expansion

In May 2019, Netflix announced the full acquisition of the StoryBots from JibJab Bros. Studios for an undisclosed sum, marking a significant milestone in the franchise's transition to a major streaming platform. The deal was completed shortly thereafter, granting Netflix complete ownership of the Emmy-winning children's media brand, which had originated as a series in 2012. As part of the acquisition, Netflix signed co-creators Evan Spiridellis and Gregg Spiridellis to multi-year overall deals, enabling them to develop new StoryBots content exclusively for the platform. These agreements positioned the brothers as key producers within 's kids' programming division, focusing on educational that builds on the franchise's established characters and style. Following the acquisition, StoryBots was integrated into Netflix's broader slate of family-oriented content, emphasizing original series and interactive experiences tailored for young audiences. This shift allowed for streamlined production under Netflix's resources, though it led to the phasing out of some pre-existing independent digital tools previously offered by , such as StoryBots Classroom. In tandem with the acquisition, Netflix outlined ambitious expansion plans in 2019 to broaden the StoryBots brand beyond television, encompassing apps, merchandise, and live experiences to create a multifaceted educational ecosystem. These initiatives materialized in subsequent years, including the launch of the new series StoryBots: Answer Time on November 21, 2022, which continued the franchise's question-answering format with fresh adventures and celebrity guests. More recently, in October 2025, and Gregg Spiridellis founded Spiridellis Bros. Studios, an independent AI-powered venture backed by investors including and , representing a distinct post-Netflix project focused on innovative content creation. This new studio operates separately from the StoryBots franchise, leveraging AI tools to develop original entertainment properties.

Television Programming

Core Series

The core series of the StoryBots franchise consist of four primary animated television programs produced for , each designed to engage young children through educational that addresses curiosity-driven questions and basic concepts. These series build on the franchise's question-answering motif, originating from early digital videos that featured short animated explanations of everyday wonders. Ask the StoryBots (2016–2019) is the flagship series, spanning three seasons with a total of 22 half-hour episodes. In each episode, the five main StoryBots characters—Beep, Boop, Bing, Bang, and Bo—embark on imaginative journeys to the "outer world" to investigate a child's big question, such as "How does night happen?" or "Why do we have to brush our teeth?" The format combines 2D animation, 3D sequences, , and live-action segments featuring celebrity guest experts who provide factual insights, interspersed with original songs to reinforce learning. The series emphasizes exploration and wonder, covering topics in , , and daily life to foster STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) understanding. StoryBots: Laugh, Learn, Sing (2021) is a musical series focused on , , and early reading skills, consisting of two seasons with short episodes that teach through catchy songs and animations. The StoryBots guide viewers through the and word sounds, using fun scenarios and repetition to build literacy foundations for preschoolers. StoryBots: Answer Time (2022–present) serves as an interactive follow-up tailored for preschool audiences, with at least three seasons and over 22 episodes released as of 2024. Comprising short episodes around 22 minutes each, the series maintains the question-answering structure but incorporates more live-action elements, where real children pose questions that prompt the StoryBots to venture into animated adventures for answers, such as "How does taste work?" or "How do tornadoes form?" Episodes blend humor, songs, and simple explanations to make learning accessible, encouraging viewer participation through relatable scenarios and visual aids. The focus remains on themes, with an emphasis on interactive engagement to build early problem-solving skills. Across these core series, production involves collaboration between the original creators at Bros. Studios and Netflix Animation teams, utilizing vibrant, colorful animation styles that evolve from 2D roots to hybrid techniques for dynamic storytelling. Voice performances feature recurring talent like as Beep and as Bo, alongside guest appearances by alumni such as and , adding comedic flair to educational segments. All series align with educational objectives, aiming to spark curiosity and comprehension in children aged 3–7 through verified facts delivered entertainingly.

Specials and Spinoffs

In addition to the core animated series, the StoryBots franchise has produced several holiday specials and short-form spinoffs that extend the educational themes through musical and narrative adventures. These projects maintain the franchise's focus on curiosity-driven learning while incorporating seasonal or thematic elements, often featuring the core characters Beep, Boop, Bing, Bang, and Bo. The first major special, A StoryBots Christmas, premiered on Netflix on December 1, 2017, as a 26-minute holiday production. In the story, the StoryBots journey to the North Pole to understand Christmas traditions, only to discover Santa Claus is missing, prompting them to assist in saving the holiday with original songs about gift-giving and festive cheer. The special features guest voice acting by Ed Asner as Santa Claus, alongside the regular cast including Judy Greer as Beep and Erin Fitzgerald as Bo, and emphasizes themes of friendship and the true meaning of holidays through interactive musical numbers. Directed by Jeff Gill and created by Evan Spiridellis and Gregg Spiridellis, it received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program in 2018. A StoryBots Space Adventure is a 13-minute special that premiered on on September 14, 2021. The StoryBots team up with the civilian astronauts from the mission to answer children's questions about , such as how rockets work and what it's like in orbit, blending with real mission footage and educational songs. Another key spinoff is , a series of short musical episodes that debuted on on October 7, 2016, compiling and expanding on the catchy educational tunes from the earlier segments. Each 10-15 minute installment groups songs around topics like , colors, vehicles, and emotions, with the StoryBots collaborating with child performers to demonstrate concepts in science, math, and social skills. Produced by the Spiridellis brothers, the series highlights the franchise's musical foundation, featuring over 50 original songs voiced by the core cast, and was designed as a standalone resource for learning. Subsequent spinoffs include StoryBots: Super Silly Stories with Bo, which launched on the Netflix Jr. YouTube channel on June 26, 2022, as an interactive series where Bo reads stories to a group of children who interject silly twists, turning tales into collaborative adventures on themes like heroism and creativity. This short-form project, consisting of over 50 episodes of 4-6 minutes each across multiple seasons as of 2025, builds on the main series' characters while encouraging viewer imagination through fill-in-the-blank storytelling. No additional major TV spinoffs or pilots have been released as of November 2025, though the core specials and series have been adapted into multiple international dubs, available in over 50 languages across Netflix's global platform to support localized educational content. These projects, under the creative direction of Gregg and Evan Spiridellis, tie directly into the franchise's emphasis on seasonal and thematic extensions of the StoryBots' exploratory world.

Digital and Interactive Media

Online Video Library

The StoryBots online video library comprises an extensive collection of over 100 animated educational videos covering diverse topics including , , and emotions, designed to engage young children through musical and narrative formats accessible via the franchise's digital platforms and apps. These videos, often featuring the inquisitive StoryBots characters answering common children's questions in a style akin to the television series, emphasize and have amassed hundreds of millions of views since their inception. A key component of the library is its personalized e-books and accompanying activities, which allow parents to customize stories by inserting their child's name, photo, and other details to make the content starring the child as the ; this feature was launched in 2012 as part of the initial StoryBots digital platform. These customizable resources, available through web and app interfaces, include printable activities and read-along options to reinforce video lessons on and social-emotional skills. The platform's innovative earned a nomination for a Webby Award in the Youth Websites category in 2018, recognizing its contributions to family-oriented digital education. Complementing the videos are simple browser-based games integrated into the library, where children can participate in quizzes, activities, and mini- tied directly to the educational themes of the videos, such as matching emotions or sequencing historical events. These interactive elements promote without requiring downloads, focusing on short, replayable sessions suitable for preschool-aged users. Following Netflix's acquisition of the StoryBots property in , the video has been fully integrated into the streaming service's ecosystem, enhancing accessibility through Netflix apps and dedicated kids' profiles. By 2025, much of the original content has migrated to Netflix Jr. channels within the platform, ensuring seamless updates and expanded distribution while preserving the core educational focus.

YouTube Channel Evolution

The official StoryBots YouTube channel launched in the fall of 2012 as the primary distribution platform for JibJab Bros. Studios' early educational videos, featuring original animated songs and short clips designed to answer children's "Why?" questions in an engaging, musical format. These uploads, including music videos on topics like science and everyday phenomena as well as behind-the-scenes glimpses into production, quickly gained traction, accumulating over 300 million views and more than 200,000 subscribers by 2017. By 2018, the channel had surpassed 500 million total views, establishing StoryBots as a prominent online destination for preschool learning content. In January 2018, JibJab partnered with (then DHX Media) in a multi-year deal to manage and expand the channel's global audience, leveraging 's expertise in digital kids' content to enhance distribution and production. Following 's acquisition of JibJab's StoryBots division in May 2019, the channel underwent a rebranding to Netflix Jr. in September 2019, shifting its focus from standalone original StoryBots videos to a broader promotional hub for 's junior programming. Under this new identity, content evolved to include trailers, episode clips, and sing-along segments tied to series, while retaining access to legacy StoryBots material. As of November 2025, the Jr. channel, which encompasses the original StoryBots , maintains over 24 million subscribers and has amassed more than 16 billion total views, with ongoing uploads primarily consisting of promotional content for current shows and occasional reposts of classic StoryBots songs. Original production for new StoryBots-specific videos has significantly diminished post-rebranding, prioritizing integration with 's ecosystem over independent releases.

Educational Platforms

In 2016, StoryBots launched , a free web-based platform designed specifically for educators to support and home-based learning. The resource provided teachers with plans, printable activities, and alignments to StoryBots videos covering key topics in , STEM, and foundational skills for young children, particularly in settings. It included hundreds of standards-aligned educational books, videos, math games, and tools such as class rosters, planners, and group builders to facilitate customized instruction on devices like interactive whiteboards, tablets, and laptops. The platform saw significant adoption in U.S. schools, with over 70,000 teachers using it by 2018 to integrate StoryBots characters and content into daily lessons for enhanced engagement in early . By 2019, it had reached more than 85,000 classrooms worldwide, supporting curriculum integration through accessible, engaging materials that aligned with educational standards. Following Netflix's acquisition of the StoryBots franchise in May 2019, the standalone platform was phased out, with its educational elements redirected toward Netflix's broader family learning initiatives. As of 2025, there has been no revival of the original platform. Instead, StoryBots content evolved into Netflix's integrated offerings, including interactive quizzes tied to episodes and parent guides that provide discussion prompts and learning objectives for shows like .

Book Publications

In 2017, the StoryBots franchise entered into a publishing partnership with Children's Books, an imprint of , to produce a line of educational books for young children aged 2 to 6. This collaboration marked the first print publications for the property, originally developed by JibJab Bros. Studios, and aimed to extend the interactive learning experiences from the digital and television content into physical formats. The books are credited to the Spiridellis brothers, Gregg and , who provided creative oversight as the franchise's founders, though many titles are written by authors such as Scott Emmons. The publications encompass a variety of formats, including sturdy board books for toddlers and Step into Reading leveled readers for early independent reading, with themes centered on , vehicles, and everyday phenomena to spark curiosity. These titles adapt elements from the StoryBots' , such as catchy songs and question-driven narratives, to explain concepts like planetary exploration or mechanical functions in simple, engaging stories. Representative examples include the board book Cars Are Cool! (2017), which celebrates various vehicles through rhymes, and the Step 1 reader The Amazing Earth (2017), detailing Earth's features in the solar system. Other notable entries feature dinosaur adventures like Tyrannosaurus Rex (2017) and practical inquiries such as How Do Toilets Work? (2025). Illustrations, often by artists like Nikolas Ilic, employ vibrant, whimsical designs to complement the educational content. By 2025, the partnership had yielded 15 titles, distributed widely through major retailers and available primarily in English to support early literacy and STEM learning. The books emphasize conceptual exploration over rote memorization, using the StoryBots characters to guide readers through adventures that mirror the franchise's inquisitive style.

Adaptations from Other Media

The StoryBots franchise has produced several print adaptations directly inspired by its television episodes and specials, extending the educational adventures of the curious robot characters into leveled readers and storybooks published primarily by Random House Children's Books. These tie-in books often draw from the question-answering format of the core series Ask the StoryBots, transforming episode themes into narrative formats suitable for young readers. For instance, titles like The Amazing Planet Earth (2017) explore environmental and scientific concepts featured in the show's explorations of everyday wonders, such as the workings of the natural world. Special adaptations include holiday-themed books that mirror Netflix specials, enhancing seasonal storytelling with the franchise's signature songs and characters. The Best Christmas Gift! (StoryBots) (2021), a Step into Reading leveled reader, retells themes from the 2017 Netflix holiday special A StoryBots Christmas, where the bots learn about the true meaning of giving beyond material presents, complete with stickers for interactive engagement. This book, aimed at ages 4-6, reinforces the special's messages of friendship and joy during the holidays. Digital-to-print crossovers have also emerged, converting interactive app and video content into physical formats to broaden . By 2020, several StoryBots e-books and online stories transitioned to tangible editions, including stickers and rhymes in select titles to mimic the animated of the original . Examples include early readers like Tyrannosaurus Rex (StoryBots) (2017), which adapt dinosaur-themed videos from the library into engaging explorations for hands-on learning. These transitions capitalized on the franchise's origins in web-based educational videos, allowing parents to extend screen-based lessons into offline reading experiences. These media-derived books have strengthened franchise synergy by bridging television, digital platforms, and print, encouraging multi-format engagement among young audiences and families. Published since 2017, the series has received positive reception for aligning closely with the Emmy-winning show's educational goals, though specific sales metrics remain undisclosed in public reports.

Awards and Recognition

Daytime Emmy Awards

The StoryBots franchise has garnered significant recognition at the , winning a total of seven awards across its and specials from 2017 to 2020. These victories span categories emphasizing educational , writing, directing, and production quality, underscoring the franchise's commitment to engaging young audiences with informative, music-driven content. The awards highlight the evolution from the original series to specials like A StoryBots . Early accolades centered on Ask the StoryBots, which secured its first Daytime Emmy in 2017 for Outstanding Interactive Media - Enhancement to a Daytime Program or Series, recognizing the innovative companion app and classroom resources that extended the show's interactive learning beyond streaming. In 2018, the holiday special A StoryBots Christmas won two awards: Outstanding Special Class Animated Program, praised for its whimsical storytelling and celebrity cameos that blended education with holiday cheer, and Outstanding Original Song for "Santa's Reindeer Ride". The following year, at the 46th Daytime Emmy Awards, Ask the StoryBots earned two wins: Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program and Outstanding Directing in a Preschool Animated Program, celebrating the team's ability to craft episodes around children's real questions about the world. By 2020, the series claimed Outstanding Preschool Children's Animated Series, affirming its status as a benchmark for preschool programming. Nominations for the franchise peaked in 2018 with 12 nods collectively for Ask the StoryBots (six nominations, including directing, writing, and sound mixing) and A StoryBots Christmas (six more, covering , , and music). Creators Evan Spiridellis and Gregg Spiridellis accepted awards at the 45th Annual in 2018 and other ceremonies, often using their speeches to emphasize the kid-driven nature of the content—drawing from actual children's inquiries to foster curiosity and learning. These honors, particularly in educational categories, spotlighted the franchise's impact on , with NATAS recognizing how the shows integrate , , and music to make complex topics accessible and fun. Subsequent recognition shifted to the Children's & Family Emmy Awards starting in 2023. StoryBots: Answer Time triumphed in 2023 for Outstanding Preschool Animated Series and Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Program. In 2025, at the 3rd Children's & Family , it won Outstanding for a Animated Program and Outstanding Directing for a Animated Program (for the episode ""). StoryBots: Super Silly Stories with Bo received nominations in 2023 and 2024 for Outstanding Animated Series at the Daytime Emmys and Children's & Family Emmys, and won in 2025 for Outstanding for a Animated Program. These build on the franchise's legacy.
YearProductionCategoryNotes
2017Outstanding Interactive Media - Enhancement to a Daytime Program or SeriesCompanion app and educational tools.
2018Outstanding Special Class Animated ProgramHoliday special with educational songs.
2018Outstanding Original Song - Children'sFor "Santa's Reindeer Ride".
2019Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated ProgramSeason 2 episodes.
2019Outstanding Directing in a Preschool Animated ProgramSeason 2 direction.
2020Outstanding Preschool Children's Animated SeriesOverall series recognition.
2023StoryBots: Answer TimeOutstanding Preschool Animated SeriesQ&A format innovation (Children's & Family Emmy).
2023StoryBots: Answer TimeOutstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated ProgramScripted responses to kids' questions (Children's & Family Emmy).
2025StoryBots: Answer TimeOutstanding Editing for a Preschool Animated ProgramTechnical excellence in pacing (Children's & Family Emmy).
2025StoryBots: Answer TimeOutstanding Directing for a Preschool Animated ProgramEpisode "" direction (Children's & Family Emmy).
2025StoryBots: Super Silly Stories with BoOutstanding Editing for a Preschool Animated Program(Children's & Family Emmy).

Other Honors and Nominations

In addition to its Daytime and Children's & Family Emmy successes, the StoryBots franchise has received recognition from various industry bodies for its innovative educational animation and digital content. The series Ask the StoryBots won the for Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children at the 46th Annual in 2019, honoring its excellence in animated production for young audiences during the 2018 season. At the 2024 Kidscreen Awards, StoryBots: Super Silly Stories with Bo earned a win in the Best Mixed-Media Series (6-10 Years) category, highlighting its blend of , live action, and interactive elements for children. The franchise had previously received nominations at the Kidscreen Awards, including for Best Learning App – Branded in 2018, acknowledging its contributions to educational innovation in . Other notable honors include a 2018 Webby Award nomination in the Websites and Mobile Sites – Youth category for the StoryBots official website, recognizing its engaging digital learning platform among top internet content for children. In 2017, the StoryBots digital content, including its apps and web-based videos, was awarded the Parents' Choice Award in the Recommended category for providing high-quality, fun educational experiences. The franchise has also been included in Common Sense Media's recommendations for top educational media, with series like earning 5-star ratings for their balance of entertainment and learning value suitable for ages 3 and up. Creators Gregg and Evan Spiridellis have discussed in interviews how such awards have amplified the brand's reach, enabling expansions like personalized storybooks and further integrations that enhance family engagement.

References

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